New Approaches to Sustainable Management of Wetland and Forest Ecosystems as a Response to Changing Socio-Economic Development Contexts

Mires and forested wetlands are terrestrial ecosystems that perform many vital biosphere functions. In the Kaliningrad region, large wetland and wet forest blocks have been considered since the early twentieth century as core habitats that have great significance for sustainable development goals. Nevertheless, high-priority protected areas have not been designated there. Most wetland ecosystems have been transformed to farmlands, forestry sites and peat fields. The remaining habitats are still under threat of extinction. In a market-driven environment of capitalist society, a nature conservation system has to adopt new approaches and seize opportunities stemming from interactions between the academic and business communities. Our experience of successful nature conservation projects suggests the following avenues to explore in the Kaliningrad region: