What is the difference between a nature reserve and a national park and a nature reserve? Why are nature reserves needed, what is the purpose of their creation? How are they different from a reserve?
What is a reserve? Is it significantly different from a national park? In both cases, these are protected areas created with the aim of preserving areas of nature in an unchanged form and preserving their flora, fauna, geological or other natural features, as well as the gene pool of animal and plant species. Such areas provide a unique opportunity for observation and scientific research of their natural environment and inhabitants. The main difference: in nature reserves, access to outsiders and any human activity other than security and scientific activities is prohibited, while tourism and limited economic activities are allowed in national parks.
Jurisdiction
Nature reserves (reserves) can be designated and supervised by government and research institutions, charitable organizations, and in some cases, private landowners. Depending on their level of protection, nature reserves fall into different categories of the IUCN, that is, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, represented by local legislation. In case of unique global significance, the object falls under the protection of UNESCO. In the Russian Federation, 100 nature reserves and 50 national parks are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology.
History of modern reserves
The world's first modern nature reserve was created in 1821 by naturalist explorer Charles Waterton around his family estate in West Yorkshire. He spent £9,000 (an incredible amount at the time) building a 3-mile, 9-foot-high wall to keep poachers out of his park. Then for the first time the concept was applied: what is a reserve. In this territory, Waterton created favorable conditions mainly for the life and reproduction of wild birds, of which he made scientific observations.
The first state reserve was Drachenfels, established in Germany in 1836, when the Prussian government bought the site to protect it from mining.
Yellowstone in Wyoming, USA is the first largest national park reserve, established on an area of 8991 square meters. km in 1872. It was followed by: the Royal National Park near Sydney in Australia (1879) and the Barguzin Nature Reserve of Imperial Russia (1916), first created by the government entirely for the scientific study of nature.
Biosphere reserve
A natural park or reserve can belong to one of three types: biosphere, botanical and mineralogical, or be complex.
There are 669 biosphere reserves created on the planet, of which 564 reserves make up the World Network: a special international project developed and organized under the UNESCO program. Its main task is to preserve a stable ecosystem, plant and animal gene pool of various natural zones of the planet, as well as to comprehensively study the natural environment and biological diversity of these and adjacent territories. Biosphere reserves are created on the basis of existing natural national parks and reserves. 120 countries took part in the program. There are 37 reserves of this kind in Russia.
What is a botanical reserve?
This is an area where it is important to preserve the unique flora: endangered, relict and endemic species listed in the national or international Red Book. For this purpose, the natural landscape and natural conditions for the propagation of these plants are preserved, for example, the Khomutovskaya Steppe Nature Reserve, where 1028 hectares of the steppe zone are preserved in pristine condition.
Mineralogical reserves
These are reserves where the natural state of special natural standards is preserved: valuable from a scientific point of view, geological and mineralogical formations. Such reserves are mainly created in places with karst caves, mineral springs, salt lakes, waterfalls, geyser and volcanic geolandscapes, caves, ore veins with a rich variety of minerals and other interesting geological objects and phenomena. The first specialized object of this kind in the world was Yellowstone, and in Russia - the Ilmensky Nature Reserve (1920) in the Urals.
Complex reserves
The term “museum-reserve” appeared in Soviet Russia; since 1922, it was first applied to the “Pushkin Corner”. And since the 50s, the state form of assigning the status of museum-reserves to some historical and cultural complexes, with their adjacent territories, has been established, which determined their preservation and financing.
Now in Russia there are about a hundred museum-reserves, which can be divided into several types, based on what objects are located on their sites. This can be a combination of objects and territories of historical, architectural, archaeological, artistic, military, and even scientific and technical origin. But what are complex reserves? Each of these museums, in addition to the main profile, combines several purposes: artistic-historical, architectural-historical, historical-archaeological, military-historical and others. Therefore, all museum-reserves can be considered complex.
Natural national parks and reserves are also complex, when a scientifically interesting landscape with geological and mineralogical formations forms a special environment for unique flora and habitats of rare species of animals. And such a combination is not often found on the planet.
Every day the negative influence of man affects nature more and more. This leads to the fact that many species of plants, animals, fish and even insects are on the verge of extinction. In order to protect them, the government is implementing special bills regulating the environmental situation in the country. Thanks to them, national parks, reserves and nature reserves are under state protection.
But if everything is more or less clear with national parks and reserves, then what are nature reserves? What is their purpose? How do they differ from other natural protection zones? And what is their role in preserving the environment?
What is a reserve?
The reserve is a part of the natural area, protected from the harmful influence of humans. But unlike the reserve, not all living beings and plants are protected here, but only certain species. This is often necessary in order to restore the former population of these families, or to eliminate negative factors.
Also, any human activity that could adversely affect protected species is suppressed on the territory of the reserve. For example, if animals are protected, then hunting is prohibited; if fish are protected, then fishing is prohibited.
The main differences between the reserve and the reserve
So, let's fully understand how state reserves differ from nature reserves. After all, this is where the fine line lies that determines the very essence of this natural protection zone.
And we should start with the fact that, unlike a nature reserve, any reserve is a temporary phenomenon. That is, after the population of a protected species returns to normal, measures to protect it will be lifted. True, such changes occur very slowly, which is why almost all state nature reserves exist for a fairly long period.
In addition, if any human activity is prohibited on the territory of the reserve, then in our case things are a little different. Thus, within the reserve, only those sectors of agriculture and industry that are capable of harming protected species are subject to restrictions.
Types of reserves
Today on the territory of the Russian Federation there are about 70 reserves of federal significance. Their approximate area ranges from 170 thousand km². All of them are divided into special categories, which determine their primary tasks. 
So, state nature reserves can be:
- Hydrological. That is, aimed at restoring water bodies and hydrological complexes.
- Biological. In this case, only certain types of flora and fauna will be protected.
- Landscape. Protect large areas of cultural, natural or relief value.
- Paleontological. That is, protecting individual sources of minerals or their complex deposits.
In addition, all of the above types of reserves are divided into two subgroups: permanent and temporary. In the first case, the validity period of legislative acts protecting a given territory has no time frame. And in the second, the period allocated for the restoration of protected species is pre-established in the accompanying documentation.
Zoological reserves
One of the subtypes of biological reserves is zoological. Its main task is to protect animals from the negative effects of the environment and humans. That is, it is intended to increase the population of a certain type of animal. But how is this goal achieved? 
First of all, a moratorium on hunting is introduced, and at any time of the year. In addition, environmental services constantly monitor to ensure that no one violates this ban. It should be noted that they quite often have to deal with poachers, because an increase in the number of animals sooner or later attracts their attention.
In addition, various techniques are also being introduced in the reserves to improve the lives of animals. For example, rangers build various kinds of feeders that can provide animals with food even in the most hungry winters.
Botanical reserves
A botanical or plant reserve is another subtype of a biological conservation zone. As the name suggests, its main task is to protect certain plant families. 
At the same time, unlike a nature reserve, the reserve protects plants from any negative influence: be it from humans or nature itself. For example, if a protected species is in danger from herbivores, then it is protected from them.
Also, people sometimes independently regulate the speed of plant reproduction. To do this, he can use artificial fertilizers, modified seeds or chemicals that protect crops from pests.
Landscape reserve
So, a landscape nature reserve is a certain part of the territory that carries aesthetic or geological value. By and large, such environmental complexes are open to any type of human activity. With the exception of those that are capable of somehow changing the landscape or topography of a given area. 
For example, in a landscape reserve, agricultural and land reclamation work is prohibited, as well as any type of construction, unless they are aimed at preserving this area of the territory.
It should also be noted that these objects do not have a set lifespan. They can be compared to exhibits in a museum, the main purpose of which is to educate people.
RESERVE
NATIONAL PARK
The protection regime of the national park allows independent visits to the territory for the purpose of recreation and tourism, with a pass and in places equipped for tourism and fishing. However, there are also prohibitions.
In the territories of national parks Any activity that can cause damage to natural complexes and objects of flora and fauna, cultural and historical objects and that contradicts the goals and objectives is prohibited national park, including:
1. Industrial logging;
2. Exploration and development of mineral resources;
3. Hunting;
4. Visit without a pass;
5. Organization of mass sports and entertainment events, organization of tourist camps, lighting fires in unauthorized places;
6. Being on the territory with a dog without a muzzle and a leash;
7. Movement and parking of vehicles not related to the functioning of national parks;
8. Wood rafting along watercourses and reservoirs;
9. Removal of items of historical and cultural value;
10. Construction of facilities not related to the functioning of national parks and ensuring the functioning of settlements located within their boundaries.
Due to the fact that the main task of the reserve is keeping nature in its natural state, the territory is completely withdrawn from economic use. On the territory of the state nature reserve Any activity that contradicts the objectives of the state natural reserve and the regime of special protection of its territory established in the regulations is prohibited about this state nature reserve.
This means that it is prohibited:
1. Visit the territory independently;
2. Be on the territory without a pass;
3. Cut down trees (cut down anything at all);
4. Collect mushrooms, berries, wild plants (nuts, herbs, etc.);
5. Fish;
6. Hunt;
7. Build objects not related to the activities of the reserve.
State nature reserves- these are specially protected natural complexes and objects (land, water, subsoil, flora and fauna) that are completely withdrawn from economic use and have environmental, scientific, environmental and educational significance as examples of the natural environment, typical or rare landscapes, places for preserving the genetic fund flora and fauna.
At the same time, reserves are environmental, research and environmental educational institutions aimed at preserving and studying the natural course of natural processes and phenomena, individual species and communities of plants and animals, typical and unique ecological systems.
Natural resources available on the territory of state natural reserves are provided to them for indefinite use. All property of the reserve, including natural complexes and objects, is state property and cannot be the subject of any transactions for its alienation.
Confiscation or other termination of rights to land plots and other natural resources of a state natural reserve is prohibited.
The reserves are assigned the following tasks:
Carrying out the protection of natural areas in order to preserve biological diversity and maintain protected natural complexes and objects in their natural state;
Organization and conduct of scientific research, including maintaining the Chronicle of Nature;
Implementation of environmental monitoring within the framework of the national environmental monitoring system;
Environmental education;
Participation in the state environmental assessment of projects and layouts for economic and other facilities;
Assistance in training specialists in the field of environmental protection.
The most characteristic feature of the legal regime of a state natural reserve is that any activity that contradicts the specified objectives and rules of its special protection is prohibited. Stay on the territory of the reserve by citizens who are not employees of these reserves or officials of the bodies in charge of these reserves is allowed only with permission from these bodies or the directorates of the reserves.
In accordance with international programs for environmental protection, biosphere reserves have been created in our country. They are part of the international system of biosphere reserves that carry out global environmental monitoring.
National parks- these are natural complexes and objects of special ecological, historical and aesthetic value, which are intended for use for environmental, educational, scientific and cultural purposes and for regulated tourism.
Just like nature reserves, national parks are environmental, environmental education and research institutions. Their property is state property, provided to them for indefinite use, withdrawn from civil circulation and is not subject to privatization.
The main objectives of national parks are:
Preservation of natural complexes, unique and reference natural sites and objects, as well as historical and cultural objects;
Environmental education of the population;
Creation of conditions for regulated tourism and recreation;
Development and implementation of scientific methods of nature conservation and environmental education;
Implementation of environmental monitoring;
Restoration of damaged natural, historical and cultural complexes and objects.
Thus, unlike state nature reserves, national parks perform not only environmental and scientific tasks, but also recreational and educational ones: they create conditions for recreation and tourism for the population, and familiarization with natural attractions.
For these purposes, the national park is given a differentiated regime with the allocation of various functional zones:
Reserved, within which any economic activity and recreational use are prohibited;
Specially protected, within which conditions are provided for the preservation of natural complexes and objects and on the territory of which strictly regulated visits are allowed;
Educational tourism, intended for organizing environmental education and familiarization with the sights of the national park;
Recreational, intended for recreation;
Protection of historical and cultural objects, within which conditions for their preservation are provided;
Visitor services, designed to accommodate overnight accommodations, tent camps and other tourist service facilities, cultural, consumer and information services for visitors;
Economic purpose, within which economic activities necessary to ensure the functioning of the national park are carried out.
Any other activity that may cause damage to the natural complexes and objects of the national park and contradicts its objectives is prohibited, including the development of mineral resources, soil disturbance, changes in the hydrological regime, the provision of gardening and summer cottages, the construction of roads, communications and other objects not related to with the functioning of the national park, deforestation, hunting and fishing, traffic, organization of mass sports and entertainment events outside specially designated areas, etc.
State nature reserves- these are territories (water areas) that are of particular importance for the preservation or restoration of natural complexes or their components and maintaining the ecological balance.
State nature reserves are intended for the conservation of certain natural objects or the reproduction of natural resources in combination with the limited and coordinated use of others. At the same time, the territories in which the reserves are located may not be confiscated from the owners, possessors and users of land plots, unlike the territories of nature reserves and national parks. At the same time, the indicated subjects of rights to land plots located within the boundaries of the reserves are obliged to comply with the special protection regime established on their territory and bear the responsibility provided for by law for its violation.
State nature reserves can have a different profile, according to which the following types of reserves are distinguished:
Complex (landscape) designed for the preservation and restoration of natural complexes (landscapes);
Biological (zoological and botanical), intended for the conservation and restoration of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including valuable species in economic, scientific and cultural terms;
Paleontological, intended for the preservation of fossil objects;
Hydrological (marsh, lake, river, sea), designed to preserve and restore valuable water bodies and ecological systems;
Geological, intended for the preservation of objects and complexes of inanimate nature.
The legal regime of state natural reserves is characterized by the fact that on their territories any activity that contradicts the goals of creating the reserve or causes harm to its natural complexes and their components is permanently or temporarily prohibited or limited.
To ensure the functioning of the reserves, their administrations are created.
Many people believe that foreign national and natural parks are analogues of our domestic reserves. In fact this is different types protected areas that differ from each other in the level of ecosystem protection and visiting regime. So, we suggest looking at how different types of territories with environmental protection regimes that exist in Russia and other countries differ.
Natural monument
A natural monument is understood as a natural complex that is valuable from any point of view, as well as a separate object of natural or artificial origin. A natural monument can be a lake, a waterfall, a cave, a spring, some unique tree or an entire relict grove, as well as objects of high paleontological value. At the same time, different environmental regimes may operate on the territory of a natural monument - a wildlife sanctuary or a nature reserve, which is less common.
Natural monument Lake Seliger
Reserve
Wildlife sanctuaries are created to protect certain species of animals or plants, or to preserve the entire landscape complex. In these territories, economic activities are permitted that do not harm protected species. Scientific research is conducted here, and people sometimes interfere in the lives of the inhabitants of the reserve, feeding ungulates in winter or regulating the numbers of certain animal species.
National Park
Human economic activity on the territory of the national park is also limited, but allowed. In addition, the territory of the national park is visited by tourists, for whom special routes have been developed and observation platforms are equipped. National parks often combine conservation activities with educational activities.
Natural Park
The environmental regime in natural parks is not as strict as in national parks, and the main purpose of their creation is to organize recreation. Of course, there is also an environmental component, but natural parks are known primarily as popular places for active recreation and are often visited by tourists.
Natural Park "Ergaki" Nature reserve
Nature reserves include areas where any economic activity is completely prohibited. This includes not only hunting or deforestation, but also fishing, picking berries, mushrooms and other wild plants. Only scientific activities are allowed in the reserves and, in rare cases, ecotourism is possible.
Biosphere Reserve
Nature reserves included in the international network of especially valuable natural areas, organized within the framework of the UNESCO program, have biosphere status. Monitoring their condition and scientific activities are carried out within the framework of international programs. At the same time, both a nature reserve and a national park can serve as the basis for organizing a biosphere reserve. In total, there are more than 650 biosphere reserves in the world, and in Russia there are 37 of these protected areas with international status.
