In Russia’s far eastern wilderness of Kamchatka, a region renowned for its pristine volcanoes and rich biodiversity, authorities have launched a significant environmental enforcement campaign. The initiative targets what officials call the “barbaric” harvesting of wild berries and other forest resources, a practice that threatens the peninsula’s delicate ecosystems and the sustainability of a cherished local tradition.
The crackdown addresses an increase in destructive foraging methods. Officials report that some individuals are using crude implements like scoops and sticks to strip berry bushes, a technique that maximizes yield in the short term but severely damages the plants and can prevent them from bearing fruit in future seasons. These aggressive methods not only harm the wild berry populations but also threaten the long-term viability of foraging for local communities that rely on sustainable collection practices.
In response, the regional Ministry of Forestry and Hunting has intensified its efforts to protect the region’s natural resources. Forest patrols have been increased, and for the first time, are being augmented with modern surveillance technology, including drones to monitor vast, remote areas and body cameras for patrol officers. Violators of the forestry legislation face fines of up to 1,000 rubles, along with the confiscation of their harvesting tools and illegally gathered produce. Crucially, they will also be held financially liable for the environmental damage caused to the forest fund.
This campaign highlights a growing tension between traditional subsistence activities, potential commercial exploitation, and the urgent need for conservation in one of the world’s last great wild frontiers. By deploying advanced technology and appealing to the public to report violations, Kamchatka’s authorities are signaling a new, more assertive approach to safeguarding the natural heritage that defines this unique corner of the planet.