The construction of the Bear Land wildlife rehabilitation center entered its active phase in Kamchatka on July 2. Spearheaded by the Nature Defenders Foundation, the facility aims to rescue and, whenever possible, return to the wild animals affected by human activity – ranging from bear cubs to endangered birds. Animals unable to return to their natural habitat will be provided with permanent, specialized care on the premises.
Beyond physical rehabilitation, the project prioritizes public education and the development of a professional team to manage environmental conservation efforts. The primary objective is to educate residents and visitors about the rules of harmonious coexistence with wildlife, which fundamentally reduces the need for such rehabilitation centers. A significant number of human-wildlife conflicts stem from human activity, particularly the improper disposal of food waste. When animals discover food remnants in forested areas, they prioritize these sources and quickly navigate toward human settlements to find more. In contrast, wildlife near protected cordons, where animals do not associate humans with food, forage naturally and safely coexist near human presence.
The practical steps to establish the center follow a comprehensive 18-month preparatory phase – involving site selection, analysis of similar facilities across regions, team formation, and regulatory approvals. The center is located in the Yelizovsky District, near the settlement of Razdolny. The 74-hectare forested site provides a remote environment with natural water sources. Construction of enclosures, a feeding kitchen, a veterinary unit, and staff housing commences in July, with the center scheduled to become fully operational next year.
Participants of the Ecosystem Zapovedny Krai all-Russian youth forum were the first to visit the Bear Land site. Accompanied by project organizers, they reviewed the development plans, symbolically laid the foundational stones, and installed the first informational sign at the entrance detailing the construction and mission of the organization. Prior to arriving at the site, the youth group conducted an environmental cleanup along the banks of the Avacha River and installed a banner outlining rules for human-bear coexistence in a public recreation area.
The group also visited the Pinachevsky cordon of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka natural park. Park management highlighted that bear encounters are frequent on tourist routes, making adherence to habitat guidelines critical. To reinforce this, participants installed an educational sign at the entrance to the Nalychevo park. Throughout the trip, environmental experts conducted educational sessions on Kamchatka’s biodiversity and the importance of wildlife conservation, fostering skills among youth who may become future specialists at the rehabilitation center.
Initiated with the support of the Kamchatka regional administration, the rehabilitation center operates without state funding, relying entirely on private and corporate donations. VTB Bank serves as the central partner for the initiative. Together with the Nature Defenders Foundation, the bank launched the Bear Land: Rules of Coexistence program across the Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and Magadan regions. This initiative utilizes outdoor advertising, animated features, educational materials, social media campaigns, and public lectures to promote safe wildlife interactions. Consolidating these conservation strategies is expected to yield long-term positive results, ultimately reducing wildlife conflicts and ensuring public safety in regions characterized by dense wild animal populations.