The first ecological trail in the northern section of the Far Eastern Marine Biosphere Reserve is being developed on Popov Island in Vladivostok through a joint initiative by VTB and the Nature Defenders Fund. During initial field research along the proposed route, scientists discovered seven endangered plant species and designated more than 20 specific sites for ongoing environmental monitoring. The infrastructure development was officially presented during the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum.
The project – titled the Scientifically-Based Improvement of the Botanical Garden of the Likander Peninsula Tourist Route – is being implemented by the Land of the Leopard reserve directorate. It operates under a grant program designed for young ecologists. The botanical garden is situated on Likander Cape on Popov Island, an area that preserves rare and endangered plants native to the island ecosystems of the Peter the Great Gulf, a region that receives tens of thousands of tourists annually.
Developing the infrastructure at Likander Cape requires a strict scientific approach rather than the standard installation of wooden decks and directional signs. Specialists conducted comprehensive flora assessments to identify highly sensitive areas requiring strict protection. This methodological approach dictates the routing of tourist traffic, restricting human presence in vulnerable zones while balancing ecological education, tourism development, and practical conservation of the natural territory.
Prior to the physical construction of the trail, researchers completed the first detailed vegetation survey along the corridor, precisely mapping the locations of the seven rare plant species. The team documented the vegetation cover extensively to establish a baseline for future environmental tracking. The selection of over 20 continuous monitoring stations will allow scientists to conduct repeated surveys, evaluate any shifts in plant life, and subsequently adjust the tourist route if necessary to mitigate human impact.
Infrastructure for the route will be installed based strictly on these scientific findings. Construction plans include laying wooden boardwalks over impassable and waterlogged terrain, erecting protective fencing at observation platforms, and building a staircase with handrails for the descent to the Shtany rock formation. The trail will also feature resting benches and educational displays detailing the unique plant life of the island. These physical barriers and informational signs are designed to channel visitor movement safely and minimize the risk of trampling rare flora.
The northern district of the Far Eastern Marine Biosphere Reserve spans 216.3 hectares on the southern extremity of Popov Island. Upon completion of the current infrastructure work, the Botanical Garden of the Likander Peninsula will operate as the inaugural ecological trail for this northern sector of the protected marine area.
In a related environmental awareness initiative for the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum, VTB and the State Tretyakov Gallery have launched a collaborative project – Preserving Masterpieces of Nature – designed to intersect fine art with nature conservation. The initiative utilizes classic Russian landscape paintings to emphasize environmental themes. Operating as an extension of a broader corporate campaign – VTB is a Classic – the project highlights how historical artwork can address contemporary ecological issues. Ivan Shishkin’s renowned painting Morning in a Pine Forest serves as the central visual symbol of the campaign, specially rendered in a blue-and-white engraved style for the forum event.