"The Earth Charter is the document intended for the Earth. To enable man to preserve himself and open a road to many and many generations, he must preserve the Earth"
Mikhail Gorbachev
What is the Earth Charter?
Earth Charter is a document containing the fundamental principles of creation in the 21st century of a just, stable, and peaceful global community. It is important to remember that it is not simply an environmental program, but combines economy, politics, ecology, education, and works for ethno-denominational tolerance and improving the living standards of the population.
Tatarstan, leading the way
On April 27th 2001, the Republic of Tatarstan adopted the Resolution 722 on the Earth Charter project and therefore became the world's first region for its practical application.
How does biodiversity fit into the Earth Charter?
The first principle is to respect and care for the community of life. To do so, it is key to respect Earth and life in all its diversity, and secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations. The Republic of Tatarstan has defined 24 state nature reserves, 121 monuments of nature and 1 historical-and-architectural and natural territory of regional importance, with the total area of 92,700 hectares.
The other major achievement in this sphere of competencies is the Red Book, created in 1995 and updated in 2006 after collecting and analyzing some 800 record cards of animals, plants, and mushrooms. It contains 237 species of animals and 397 species of plants, and ensures their special protection and reproduction.
As each region does, Tatarstan has selected one species that is its flagship species and requires specific attention: the white tailed eagle, haliaetus albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758). Although its population has been restaured and this species is therefore not in immediate danger, it requires constant control.
Range
This specific eagle's range within Russia goes from the Western border to the East: Choukotka, Kamchatka, the coast of Pacific Ocean, and its habitat localizes in forests and toundras with forests. It is also present in other countries more in the South (e.g. Iraq, Kazakhstan, Mongolia) and there usually localizes habitat in steppes and forests.
Population
In the territory of Russia live around 2,500 couples, from which around 500 in its European part and 50 in Tatarstan (up to 200 during migration period).
Ecology and biology
The white tailed eagle traditionally selects its habitat close to big water reservoirs (lakes, rivers) and large forests with high trees, and installs its nets at the crossing of old trees. It starts reproduction at the age of 5-6 years. The gestation period lasts for more than 3 months and involves usually 2 eggs. Essentials of fooding consists of fish, birds staying and swimming in water, and other aquatic vertebrates. Migration period begins in October or early November, when water starts to freeze. Population from Northern regions migrate within Russia to the coasts of Black or Caspian Seas, or even further to the South.
Limiting factors
The reduction of population of this species during the first half of the XXth century was mainly concerning the European part of Russia and due to human factors such as persecution, transofmration of its habitat, and pollution (e.g. via poisoning used to hunt other species). Since the 70's takes place a progressive increase of its population.
To conclude, i would like to first address my special thanks to Mikhail Aleksandrovich Gorshkov, leader of biodiversity department at the Ministery of ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan, for his warm welcome and presents. For more information, visit: http://tatecolog.ru.
And secondly share with you some pictures from the beautiful Tatar capitale Kazan.
The oldest street with its canal
UNESCO classified kreml: main entrance
UNESCO classified kreml: wall and mosque
Baroque cathedrale of Saint Peter and Paul (inside iconostase of 7 stages, very rare!)
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