The Ministry of Natural Resources of Kalmykia Republic approves the creation of disturbance-free zones in spring 2009 along the Kuma-Manych depression

Kalmykia territories are internationally important for migratory waterbirds. The wetlands in the region are critically important sites for many threatened species, including Red-breasted Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose, White-headed Duck and Ferruginous Duck.

The data gathered in recent years have shown that the Kalmykia territories may be used by the entire Red-breasted Goose population for staging during spring.

Spring hunting is considered extremely harmful as it targets birds just before their reproductive period, and it is therefore outlawed in many European countries.

The creation of disturbance-free zones in spring along the Kuma-Manych depression - perhaps the most important stopover site for Red-breasted Geese along their flyway - is a very important first step for the conservation of this and many other waterbirds.

This action results from successful cooperation between the Ministry of Natural Resources of Kalmykia Republic, scientists from Institute of Ecology and Evolution of Russian Academy of Science, members of Goose, Swan and Duck Study Group of Northern Eurasia and Red-breasted Goose International Working Group.

Collaboration and cooperation between hunters, farmers and the Ministry will also be essential for nature protection in the region.