The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve will reveal the secrets of the swamps to tourists

April 15, Minsk / Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA /. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is launching a new eco-excursion program with animation elements "Secrets of the Reserve Swamp," Diana Simonovich, head of the reserve's eco-tourism department, told a BELTA correspondent. The program begins with a visit to the House of Environmental Education, where tourists can learn about the history of the reserve's creation, discover interesting facts about Belarusian swamps, and legends about their inhabitants. In the Museum of Nature, visitors will be told about rare animals and birds found in the reserve. The main surprise for tourists will be a fascinating excursion along an ecological trail, where they will meet a mysterious swamp dweller. He will not only tell them about his domain but also invite guests to admire it from above by climbing a specially constructed ten-meter observation tower. The fairy-tale journey will conclude with a visit to enclosures with wild animals. "Here, tourists will be able to see the traditional inhabitants of Belarusian forests – bears and bison," said Diana Simonovich. To attract additional tourist flows, the reserve's specialists are also preparing new water routes. In the near future, they plan to organize kayaking trips down the Berezina River. The duration of the trips is planned to vary from one to three days. During this time, tourists will be able to explore the most beautiful natural corners of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, observe wildlife, and see rare plants. A water route is being developed that includes a kayaking trip along a section of the historical route "From the Varangians to the Greeks," which passes through Lake Plavno. The diversity of flora and fauna in the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve and the beauty of its natural complex attract more and more tourists. Last year alone, the reserve was visited by about 30,000 people. In addition to Belarusians, tourists come from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Russia. With the increase in tourist flow, measures are being taken in the reserve to optimize the load on ecosystems and preserve rare species of animals, birds, and plants. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is the oldest among the protected sites that make up the natural heritage of Belarus. Its natural complex is located on an area of 107.6 thousand hectares and includes various types of southern taiga forests, swamps, floodplain meadows, lakes, and rivers. Due to its biological diversity and the uniqueness of its natural complexes, the reserve holds exceptional significance not only for Belarus but for all of Europe. More than 2,000 species of plants grow here, 78 of which are included in the Red Book of Belarus. -0-