12 natural sites in Russia from the UNESCO World Heritage List (PHOTOS)

1. Virgin Komi Forests

This is the largest coniferous forest in Europe untouched by humans, covering more than 3 million (!) hectares. The unique trees, marshlands, rivers and lakes of the Northern Urals have been studied by scientists for over 50 years. And, in 1995, this specially protected area was one of the first to be inscribed on the UNESCO list of natural sites.

2. Lake Baikal

The world's oldest and deepest lake holds almost 20% of the planet's fresh water. The vast number of endemic plants and animals and its unique ecosystem allow scientists to trace the evolution of life on Earth.

3. Volcanoes of Kamchatka

It’s difficult to imagine another place on the planet with such a concentration of volcanic activity. In addition, geysers regularly erupt from the ground. UNESCO took these unique natural giants in the Far East under protection in 1996 and expanded the list of volcanoes in 2001.

4. Golden Mountains of Altai

This was the wording used when the most picturesque area of the Altai Mountains in Siberia was added to the list in 1998. This mountainous region forms the headwaters of Western Siberia's largest rivers, the Ob and the Irtysh. The most scenic spots of Altai are also under UNESCO protection: the Altai Reserve with the Teletskoye Lake water zone, the Katun Reserve, the natural park around Mount Belukha and the Ukok Plateau.

5. Western Caucasus

This is another of Europe’s largest mountain massifs untouched by humans. Only wild animals graze on its vast alpine meadows. Across its 300,000 hectares, there’s a multitude of endemic flora and fauna.

6. Curonian Spit

This narrow, 98-kilometer-long sandy spit is a famous natural landmark in Kaliningrad Region. The dunes and winding pine trees on the shores of the Baltic Sea coast were added to the list with a special note: that this landscape has been preserved to the present day thanks to human effort.

7. Central Sikhote-Alin

This beautiful biosphere reserve in the Far East is of great value to science, as it is home to preserved unique species of animals and plants, including the endangered Amur tiger.

8. Uvs Nuur Basin

In the uniquely preserved ecosystem of the shallow, salty Uvs Nuur Lake in the Republic of Tyva (and partially in Mongolia), a large number of migratory birds can be observed. In the mountainous areas, rare animals such as the snow leopard, the argali mountain sheep and the Siberian ibex can be found.

9. Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve

Walrus haul-outs, polar bear dens, a migration area for gray whales and a nesting ground for over 50 bird species. This reserve in the Arctic Ocean is striking for its rich biodiversity. It’s home to both endemic species, as well as island forms of animals and plants that also live on the mainland.

10. Putorana Plateau

As one of the most inaccessible places on the planet, it still has not yet been fully studied or developed. In 2010, the plateau was added to the list due to its pristine lakes, untouched taiga, tundra and Arctic deserts.

11. Lena Pillars Nature Park

This majestic range of rock pillars, reaching up to 100 meters in height, stretches along the banks of the Lena River in Yakutia. The unique climate and sharp seasonal temperature swings (with extreme frosts) have created a unique landscape and allowed for the preservation of remains of organisms from the Paleozoic Era.

12. Landscapes of Dauria

The steppes of the Daursky Reserve in Transbaikalia are a specially protected biosphere reserve. Thanks to its unique ecosystem, rare birds live there, while the Mongolian gazelle is known to migrate through these areas.