Russia finds itself at a critical juncture concerning the future of one of its most iconic natural wonders, the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” World Heritage site. With a looming deadline of February 1, 2026, Moscow is mandated to submit a comprehensive report to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee detailing its efforts to preserve this unique ecosystem. At the heart of this international scrutiny lies the ambitious “Three Volcanoes” tourism park project, poised to become the largest such development in the region.
Announced in 2019, the project immediately ignited a firestorm of concern among environmentalists, both within Russia and globally. Experts warned of an unprecedented surge in anthropogenic pressure that could irrevocably harm a natural treasure of planetary significance. These fears materialized in 2020 when federal and regional authorities approved a decision to excise approximately 15,000 hectares from the “South Kamchatka” Natural Park, a critical component of the UNESCO World Heritage site. This move effectively stripped a substantial portion of internationally protected land from its safeguarded status.
The landscapes at stake are of exceptional value, not only for Kamchatka but for Russia and the world. They encompass pristine mountain ranges, vital coastal areas, and crucial spawning grounds for Pacific salmon, alongside habitats for numerous rare and endangered species, including the majestic Steller’s sea eagle and the swift peregrine falcon. Scientific data indicates that up to 40% of the Steller’s sea eagle population registered within the park resides in the excised territory. The loss of these lands is considered irreversible, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the natural complex and, in the eyes of UNESCO, directly contravening the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
The international community’s apprehension is not new. On two separate occasions, in 2021 and 2023, Russia narrowly avoided having “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” moved to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger – a designation that carries severe and long-lasting reputational damage for any nation’s environmental stewardship. Despite these close calls, a resolution from the July 2025 session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee explicitly highlighted a series of unresolved issues. While Russia has stated intentions to relocate the “Three Volcanoes” infrastructure away from the protected core, UNESCO experts assert they have yet to receive detailed maps, comprehensive project documentation, or crucial environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The sheer proximity of such a colossal construction project to a World Heritage site is, in itself, deemed a substantial risk requiring meticulous analysis and ongoing monitoring.
Therefore, from UNESCO’s perspective, the situation remains critically serious. The organization has once again issued a stern warning to Moscow, reiterating its consideration of placing the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The February 1, 2026, deadline has been set for Russia to deliver an exhaustive report on its progress and commitments.
Beyond the sharp international critique, the “Three Volcanoes” saga has also sparked domestic unrest. Local residents of the Yelizovsky district voiced strong protests, expressing concerns that the massive resort would divert essential electricity and heating resources from their homes, particularly during Kamchatka’s harsh winters. The resort’s energy plan relies on geothermal sources, a finite resource. Locals fear that channeling this energy to sprawling hotels, ski lifts, and commercial establishments would leave insufficient supply for the community’s basic needs.
Experts contend that the “Three Volcanoes” case vividly exposes systemic flaws in Russia’s current environmental legislation and protection mechanisms. They argue that the existing environmental expertise system is inadequate in genuinely safeguarding unique ecosystems when confronted with large-scale investment projects. Public consultations often appear perfunctory, with decisions regarding land reallocation frequently driven by economic expediency rather than robust conservation principles.
What began as a promising vision for modern, ecologically responsible tourism in Kamchatka could have served as a model for sustainable development. Instead, the project has, in practice, illustrated how a dearth of strategic planning, independent expert review, and stringent oversight can lead to a fundamental perversion of intent: a shift from sustainable development to unchecked exploitation, and from true progress to environmental degradation.
Six years into its inception, the “Three Volcanoes” project stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for unified and transparent standards in assessing tourism initiatives within protected areas. It also serves as a broader barometer of Russia’s persistent challenge in finding equilibrium between economic growth and environmental preservation. Similar risks are evident in other regions, from the Kislovodsk National Park to Crimea, where resort developments are sometimes promoted without adequate environmental impact analysis. For Kamchatka and Russia’s wider conservation framework, this incident must serve as a profound lesson. If Russia genuinely aspires to cultivate sustainable tourism, it must unequivocally prioritize conservation interests over commercial gains and work to restore public and international trust in its state environmental procedures.