Environmentally Sustainable and Socioeconomically Responsible Management of Natural Resources in the Ecosystem of Olkhon Island

Abstract

The authors consider the main problems of Olkhon Island ecosystem caused by anthropogenic activities and fast developing tourism. They suggest possible solutions of these problems in order to conserve and develop the microecological system of the island as part of the integral ecosystem of lake Baikal. Both systems are interconnected as any natural system develops due to the environment and, in its turn, influences it. Olkhon Island is a part of the central ecological area of Baikal natural territory and is a natural site of the UNESCO World Heritage «Lake Baikal». The main kinds of economic activities of the local population are cattle breeding and agriculture with the use of artificial irrigation. A lack of proper infrastructure, irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, a consumers attitude towards the unique natural site, frequent ignoring of the emerging problems by the authorities and also the attempts of business entities to expand their recreational activities on the territory of the island damage its ecosystem bringing it to the critical state and depriving people of the due quality of life at present and in the future. The authors proved it necessary to evaluate the population carrying capacity of the island area, to define the boundaries of stability of its ecosystem and to substantiate scientifically the optimal recreation capacity of this area. They suggest that the boundaries of the areas of traditional agriculture, recreational use and conservation areas should be set legislatively. In these areas, mans interference with nature should be prohibited in order to prevent irreversible consumption and loss of natural resources.