I visited a lot of places in Russia, and especially I was impressed with nature in Popov island, Vladivostok. Popov island is designated as one of the biosphere reserves. Biosphere reserves have three zones: the core area, the buffer zone, and the transition area. The core area is most strictly protected by the army. The buffer zone is used for education and research. The transition area is the outside zone and human activities are allowed there. This time, we exceptionally walked into the core area of Popov island. I found that the biodiversity of plants was greatly protected there. Popov island has as many as 600 kinds of plants. There are many kinds of plants which are new to me. Plants have each name which describes the feature. There are trees which we feel warm when we touch them. A kind of tree is the symbol of marriage because the sweet taste of its fruits is linked to happy home. I learned that people living there have watched nature carefully and used natural resources wisely.

     However, I learned that biodiversity balance is changing. According to a marine researcher, the kind of shells which are mainly caught around Popov island is changing. I also learned that there is a kind of shell which is brought from the Black Sea to Peter the great Gulf. Moreover, I found plastic trash on the shore in the core area of Popov island. Biosphere reserves in Russia have wonderful biodiversity because of strict protection. However, the sea is connected to the world, so despite strict protection, trash can drift to the shore. I strongly felt that wherever I am, I am connected with nature around the world, so I must take responsibility for my action not to pollute nature.

biodiversity of Popov island