The Russian Hunting Sector and International Guiding Principles

Abstract

The English-speaking literature on the Russian wildlife laws and policies is practically absent. FAO&CIC 2009 Report was a unique exception. However, I would like to warn foreign environmental law professionals against uncritical perception of the information about Russia placed there.

Hunting laws are the core of Russian wildlife laws. The new federal Hunting Act has come into force since April 1, 2010. In pursuance of this Act the responsible agency (Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation) should develop and approve about 20 regulations. Thus, Russian hunting laws have essentially changed in 2010 and will be actively supplemented.

The reviewed FAO&CIC Report cannot, in my opinion, be a starting point for comparison of former, current and future conditions of the Russian hunting law.

Keywords: Russia, wildlife management, hunting law, sustainable use

JEL Classification: N54, O13, Q29