Kuril Islands Wildlife Refuge

The Kuril Islands Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in the Kuril Islands chain, located between Russia and Japan. It aims to conserve the region’s diverse ecosystems, including seabirds, marine mammals like seals and sea otters, and unique plant species. The refuge provides critical breeding and feeding grounds for many species, supporting biodiversity in the North Pacific. Its preservation helps maintain natural ecological processes and boosts local tourism and scientific research, while also safeguarding valuable fish stocks and marine habitats from overexploitation. The refuge plays a vital role in regional environmental health and species conservation.