The Kurgalsky reserve is one of the most valuable natural territories in North-West Russia. Many rare plants and animals call it home: the baltic ringed seal, black-throated loon, ruddy turnstone, garden dormouse, peregrine falcon and the golden eagle.
According to the “Nord Stream 2” project, a twin gas pipeline system would run from Russia to Europe across the Baltic Sea. The planned gas pipeline will cut a 3.7 kilometre-long scar through the trees as it passes through parts of old-growth forests. The impact will be irreversible. The conduction of such works is strictly prohibited by the Russian legislation and by International agreements that were signed by Russia. The Kurgalsky is protected by two international conventions: “On wetlands” (Ramsar Convention) and “On the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area”.