Natural Resources Ministry and Environmental Protection representatives say that in 2011 the Altai State Nature Reserve made the most progress in development and its effectiveness growth accounts for 17% compared to 2008. Credits were given depending on the staff qualification level, the level of eco-tourism development, on ecological education as well as scientific investigations, material and technical resources development and interactions with local communities.

UNDP experts has examined 14 specially protected natural areas, among them are the Altai State Nature Reserve, the Sayan-Shushensky State Nature Reserve, the Katun State Nature Preserve, Khakassia State Nature Reserve and others.

“In 2008 the Altai Nature Reserve made the most progress (plus 12 credits, effectiveness growth accounts for 25%). In 2011 also made a significant progress in development (plus 10 credits, effectiveness growth accounts for 17%)”, said the Nature Reserve’s representative.

The Altai State Nature Reserve was established in 1932. Now it lies in 2^nd place among other Russian nature reserves by its flora and fauna diversity. The Caucasus State Nature Reserve lies in 1^st place. The Altai State Nature Reserve is located at the junction of Altai and Sayan mountain systems. That is the reason of such different landscapes - from taiga low-hill terrains to Alpine meadows. Such a scarce animal species as snow leopard and dhole inhabit the territory of this nature reserve. In 1998 it was include in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.