Area: 47,219 ha
Established: 30 June, 1925
Main ecosystems: mountain taiga, unique rock pillars
Zapovednik Stolby on the right bank of the Yenisey River near the city of Krasnoyarsk represents one of the oldest protected areas in Russia (founded in 1925). It was established to preserve the charming landscape of Kuysumsky Range; a spur of Eastern Sayan Mountains, dotted with peculiar rock formations – a labyrinth of oddly shaped rocks. One of them – Takmak, which is the symbol of Stolby, looms proudly over the green forest, and is also visible from the city. These syenite pillars, some as high as 90 metres, give the zapovednik its name. The Russian word ‘stolby’ literally means pillars or columns. Each rock column has its distinctive personality and vitality, often captured by a nickname, such as Big Eagle, Shark, the Lion’s Gate, Grandmother and Granddaughter and the like. Rain and wind have etched these pillars into a remarkably beautiful landscape – a great ecotourist attraction promising true adventure and romance.
Zapovednik Stolby is unique among other Siberian nature reserves in many respects; it lies in the vicinity of a large city, making it an ideal place for a day or a weekend trip. Not surprisingly, the area attracts many visitors annually (an estimated 150,000 – 250,000 visitors each year). The zapovednik is easily accessible from Krasnoyarsk, allowing passengers travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway to include a visit to the zapovednik in their itinerary. The history of nature conservation in Stolby is closely linked with rock climbing. This sport, locally called ‘stolbism’ (freestyle pillar climbing), became a specific social phenomenon with a strong environmental orientation. The appealing rock pillars have attracted climbers from nearby and far afield for a considerable time. There are written records dating back to 1851 about the conquest of the First Pillar. However, it was not only the vocation to save the climbing area from the threat of quarrying behind the conservation, but a much deeper ecological philosophy in search of harmony between man and his natural environment. Therefore, it is not surprising that it was the initiative of local people (sportsmen, artists, scientists) to create the zapovednik to keep their beloved ‘stolby’ preserved. The stolbism movement, subscribing to ecological ethics, still exists helping with conservation of the area.
Find out more about the Zapovednik Stolby
See also other protected areas in Central Siberia
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