The history and modern state of the museum institutions of the specially protected natural areas of the Trans-Baikal Territory

The article is devoted to the history of the establishment of museum institutions of specially protected natural territories in the Trans-Baikal Territory. At the beginning of the article the author notes that the museum business for specially protected natural areas is a traditional direction of educational work in Russia, including in the Trans-Baikal Territory. On the basis of field materials, the author gives the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of these institutions in the special natural territories of the Trans-Baikal Territory, determine the purpose, tasks and the special role of the museums and visiting centers of the nature reserves in preserving, interpreting and popularizing also historical sites, the cultural material heritage. Moreover, the article presents information about the peculiarities of the organization of museum institutions of nature reserves and national parks of this region. In addition, the authors use specific examples of actualizing the natural heritage through its museumification. Besides, the author emphasizes that the uniqueness of the museum business of the reserved areas of the Trans-Baikal Territory is expressed in the unified information visit center “Specially Protected Natural Territories of Transbaikalia”, established in 2012, located in Chita. It provides all information to tourists about all nature protection zones of the region, as well as conducts various activities for the formation of ecological culture. The author draws our attention to the fact that today many exhibits of specially protected natural areas have stopped demonstrating taxidermy exhibits, because stuffed animals have a negative impact on people, causing negative associations related to the killing of the animal, so many visitor centers replaced with mockups. One of the important positive qualities of museums and visiting centers of specially protected natural territories is their ability not only to satisfy the recreational needs of visitors, but also to have a significant educational potential. Despite the fact that today the protected natural areas of the region under discussion do not have museums recreating or creating new ones, they suggest perspective plans for the departments of environmental education. In conclusion, the nature of museums and visiting centers in nature reserves are presented, both positive and problematic moments in their formation and activities are indicated.

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