Nature Reserves and National Parks Day is observed in Russia on January 11 every year. This day was established in 1997 through the initiative of various environmental organizations, including the Russian Wildlife Conservation Center and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The date commemorates the founding of the Barguzin Nature Reserve on Lake Baikal in 1917, which was the first state-run reserve in Russia. The observance highlights the importance of approximately 12,000 specially protected natural areas in the country, which include 102 state nature reserves, 71 state zakazniks, and 42 national parks. The day serves as a significant occasion for ecologists and individuals concerned about the Russian environment and natural resources.