Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve

Country
Russian Federation
Inscribed in
2004
Criteria
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.

Located well above the Arctic Circle, the site includes the mountainous Wrangel Island (7,608 km2), Herald Island (11 km2) and surrounding waters. Wrangel was not glaciated during the Quaternary Ice Age, resulting in exceptionally high levels of biodiversity for this region. The island boasts the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus and the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens. It is a major feeding ground for the grey whale migrating from Mexico and the northernmost nesting ground for 100 migratory bird species, many endangered. Currently, 417 species and subspecies of vascular plants have been identified on the island, double that of any other Arctic tundra territory of comparable size and more than any other Arctic island. Some species are derivative of widespread continental forms, others are the result of recent hybridization, and 23 are endemic. © UNESCO

© Jenna Boon

Summary

2020 Conservation Outlook

Finalised on
04 Dec 2020
Significant concern
The current state of the World Heritage values appears to be relatively well preserved and stable. However, impacts of climate change and reduction of sea ice on ecosystems have been reported in other parts of the Arctic and it can be assumed that similar impacts will be observed in Wrangel. In the absence of a comprehensive monitoring system for the World Heritage site, it is, however, difficult to assess specific current and potential future impacts. While the existing management regime has been effectively maintaining the values of the remote and nearly uninhabited Wrangel Island Reserve since its inscription as a World Heritage site in 2004, the long-term conservation outlook for this World Heritage site will also depend on the impact of emerging threats – construction of a military base on the island and geophysical prospecting for oil in the immediate site vicinity.

Current state and trend of VALUES

Low Concern
The current state of the World Heritage values appears to be of low concern as no major deterioration has been reported since inscription. The overall trend of most of the values appears stable although a systematic monitoring system for climate change, impacts from military activities and tourism is not operational yet and some trends may thus have escaped detection. Impacts of climate change and reduction of sea ice on ecosystems have been reported in other parts of the Arctic and it can be assumed that similar impacts will be observed in Wrangel. However, in the light of the lack of such comprehensive monitoring system the overall trend of the World Heritage values is currently assessed as Data Deficient.

Overall THREATS

High Threat
The World Heritage site has enjoyed a period of very limited anthropogenic impact since the designation of Wrangel Island Reserve in 1975, and its values are in a satisfactory state as a result. However, current and emerging threats including activities and infrastructure related to military base, climate change, and potentially unsustainable tourism, as well as oil and gas exploration and potential exploitation, and maritime transportation and shipping (especially of LNG and oil) and might soon compromise some of these values and require close surveillance and possibly a targeted management response.

Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT

Some Concern
The World Heritage site has enjoyed a period of limited anthropogenic pressure since the establishment of Wrangel Island Nature Reserve in 1975, which allowed it to maintain the integrity of its values in spite of a relatively poorly resourced management regime. However, a number of emerging threats from climate change, tourism development, oil exploration/exploitation exploitation and maritime navigation (including shipping and tourism) may increasingly challenge its management and require its strengthening in key areas.
 

Full assessment

Click the + and - signs to expand or collapse full accounts of information under each topic. You can also view the entire list of information by clicking Expand all on the top left.

Description of values

Exceptionally diverse and abundant terrestrial and marine Arctic mammal fauna

Criterion
(x)
The World Heritage site has seven species of resident terrestrial mammals, including polar bear (Ursus maritimus) (VU) (350-600 dens on Wrangel Island and another 100 dens on Herald Island) (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). It also hosts that largest rookeries of Pacific walrus (Odeobenus rosmarus), with up to 10,000 individuals (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Other species include grey whale (Eschrichtius gibbosus) and finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus) (EN) (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).

Exceptionally diverse Arctic avifauna

Criterion
(x)
170 bird species were recorded in the World Heritage site, 62 of which breed on Wrangel Island (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2012). There are possibly two endemic bird (sub-)species (Directorate of Wrangel Island Reserve, 2003). The site boasts very high bird diversity in comparison with other Arctic sites (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). The islands are an Important stopover on Pacific-Beringia flyway of bird mirgration (Alerstam et al., 2007; Hedenstrom et al., 2009; UNEP-WCMC, 2011). The World Heritage site also hosts the only large breeding accumulation of snow goose (Chen caerulescens) in Asia (Boyd and Cooke, 2000; UNEP-WCMC, 2011).

Exceptionally diverse Arctic invertebrate fauna

Criterion
(x)
Invertebrate fauna of the site is very rich for Arctic standards and includes 31 species of spider, 58 species of beetles, and 42 species of butterflies, including many species that are usually only found much further South (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).

Exceptionally rich Arctic plant diversity and endemism

Criterion
(x)
417 plant species and sub-species of vascular plants, including 21 endemic species and 4 endemic subspecies (UNEP-WCMC, 2011), 331 moss and 310 lichen species were recorded in the site (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2012), including the northernmost occurrence of several plant communities (Sekretareva 1994, 1998). The site has the highest plant diversity in the high Arctic (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2012).

Exceptional example of past and ongoing speciation

Criterion
(ix)
Wrangel Island holds an unparalleled 21 species and 4 subspecies of endemic flora (Petrovsky, 1997), numerous endemic invertebrate species and several endemic vertebrate subspecies or isolated populations considered to be in the process of speciation, such as the Wrangel lemming (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; World Heritage Committee, 2004).

Exceptional example of an Arctic island ecosystem with exceptionally long-lasting succession

Criterion
(ix)
Ecological succession at Wrangel Island has been uninterrupted by glaciation (Gualtieri et al., 2005), which has lead to a unique diversity of ecosystems, communities and habitats on the island (Sekretareva, 1994, 1998; UNEP-WCMC, 2011). As a result, Wrangel Island has the highest biodiversity of any high Arctic Island (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).

Assessment information

High Threat
Human impact within Wrangel Island Reserve has been minimal and localized for a long time. A military base has been constructed on the island and its operations, while extent of planned activities are unclear, may represent a very serious threat to the sites values and integrity. Furthermore, oil prospecting in the vicinity of the World Heritage site that has recently been undertaken represents a very serious threat to the site's values and integrity.
Solid Waste
(Solid waste )
High Threat
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
The waste dump near Ushakovskoe has been reported to have been cleaned however, any potential remaining impacts are unclear (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2015). Close to 4000 barrels removed and 45.000 were supposed to be removed in 2016-17 (Information provided to the UNESCO/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission, 2017). 330 tons were removed in 2018 (UNESCO, 2019). Continued removal and remediation of waste is foreseen in the 2020-2024 Management Plan (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2019).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Damage from 4*4 tracks )
Low Threat
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Numerous tracks from before the designation of the Reserve are still visible; current policy is to use existing tracks (IUCN, 2004). Overland traffic, for tourism and operations, through riparian areas may impact habitat for riparian species including avifauna. Increased use is expected with potential further development of tourism industry (Communication during UNESCO/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission, 2017).
Residential Areas
(Abandoned settlements )
Low Threat
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
There are some abandoned military and civilian settlements from before the reserve’s designation, some with waste and contained oil accumulations (IUCN 2004). They have little impact on the ecosystem in their vicinity and there are plans to successively remove abandoned settlements and waste (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2011, State Party of the Russian Federation, 2019).
Oil & Gas exploration/development
(Geophysical prospecting for oil )
Very High Threat
Outside site
Recent research indicates that the hydrocarbon potential in the South Chukchi Basin may be significantly higher than previously suggested (Verzhbitsky et al., 2012), and that tectonic conditions are appropriate for successful hydrocarbon exploration in the Russian part of the Chukchi Sea Shelf (Agasheva et al., 2016). Geophysical prospecting that was being conducted in the vicinity of the site might have had serious negative impacts, particularly on some marine mammals and some bird species (Programme of complex geophysical investigations in the areas of "Northern Wrangel -1", "Northern Wrangel - 2" and "Southern Chukchi" in 2014-2015, in Russian).

Potential hydrocarbon exploitation in the vicinity of the World Heritage site would also pose a threat to it's values and integrity due to pollution and risks of oil spills. The interplay of oceanic advection, limited emergency response capacities and arctic weather conditions suggests that Wrangel Island, including important polar bear habitat (Wilson et al., 2018), would likely be affected by spills even in considerable distances from the site (Kelly et al., 2018).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Introduced reindeer and muskoxen herds )
Low Threat
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Reindeer herds led to localized overgrazing of tundra vegetation and trampling damage to nesting birds (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). This might recur if reindeer or muskoxen populations are poorly managed. Muskoxen populations are expected to grow (Cuyler et al., 2019).
Conflict, Civil Unrest & Security Activities
(Construction of a military base )
Very High Threat
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Construction of a naval military base began on Wrangel Island in late 2014 (various news sources, e.g. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russia-starts-building-military-bases-in-the-arctic/506650.html). This can have very serious impacts on the fragile environment of the island not only during the construction phase, but also due to continuous human presence during its future operation.
High Threat
There are several potential threats which might increasingly compromise the integrity of the site’s values, unless appropriate measures to assess and control them are taken. The extent to which climate change affects the values of the site needs to be measured more systematically, and tourism development could become a threat unless planned carefully and based on a rigorous EIA. Threats due to increased activities related to industrial marine development (exploration and development of hydrocarbon reserves), commercial navigation and ice breaking, in the vicinity of Wrangel Island Reserve, unless monitored and managed, may represent very serious threats to the sites values and integrity.

New plans for increasing visitation and expansion of tourism infrastructure are of concern. Together with above issues, these factors may exacerbate risks and disturbance in the marine and terrestrial ecosystem of Wrangel and Herald Islands.
Temperature extremes
(Continued and accelerated climate change )
High Threat
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The high Arctic and Arctic Ocean is marked by a reduction of sea ice cover (Stroeve et al., 2012) and climate change induced shifts in the terrestrial environment (Prowse et al., 2009). Secondary effects of these phenomena on terrestrial ecosystems (Jia et al., 2009) and Arctic marine mammals (Rode et al. 2014, 2018) have been found in other locations of the high Arctic. Besides rising temperatures, declining sea ice and a changing wind and precipitation regime, the World Heritage site is subject to increasingly frequent rain-on-snow (ROS) events and ice tidal surges affecting some cold-adapted mammals, such as musk oxen (Berger et al., 2018). Anecdotal evidence indicates increased walrus mortality during a year of marked pack-ice retreat (Ovsyanikov et al., 2007).  Increasing ROS events could also lead maternal polar bear dens to colapse, leading to reproductive failure (Stirling and Derocher, 1993). 
Recreational Activities
(Disturbance by tourists )
High Threat
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Although currently relatively tightly controlled and localized (MoNRE of RF, 2012), disturbance by tourists has had a noticeable effect in the past and might increase, if accessibility and visitor numbers increase (IUCN, 2004). Some tourist accommodation has been constructed and new overland vehicles purchased. Plans exist for increased visitation especially through cruise ships (increase in numbers and stops within the boundary of the World Heritage site) UNESCO /IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission (2017). The 2020-2024 Management Plan sets out the ambition to step up, promote and diversify touristic activity (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2019).
Hunting and trapping
(Unsustainable hunting of mammals )
Low Threat
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
The World Heritage site is near the northern margin of the occurrence of several mammal species and hunting them might have a devastating effect on these marginal and vulnerable populations (IUCN, 2004).
Shipping Lanes
(Maritime transportation, shipping and icebreaking )
High Threat
Outside site
A northern sea route has had limited activity due to harsh climatic conditions and low population density and industrial activity. With thickness and extent of sea ice reduced (relative to averages) (Stephenson et al., 2013), increases in maritime transportation (especially for LNG and oil) and industrial activity has, even at low levels, potential negatively impact ecosystem processes and biodiversity. Increased likelihood of spills would put Wrangel Island at risk (Kelly et al., 2018; Wilson et al., 2018).
 
Highly Effective
“Wrangel Island Mid-term Management Plan for 2009 – 2013” was submitted to WHC in 2009 (MoNRE, 2008) and was considered a substantial management plan but is lacking in-depth tourism plan (particularly serious in light of current tourism development projects) and clear provisions on climate change impact monitoring (World Heritage Committee, 2009). the 2013-2017 management plan is now at the end of its term and will require a review of implementation to inform preparation and implementation of a new management plan. The relationships between the federal ministry, local management and regional government require a review to clearly articulate roles and responsibilities management (UNESCO/IUCN, 2017). The new 2020-2024 Management Plan articulates more clearly goals and targets to be achieved by 2024.
Some Concern
Values of site are sufficiently protected overall currently (IUCN, 2004), even if this owes more to lack of anthropogenic pressure than active management.
There appears to be no plan nor human resources to support management of the marine component of the Reserve (IUCN Consultation, 2017; State Party of the Russian Federation, 2019).
330 tons of garbage have been removed from the island in 2018. However, it is currently unclear how and by when the remaining 25,000 tons of scrap metal and 100,000 metal drums counted in the 2013-2017 Management Plan will be removed (UNESCO, 2019). The 2020-2024 Management Plan highlights the objective to clear the territory of anthropogenic debris, but does not set out a plan and timeline for the completion of the removal (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2019).
 
Mostly Effective
Boundaries generally sufficient, but there is an indication of exclusions for Ushakovskoe settlement and immediate surroundings and a marine component however no formal maps and survey descriptions have been received by the World Heritage Centre. A 24 nautical miles protected zone around islands was established in 2013.
Mostly Effective
The World Heritage site is relatively isolated. The 2009-2013 management plan was linked to wider plan for sustainable development of Chukhot Autonomous Region. The site was also included into national 3-yr plan for high-priority protected areas in the Russian Federation (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2011). However, practical integration into national planning system has also been reported as weak (IUCN, 2004).
Mostly Effective
Only two local families are present and the majority of the site is uninhabited. The site is also very remote with very limited access options. This results in generally very limited potential for conflict.
Mostly Effective
Wrangel Island and Herald Island were designated as Strict Nature Reserve (Zapovednik) by Decree 189, 1975 (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Some Concern
Enforcement by the Reserve staff was generally considered effective, but some damage from careless behavior of rotational staff on site have been reported (IUCN, 2004; UNESCO/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission 2017, draft report).
Concerns have recently been raised regarding infractions related to human wildlife conduct (reported killing of polar bear a few years ago). The recent UNESCO/IUCN reactive monitoring mission (2017) requested, but did not receive information regarding the current status of this case.
Serious Concern
A number of World Heritage Committee requests remain to be addressed, including those related to current and potential impacts of military facilities and associated activities; elaboration of an Environmental Impact Assessment for the possible impacts on the World Heritage site of hydrocarbon drilling activities in the Yuzhno-Chukotski, Severo-Vrangelski-1 and -2 blocks (World Heritage Committee, 2019, 2018 and 2017).
Some Concern
The World Heritage site is used for reindeer herding and tourism, but sustainable management measures for either are unclear. Potential for increased disturbance by tourists with the expansion of tourism infrastructure and activities is on concern (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Some Concern
Annual operational funding for ongoing management seems to have declined while project based (construction and clean up) funds have increased. Tourism revenues may increase (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Some Concern
Staff of 20, including 3 scientists and 2 educational staff, were reported at the time of inscription (mostly stationed outside the site) (UNEP-WCMC, 2011), 7 security inspectors were trained according to management plan (UNESCO, 2008), but no further information on staff training and development programmes is available. For the current management cycle, there is concern over positions not being filled or under-filled and staff retention (UNESCO/IUCN, 2017).
Mostly Effective
The World Heritage site is very remote. Ecological museum and interpretative trails were being planned (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2011). Onsite and remotely delivered interpretation could better elaborate on biodiversity values and ecosystem processes rather than focused on wildlife viewing opportunities related to large mammals (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Some Concern
The World Heritage site is very remote and little visited (at least three groups visit it annually currently (UNESCO/IUCN, 2017)). New or renovated tourism accommodation, ecological museum and interpretative trails are being planned and some have been constructed (State Party of the Russian Federation, 2011; UNESCO, 2008; UNESCO/IUCN, 2017). Human waste and fuel management facilities and processes are inadequate for any increase in human presence /activity. Disturbance to animals and human wildlife conflicts could potentially significantly increase (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Some Concern
Weather monitoring is being undertaken at Ushakovskoe. There is regular research with monitoring of 15 animal species (particularly Polar Bear, Snowy Owl, Snow Goose), vegetation cover, condition of watercourses, historical objects are being undertaken (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; UNESCO, 2012), but systematic long-term general and climate change impact monitoring programme are still not operative (UNEP-WCMC, 2011; UNESCO, 2008).
Mostly Effective
Extensive scientific research programme (particularly on Polar Bear, Snowy Owl, Snow Goose) has been ongoing since establishment of the reserve, mainly being carried out by visiting scientists, but full potential of the site for research has not been fully explored yet (UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Some Concern
A number of threats from outside the site's boundaries have recently emerged with oil prospecting and increasing maritime navigation being the most serious ones. It is unclear to what degree it can be mitigated at the level of site management.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient

Additional information

Food,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks
No information on coastal fisheries around Wrangel Island is available but it is likely that some fisheries activities are ongoing.
Outdoor recreation and tourism
Tourism is currently practiced at low intensity on site, but there are plans to upgrade tourism use (MoNRE, 2011; World Heritage Centre, 2012; State Party of the Russian Federation, 2019).
Factors negatively affecting provision of this benefit
Overexploitation
Impact level - Low
Trend - Increasing
Knowledge,
Importance for research
The site has already contributed significantly to the overall scientific understanding of the Arctic (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Additionally, it may turn into a biological climate change impact monitoring centre (IUCN, 2004), if the required monitoring programmes are developed.
Due to its remoteness, extremely low population and hostile conditions, Wrangel Island Reserve offers only limited direct benefits. At the same time, the site is of considerable value not only to nature conservation, but also to science (a role that could be further strengthened) and as a place to experience the natural beauty of the Arctic.
Organization Brief description of Active Projects Website
1 Administration of Wrangel Island Nature Reserve Various research projects on the ecosystem and biota of the property (some with direct relevance to conservation), partly in cooperation with Russian universities and research institutes; see State Party of the Russian Federation (2011, 2019).

References

References
1
Agasheva, M., Stoupakova, A., Suslova, A., and Karpov, Y. (2016). Tectonics of Chukchi Sea Shelf sedimentary basins and its influence on petroleum systems. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 18, EGU General Assembly 2016.
2
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5
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6
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8
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10
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12
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13
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14
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16
Kelly, S., Popova, E., Aksenov, Y., Marsh, R. and Yool, A., (2018). Lagrangian modeling of Arctic Ocean circulation pathways: impact of advection on spread of pollutants. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 123(4), pp.2882-2902.
17
Khruleva, O.A. and Stekolshchikov, A.V., (2019). Additions to the aphid fauna of Wrangel Island due to climate change with redescription of the oviparous female of Pterocomma groenlandicum Hille Ris Lambers, 1952 (Hemiptera Aphidoidea). Zootaxa, 4615(3), pp.511-528.
18
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19
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20
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21
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22
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23
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24
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25
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27
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28
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29
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30
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31
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32
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33
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34
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35
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36
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37
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38
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39
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40
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41
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