Parks & Reserves: Russian Arctic (Russkaya Arktika) National Park

Known for being the site of the discovery of the Arctic territory in the 16th century, "the ‘Russian Arctic’ park is located on the northern part of Novaya Zemlya, a long island that arcs out into the Arctic Ocean between the Barents and Kara Seas. It also includes some adjacent marine areas." Founded in 2009, the Russian Arctic National Park is "a key area for walrus, wild reindeer and bird population", and is an important breeding ground for polar bears. The rare Narwhal and Greenland whale can also be found within the park's waters. The park is host to important conservation activity, including preservation of rare Arctic species such as the polar bear and cleaning of accumulated pollution in the area. Oil exploration poses a threat to the area's wildlife, encroaching on the park's boundaries.