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Catastrophic fires, biodiversity, bioresource, indigenous peoples, ecological tragedy

In 1998 the frontal fires were catastrophic in the Khabarovsk territory. The fire covered the area of 2,5 million hectares. Priamurye has lost enormous timber resources. But this territory is life environment and center of origin for ethnic cultures of a number of indigenous peoples. The analysis of catastrophic fire consequences has shown that in some areas there were irreversible changes of ecosystems. The negative tendencies in biodiversity dynamics, sharp drop of wild animal number (elk, boar, red deer), ichtyofauna (salmon) and ornithofauna (goose, duck), which play an important role in traditional food of indigenous peoples, can lead to ecological tragedy in the nearest future. Biological diversity of forest birds in recently burned-out forest drops by 80-90 %. Their species composition is reduced till 80-90 %, in comparison with native communities. The bioresource of food and medicinal plants has decreased to 30 % in 4 areas of the lower Priamurye.

Besides direct biota destruction, direct and indirect biomass reduction, the changes of routes and dates of animals and birds migrations are marked. They have to leave habitual stations and move far away.

As a result of this, the territory loses inherent specific natural features, the ecological frame collapses, bioresource potential is lost.

If not to take necessary measures, this area will become the leader of the lowest standard of living, early mortality and cancer diseases among other areas of the territory. General instability and intensity of social and political situation in the country, being imposed on regional (local) problems, will create a critical condition in social situation of this, before safe, territory.