Within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project "Biodiversity conservation of the Lower Volga wetlands" a medium-term management plan of Astrakhansky State Nature Biosphere Reserve using management GIS was developed by Natural Heritage Protection Fund together with Astrakhansky Reserve, nonprofit organization "Transparent World" and attracted specialists in the context of reserve management and studies.

Francesco Bandarin (Italy), Director of UNESCO's World Heritage Centre since 2000, was appointed today UNESCO's new Assistant Director-General for Culture.

Natural Heritage Protection Fund, established on the 4 of April 2000 in compliance with the article 17 of the UNESCO Convention concerning the protection of the World Heritage, celebrated its first vast anniversary and summarized its work over a period of 10 years.

Application forms for inscription Kazakh and Kyrgyz parts of the nomination to the Tentative lists of two republics have been developed and submitted to the World Heritage Center as part of the project for the transnational serial nomination "Western Tien-Shan" preparation.

"Zvorykinsky project" of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs under the auspices of the Nation Natural Heritage Protection Council and Interregional public organization for promotion of Natural Heritage in regions "The Nation Natural Heritage" has announced an awards "The Nation Natural Heritage - 2010".