The Shatsk National Nature Park

The Shatsk National Nature Park was established in 1983 with a special function – conservation of the unique natural complex of Shatsk Lakes. The park is located in the mixed forest zone on the border of Pryp'yat' and Western Boog watersheds. 

The Shatsk Lakes complex consists of  23 lakes including the largest  lake in Ukraine - Svityaz. Together all 23 lakes cover a surface area of 6.3 thousand hectares. Shatsk lakes form one of the biggest lakelands in Europe. 

28 different plant species and 33 animal species of hundreds of species found in the reserve, are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. There are more than 12.000 birds at the territory of the Park during spring-autumn migrations, 27 of them are represented in the Red Book of Ukraine. 

Climate of the Shatsk region is characterized as a temperate, damp with a soft winter and unstable frosts, protracted spring and autumn. 

More than 12 000 people live in the biosphere’s transition area where they are engaged in agriculture, tourism and other public services. Many of them belong to different cultures, nationalities and religions. In addition to this variety, more than 100 000 tourists visit the reserve each year. While the business opportunities created by tourism contribute to a significant portion of the local economy, local communities have made earnest efforts to ensure that any economic development does not negatively affect the park.