Polesie State Radioecological Reserve

The reserve spans over 200,000 hectares of forests, wetlands, and water bodies in the northern part of the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

Following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, authorities established this protected area in 1988 to monitor radiation effects on the environment.

Research teams from Belarus and international institutions conduct studies on radiation impact on ecosystems within the former settlements of 22,000 residents.

The territory contains 96 abandoned villages and requires special permits for guided visits through designated routes with radiation monitoring equipment.

The reserve houses 1,251 plant species and 280 bird species, demonstrating nature's resilience in a radiation-affected environment.

Location: Gomel Region

Inception: 1988

Website: https://zapovednik.by/

Phone: +375234645239

Website: https://zapovednik.by

GPS coordinates: 51.65000,29.98333

Latest update: November 1, 2025 12:02