The chalk quarries in the Vaŭkavysk district have been recognized as a geological natural monument of local significance. The official name of the site is “Krasnaselskiya Maldives.” The corresponding decision by the local district executive committee was published on May 12 on the National Legal Internet Portal.
The document establishes the boundaries of the natural monument, its area of 356.83 hectares, the land users whose plots or parts of plots are included within the monument’s territory — OJSC “Krasnaselskbudmateryyaly” (301.01 hectares), the Vaŭkavysk forestry enterprise, and the communal agricultural unitary enterprise “Niaveravichy” — as well as the rules for protection and use.
It has been determined that the management of the natural monument will be carried out by the Vaukavysk District Tourist Information Center and OJSC “Krasnaselskbudmateryyaly.”
The decision enters into force after its official publication.
The main purpose of adopting the decision is to preserve the chalk quarries for further scientific study. Scientists, biologists, botanists and zoologists are studying how one biological community is replaced by another as a result of human activity.
The second reason is tourism. If the quarries become a natural monument, this will make it possible to use the territory in a moderate way for both ecological and other forms of tourism.
The site is known for its unusual landscapes. It is now prohibited to light fires, pitch tents outside designated areas, damage vegetation and soil, or park vehicles there. Swimming in the quarries is dangerous.
