On the question of the definition and use of the concept of "historical and cultural preserve" by institutions for protection of cultural heritage

The article analyzes organizational and legal forms for institutions dedicated to the protection of particular sites of cultural heritage, such as cultural landscapes, and monuments of archeology, ethnology, ecology, paleontology etc. These kinds of sites are generally characterized by large territories on the one side, and an absence of extensive museum collections on the other side. Based on a comparative analysis of practices of museum-preserves, scientific literature and legislation, the author concludes that the legal form of a “historical and cultural preserve” is the most preferable for protection of these types of cultural heritage. The author argues that this legal form needs further development. For the first time in the historiography, the author has suggested a comprehensive interpretation of the term “historical and cultural preserve”, and has outlined a concept for organization of historical and cultural preserves in the Russian Federation.