Forest areas of historical significance in the northwest of the Perm krai: features of detection and preservation

The authors consider the features of detecting and preserving the forest areas of historical significance in accordance with The High Conservation Value (HCV) concept originally developed since 1999 by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for use in forest management certification. Within the Concept, one can talk about the historical significance of forests related to the categories of Russian forest legislation as well as landscape elements (and components) of critical importance for the traditional cultures of local communities or indigenous peoples, identified through the engagement with them. In accordance with the Concept, such landscape elements (and components) are taken as equivalent to natural ones and united by the common notion of "high conservation values" (HCV). They a receive sustainable protection mechanisms in the course of forestry activities of certified enterprises. The study covers the North-West of the Perm Krai within the boundaries of the northern districts of the Komi-Permyak Okrug (territories of compact residence of agrarian ethnic communities, zones of inter-ethnic contacts, and areas with unique traditional mythological representations). The article includes regional interpretation of cultural values (HCV 6) and describes the possibilities of applying the Concept for preserving historical and cultural heritage sites on the lands of the forest fund. The article is of practical importance for stakeholders, holders of FSC certificates, as well as for a wide range of regional experts, involved in applied researches.