Floristic research at the Forest Research Institute of the Karelian Research Centre RAS: traditions of studying the species diversity of plants and fungi

Employees of the Forest Research Institute (FRI) KarRC RAS have contributed greatly to study biodiversity vascular plants, aphyllophoroid, sac and basidial fungi lichens Republic Karelia. Studies plants various groups been carried out since FRI foundation in 1957 are continuing successfully at present, with new tasks being set geographic range interests expanding cover entire Northwest Russia. The lichenofloristic research component appeared later (in 1985) is also developing. Prominent scientists such as V. I. Krutov, M. L. Ramenskaya, Shubin, Doctors Biological Sciences who worked FRI, made a huge contribution Karelia, Eastern Fennoscandia, forest zone European Russia whole. role these their students or successors great not only advancing knowledge species diversity Karelia adjacent regions, but treating issues nature protection sustainable use natural resources, especially resources. Institute’s employees played leading building system protected areas (PAs) considering that republic’s first PA, Kivach Strict Nature Reserve, used be unit for quite long. Botanists mycologists from participated compiling inventory flora mycobiota preparing scientific substantiation papers many planned PAs. continues PAs after designation. prepared (unofficial) edition regional Red Data Book then authors preparation three official editions Book. At direct (postgraduates) pioneers Shubin continue work productively Institute.