Caucasian Reserve Director Resigns After 23 Years

Sergei Shevelev, director of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve, has resigned after 23 years, citing personal plans to change his pace of life.

Jan 27, 2026

Sergei Shevelev has 43 years of experience in the nature reserve system.
Source:
This image is provided by the press service of Sochi National Park.

The press service of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve confirmed the dismissal of its head Sergei Shevelev. The corresponding order was signed by Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation Alexander Kozlov.

Sergei Shevelev announced his decision to the staff on Wednesday, January 21. He emphasized that his departure is not related to inspections or other external reasons, but is due to a desire to change his pace of life and switch to other areas of activity.

Shevelev worked in the reserve system for 43 years. Since 2002, he headed the Caucasian Reserve, and since 2023, he also served as the head of the Sochi National Park.

In his address to the employees, he noted that both institutions are leaders in attendance in Russia: in 2025, they were visited by a total of 5.7 million people.

«I am grateful to each of you for your daily honest work. I wish you to maintain the standard that we have achieved together,» said Shevelev.

Shevelev stated that he remains committed to the cause of nature conservation and will continue to stay in touch with colleagues.

Earlier we wrote that in September, the General Prosecutor«s Office of the Russian Federation conducted an inspection of the activities of both institutions, as a result of which damage amounting to over 3 billion rubles (approximately $30 million at current rates) was identified.