Sustainable Use of Wildlife Indicators: Formation and Implementation Issues in the Russian Federation

The article explores the legal category of “sustainable use of wildlife” as a model for the behavior of subjects in a legal relationship in the sphere of wildlife use and as a fundamental principle aimed at preserving and restoring the entire biodiversity of wildlife. Based on the analysis of certain legislative provisions concerning wildlife and law enforcement practice, the author justifies the conclusion that there are no criteria and indicators for sustainable use of wildlife in the Russian Federation. Indicators for sustainable use of wildlife, proposed by the author, are an important mechanism for monitoring and influencing the system of sustainable wildlife management, the main tool in assessing the effectiveness of the funds used and the levels of achievement. In the author's opinion, these criteria and indicators would be useful for the development of national programs for the sustainable use of wildlife, providing incentives for the transition to sustainable use. Creating mechanisms of this kind could enhance dialogue with the public and involve them in the process of sustainable use of wildlife objects, with a view to balancing between economic, environmental and social interests.