Belarus is rich in natural resources. National parks and reserves of this country cover hundreds of hectares. Also in Belarus there is a unique place called "Maldives" - these are chalk quarries with turquoise water.
The Republic of Belarus is famous for its natural attractions, forests and a large number of lakes. In total, there are more than 10,000 lakes on the territory of this country, the largest of which are Naroch, Polesye and Osveyskoye Lake.
The largest rivers flowing through the territory of Belarus are the Dnieper, Neman, Western Dvina and Western Bug. These rivers are interconnected by a system of canals.
About 30% of the country's territory is covered with forests. More than 20 species of trees and about 65 varieties of shrubs grow in the forests. In mixed forests, birches, pines, spruces, oaks and aspens are most often found. The most common animals in the forests are moose, deer, wild boars, wolves, foxes and hares. Cranes and storks nest in wetlands.
National parks and reserves of Belarus
To protect representatives of flora and fauna, state reserves and wildlife sanctuaries have been created in the country. The largest protected natural area in Belarus is the national park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", where a relic forest has been preserved. It covers an area of 152,962 hectares (and another 10 hectares are located in Poland). Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" in 1992 received the status of a biosphere reserve and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Narochansky National Park is located on the border of Minsk and Vitebsk regions. Its area is 97,000 hectares. This park contains the largest Belarusian lake - Naroch. There are also architectural monuments on the territory of the park: the Church of the Mother of God of Scapular (18th century), St. Andrew's Church, Nicholas Church, Carmelite Monastery (18th century).
Cretaceous quarries in Belarus
The residents of Belarus call the chalk quarries near Volkovysk the "Maldives". They are a favorite vacation spot for many tourists, although they do not have the status of a tourist site. At the entrance to the territory of the quarries, prohibitory signs are installed, but this does not stop the fans of tent tourism. The picturesque landscape and bright turquoise water attract photographers, fishermen, divers and those who just want to relax in nature here.
The city of Volkovysk is located in the southwestern district of the Grodno region. The most convenient way to get to the quarries is by car. If you go from Minsk, then you need to move in the direction of Slonim. If you get by public transport, then any train to Baranovichi will do, from which you need to change to diesel to Volkovysk.
