From Editorial Board

Abstract

June 2002 marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro, which defined the principles of a coordinated policy for sustainable development of the world community and preservation of the Earth's ecosystems. In the anniversary year, the UN is planning a broad discussion of the implementation of this policy by the world community. Intensive anthropogenic change of the biosphere has reached a catastrophic level by our time. It really threatens not only the well-being but also the very existence of mankind. This determines the primary, vital necessity of solving the problems of environmental protection and restoration, rational nature management.