ABSTRACT
The 'Westernisation' of the Russian political and economic landscape has done nothing for the improvement of environmental conditions; in many cases, they have actually deteriorated further. Experience over recent years of Russia in transition provides numerous examples of voluntary and involuntary mismanagement of resources and the environment. Crime has become an important factor in economies of many countries in transition. It seems to be playing an especially prominent role in countries that are rich in natural resources. Internet communication seems one of the most promising for the goals of ecosystem management; its advantages for dissemination of information and ecosystem management are probably hard to match. The Internet is one of the most readily available and reliable media providing information across geographical, administrative, social and economic boundaries. Dissemination of information, promotion of environmental education and public awareness become crucial for the preservation and management of natural resources in Russia.
