Many cultural landscapes of Russia are located in rural areas where living standards are low, unemployment rate is high, and economy is prioritised over the preservation of local cultures. Protected area managers and other key stakeholders do not have enough skills, knowledge or resources to effectively manage cultural and socio-ecological landscapes. The Environmental Education Center Zapovedniks therefore implemented this project to foster the capacity of and collaboration between protected area managers, local communities and local authorities, with a view to bring about a positive change towards long- term socio-economic development.