Volga

Volga

The Volga is a river in European Russia; it is the longest European river and is the heart of the largest river basin on the old continent.
This river originates in the Rialto del Valdaj in north-western Russia and flows into the Caspian Sea, in its north-western part, after 3531 km of course; before the construction of the numerous dams and the consequent formation of the artificial basins upstream of them, its length was 3,690 km.

Etymology –
The name “Volga” has an uncertain origin, and several scholars have proposed various theories on the etymology of the term. However, none of these theories are universally accepted and the issue remains largely unresolved.
One theory suggests that the name “Volga” may derive from the Proto-Slavic word “volga” or “vlga,” meaning “wavy water” or “waving water.” This interpretation could reflect the characteristics of the river, which is known for its width and the presence of numerous meanders.
Other theories suggest that the name may have roots in Finno-Ugric or Turkic languages. For example, in the Chuvash language, a Turkic people of Russia, the word “vylgă” means “small river.”
In any case, the exact etymology of the name “Volga” remains a mystery, and several hypotheses are still the subject of debate among scholars.

Geographical Features –
The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, crossing much of central Russia and with a current length of 3,531 kilometers.
Its drainage basin is enormous, covering a vast area of approximately 1,350,000 square kilometers. The river flows through central Russia and flows into the Caspian Sea.
The Volga has several sources, the main branch rises in the Valdai Mountains, north-west of Moscow.
The river flows generally south and southeast through central Russia, passing through several major cities, including the capital Moscow.
The Volga has numerous tributaries, including the Kama, the Oka and the Sura. These tributaries contribute greatly to the river’s water flow.
The Volga forms a notable delta before flowing into the Caspian Sea. The delta is a vast area of land and water, with numerous branches and channels branching off.
The Volga River is of great economic importance for Russia, as it passes through numerous industrial and agricultural cities. The navigability of the river was exploited for the transport of goods.
This river also has significant cultural importance in Russian history and folk traditions. Numerous cities along its course have a rich history and cultural heritage.
In summary, the Volga River is a key geographic feature for Russia, influencing the economic geography, history and culture of the region through which it flows.

Historical Notes –
The Volga River is the longest in Europe and has a rich and fascinating history.
Its history dates back to antiquity. The first populations to settle along the river were tribes of Finno-Ugric origin. Subsequently, it was the Bulgarians who settled in the region.
In the 13th century, during the Mongol era, the Volga River region was conquered by the armies of Genghis Khan. This led to a period of Mongol rule that lasted several centuries.
In the 15th century, the Kazan Khanate was founded along the middle reaches of the Volga River. This Muslim state remained an important political and cultural center for several centuries, until it was conquered by the Russians in 1552.
Starting from the 16th century, Russians began to actively colonize the Volga region. Several cities were founded along the river, including the famous city of Samara.
During the Russian Civil War (1918-1922), the Volga River was the scene of clashes between the White Army and the Red Army. The region suffered heavy devastation during this period.
During Stalin’s time in the 1930s, the Volga River was the focus of major industrial and economic development projects. Dams and hydroelectric power plants were built to exploit the river’s resources.
During World War II, the Volga region was vital to the defense of the Soviet Union. The city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd), located on the banks of the river, was the scene of one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of the conflict.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Volga region faced economic and social challenges related to the transition to a market economy. However, several cities along the river, such as Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan, grew as important industrial and cultural centers.
Overall the Volga River has played a crucial role in Russian history and continues to be a central element in Russia’s geography and culture.

Ecosystem –
The Volga River is characterized by a diverse ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The Volga flows through central Russia and flows into the Caspian Sea. Here are some key elements of the Volga River ecosystem:
Aquatic flora and fauna:
Fish: The Volga River is rich in a variety of fish species, including sturgeon, char, perch, carp, pike, and others.
Aquatic Invertebrates: There are numerous aquatic invertebrates that contribute to the ecosystem, providing food for fish and other animals.
Riparian vegetation:
Alluvial forests: The areas along the banks of the Volga are home to alluvial forests that provide habitat for several species of plants, birds and mammals.
Birdlife:
Migration: The Volga River is an important migratory route for many bird species. Numerous migratory species stop along the river during their seasonal migrations.
Mammals:
Drinkers: Among the mammals present there are moose, foxes, wild boars, and bears that frequent the areas surrounding the river.
Humans and anthropic activities:
Agriculture: Lands along the river are often used for agriculture, impacting the ecosystem through agricultural practices and potential pollution.
Human settlements: Cities along the river can have significant impacts on the ecosystem, including water pollution and destruction of natural habitats.
Environmental Protection:
Nature reserves: There are several nature reserves and protected areas along the Volga River, helping to preserve biodiversity and protect natural habitats.
Environmental problems:
Pollution: As with many rivers around the world, the Volga has been subject to several forms of pollution, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban pollution.
Preserving and protecting the Volga River ecosystem is of great importance for the conservation of biodiversity and for ensuring a healthy environment for human communities that depend on the river for various purposes, including fishing and agriculture.

Flora –
The Volga River with its vast and diverse river region is home to a rich diversity of flora.
Along the river banks, you can find a variety of plants adapted to life in wetlands. These may include reeds, rushes, and other marsh plants.
In the areas adjacent to the river, there are alluvial forests consisting mainly of trees such as alder, willow, poplar and ash. These trees are adapted to periodic flooding conditions and can tolerate wetter soils.
In some areas along the Volga, especially in the floodplains, meadows and steppes develop with a variety of grasses and wild flowers.
In the river itself and its tributaries, aquatic plants such as water lilies, water javelins and reeds thrive.
The Volga River and its surrounding region are home to some endemic plant species, adapted to the specific conditions of this region.
Also interesting is the mouth of the river, where the Astrakhan reserve exists.
In the internal areas the banks of the river are fringed with willows and other trees, which transition towards large areas of reeds towards the outside. Between the green walls of the reeds, winding passages lead to lagoons and ponds and to bays. The marshes are crossed by numerous, thin strips of sand and mud stretching in an east-west direction. Their width is around 200 meters and the length can vary from 500 meters up to 19 km; they are up to 8 meters high. In some places these cordons surround lakes. Near Astrakhan there are many dunes, stabilized by various plants, and especially by a gigantic grass, Leymus racemosus, which is up to one and a half meters high. This grass is preferred by oxen and horses, whose intense grazing and trampling has destroyed the vegetation, and the sand has started to move again, invading large areas.
The aquatic vegetation is characterized by extensive carpets of aquatic chestnuts. The Volga delta is unique however for the presence of an exceptional plant, the Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), here in the westernmost point of its range.

Fauna –
The Volga River passes through several types of habitats along its course, offering a rich diversity of fauna. Below are some of the fauna species that can be found along the Volga River:
Fish: The Volga is known for its variety of fish species, including sturgeon, pike, carp, perch, tench and perch. Fishing is one of the traditional activities along the river.
Birds: Along the Volga it is possible to spot a wide range of aquatic and migratory birds. Some species include swans, ducks, grebes, herons and gulls.
Mammals: In the Volga region you can find mammals such as bear, wolf, fox, badger, beaver and roe deer. These animals inhabit forests, steppes and wetlands along the river.
Amphibians and Reptiles: The Volga area is also home to several species of amphibians and reptiles, such as frogs, toads, lizards and snakes.
Invertebrates: Numerous aquatic invertebrates are found in the Volga seabed, including molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic insects which are an integral part of the river food chain.
Important for the entire ecological balance of the entire river is its mouth, where, as mentioned, a reserve has been established.
289 species of birds live in the reserve, of which 72 are in danger of extinction, of which 40 are nesting. The extremely rare Siberian crane stops here during its migrations. The curly pelican nests here, as do the lesser shag, the Eurasian spoonbill and the cattle egret. These species are all listed in the Red Book of Threatened Species of Russia. Most of the birds present here belong to species that live in marshes and bodies of water and nest in trees, shrubs or lake plants. About thirty species live in forests and only three species belong to the ecosystem of meadows or urban environments.
Sixty species of fish have been recorded in the waters of the reserve: first of all we remember the sturgeons that produce caviar (there are three species that live here: the labdanum sturgeon, the Danubian sturgeon and the starry sturgeon), but also Clupeids (the Caspian, Volga shad, Kessler shad), Cyprinids (Caspian bream, bream, carp, European rudd, European chub, asp, chekon, Prussian carp), northern pike, pike perch, perch and sticklebacks.
Seventeen species of mammals also live in the reserve, including the wild boar, the wolf, the fox, the otter, the ermine, the water vole and the rice field mouse.
Unfortunately, the fauna of the Volga River has been influenced by both the natural conditions of the river and human activities in the region. Pollution, fishing and water management are factors that can affect the health and diversity of river fauna.

Environmental Protection Actions –
The Volga River plays a significant role in the environmental, social and economic life of the region it flows through. To preserve and protect the Volga River ecosystem, various environmental protection actions are necessary. Here are some possible measures:
Environmental monitoring: Implement ongoing environmental monitoring systems to assess water quality, pollution levels, biodiversity and other key indicators. This data can be used to make informed decisions about conservation measures.
Pollution Control: Implement rigorous policies to reduce and control industrial and agricultural pollution that can affect river water quality. This can include stricter regulations, incentives for more sustainable practices and regular audits.
Sustainable water resources management: Promote sustainable use practices of the Volga River’s water resources, ensuring that there is enough water to maintain river ecosystems and meet human needs without depleting resources.
Restoration of natural habitats: Implement projects to restore natural habitats along the banks of the Volga River, creating buffer zones to protect sensitive ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.
Community involvement: Actively involve the local community, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in planning and implementing river conservation initiatives. Public participation can help raise awareness of the need to protect the environment and promote sustainable behavior.
Environmental education: Implement educational programs to raise awareness among local people and future generations about the importance of conserving the Volga River and the actions they can take to preserve the environment.
International collaboration: Collaborate with neighboring countries and international organizations to address environmental challenges affecting the Volga River. Joint management of water resources can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.
Sustainable development: Integrate sustainable development principles into policies and projects involving the Volga River. This involves considering environmental impacts in planning and development decisions.
These actions would combine prevention, control and restoration efforts to ensure the sustainability of the Volga River ecosystem.

Guido Bissanti