The decision on the fate of the Belarusian Maldives was taken at a meeting of the Belarusian People’s Congress last year. It was decided to abandon total recultivation, which would have cost tens of millions of rubles. The most picturesque locations were to be preserved for tourists. In May, the quarries were recognized as a geological monument of nature of local significance, which made it possible to begin economic activity there.

The territory, covering an area of 350 hectares, has now been divided into sectors. Areas have been set aside for the construction of a hotel, cafes and bathhouses, as well as for a tent camp and glamping sites. Separate zones have been designated for fishing and extreme sports, as well as for cable cars and rental points for boats and paddleboards. Additional routes will be laid for bicycles, quad bikes and motorcycles. All dangerous sections will be fenced off.

According to Dmitry Zakharchuk, Chairman of the Volkovysk District Executive Committee, public consultations have already been held at this stage and the territory has been divided into land plots. «We are waiting for business, and business has responded instantly. At this stage we already have several applications to begin active work in this direction. We will certainly be able to swim there, despite the great depths, but the terrain of the flooded quarries makes it possible to set aside certain zones while observing safety rules,» he said.

The «paperwork» issues are planned to be settled by the end of this month, after which the plots will be offered to entrepreneurs. In the near future, the first community clean-up events will be held at the site, with residents of Volkovysk District taking part. They will also help with the construction of future tourist facilities.