Abstract
The conservation of algal species diversity as a component of natural ecosystems is recognized.
The problem can be solved by: 1) making up a list of endangered species and including the algae in Red Data Books and Red Lists of Protected Species; 2) selecting water bodies to be protected and restored or including them in already protected areas, since the protection of an individual alga species is fairly problematic.
In this article the principles and methods of freshwater algae conservation in Karelia Republic (Northwestern Russia), as well as problems related thereto, are analyzed.