Kerzhensky Nature Reserve was established in 1993 on the left bank of the Kerzhenets River. Its territory, covering 46,786 hectares, lies within Semyonovsky District (9,683 ha) and Borsky District (37,103 ha) Districts of Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The reserve's primary objectives are the preservation of natural ecosystems, the conduct of scientific research, and environmental education.
The reserve is a specially protected natural area with the strictest protection regime — entry to its territory is permitted only with special passes issued by the reserve's administration!
The reserve protects more than 140 species of plants, lichens, fungi, and animals listed in the Red Books of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Russia, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The reserve's territory includes wetland complexes designated under the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of international importance. In 2002, UNESCO granted the reserve biosphere reserve status.