FACT. The main historical attraction of the reserve is the Berezina Water System, built in 1797–1805 on the site of the ancient trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks".

The construction of the system enabled the establishment of through water communication between rivers of the Black Sea and Baltic Sea basins. However, similar attempts to connect rivers were undertaken even earlier.

However, the idea of creating a through waterway was only realised during the reign of Emperor Paul I. By decree of 25 February 1797, he instructed Privy Councillor Count Sievers, Director of Water Communications for the region, to "establish water communication between the Western Dvina and the Dnieper via the Berezina".

The creation of the Berezina Water System was a colossal undertaking for its time, requiring the widening and straightening of riverbanks, the construction of 6 canals, and the erection of 14 locks and 6 dams.