[Braun-Blanquet method of vegetation classification in Russia]

Under consideration is the history and contemporary state of the vegetation classification based on the ecological-floristic criteria (the Braun-Blanquet approach) in Russia. Analyzed are preconditions of dissemination of this approach in the U.S.S.R. in the 1960s, active development of ecological-floristic classification in the 1980s, and most recent developments in the classification theory. The Braun-Blanquet approach became the principal method of vegetation classification in Russian phytocenology. Due to this, Russian syntaxonomists became associated into international community of the vegetation researchers, which allows them to participate actively in the projects on biodiversity conservation. The journal "Vegetation of Russia" much contributed to these developments. The authors respond to A.M. Ghilyarov's criticisms who considers the Braun-Blanquet approach as a "rudiment of the Natural History" useless for the contemporary ecology.