We received 13 applications from specialized institutions operating in Baikal region and Moscow, as well as from the teams of federal and regional specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) for participation in a grant program for the conservation of rare, endangered and endemic species in the Baikal natural area.
The most demanded area for grant support was the study and monitoring of the unique species of flora and fauna of Baikal and the growth of the scientific knowledge about them. The participants of the application campaign note that today there is an acute problem of lack of relevant scientific data that are necessary in the development of environmental recommendations for local governments and monitoring institutions, as well as protected areas’ management teams. The 5 applications received are devoted to restoring and supporting the well-being of species, as well as the conservation of their habitats.
Almost half of all participants applied for support for projects to study rare and endemic plant species. Scientists focus on the fact that human activity has a detrimental effect on the unique flora of Baikal. It is important to make systematic environmental decisions based on high-quality scientific information.
Experts from Moscow State University, the Institute for Water and Environmental Problems, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Central Siberian Botanical Garden and other expert institutions are studying the received applications. We look forward to their feedback and will soon share the results of the selection with the participants of the grant program and our supporters.
The launch of the program was made possible thanks to the support of our corporate partner World Around You Foundation of Siberian Wellness Corporation.
Photo: Andrey Chumachenko