In 2017 Lake Baikal Foundation launched a support program for young researchers «Baikal Initiative». Its aim lies in developing technological and applied scientific research for conservation and protection of the lake.
Three scientific projects won the contest. They were: study on actual state of semiaquatic birds in the Southern Baikal; expedition on 100-year old Doppelmayr’s trail aimed at monitoring biological diversity; actinobacteria evaluation for developing new bioactive compounds and medicines.
In advance of the projects’ implementation, the Foundation interviewed their leaders and inspirators to find out how their activities would preserve and protect the Baikal, what each team member’s personal motivation was and about future plans.
«Decisions that are made with respect to the conservation of Lake Baikal must be balanced and feasible», –
Alexander Povarintsev, manager of the project «Monitoring of water birds in the Southern Baikal under long-drawn low water level»
«Only when everyone understands their responsibility and learns to respect nature, something can change for the better», –
Natalia Luzhkova, manager of the project «Along the Doppelmayer’s Trail – protecting the nature of Barguzinsky nature reserve for over a 100 years»
«The creation of an independent international Center to study the impact of climatic influences on Lake Baikal would help preserve the lake for future generations», –
Denis Aksenov-Gribanov, manager of the project on evaluation of symbiontic actinobacteria of lake Baikal for developing new bioactive compounds and medicines