On June 1, the Foundation held its first expert discussion on the problem of forest preservation in the Baikal region. It was part of our new program to combat climate change.
What was the round table about?
The round table brought together 16 experts from 5 regions of Russia. The experts presented seven reports on the following topics:
- An overview of threats to the forests of the Baikal region and the solutions of Lake Baikal Foundation;
- Impact of wildfires on forest ecosystems;
- Forests as a regulator of water regime;
- Technogenic impacts on forests;
- Forests in adaptation to climate change;
- Problems of forest management in the Baikal region.
The discussion was opened by Evgeniya Elkina, Senior Manager of the Foundation, who spoke about the steps planned by the Foundation in 2022 to preserve the forests.
The way the Foundation contributes to the preservation of forests in the Baikal region
As early as this summer, the Foundation will introduce technologies aimed at preventing illegal logging and at monitoring and preventing fires in the Zabaikalsky National Park and the Barguzinsky Nature Reserve.
To prevent illegal logging, a network of photo traps will be installed at the national park’s bypass roads to monitor the illegal entrance to the protected area in avoidance of the official checkpoints. As soon as the offenders are caught by photo traps, the national park’s inspectors will track them down and immediately move into the territory to prevent logging attempts.
As for combating wildfires, the national park and nature reserve staff will now be assisted with a new-generation quadcopter, which will enable to track fire spots and quickly take measures to extinguish them. With the help of this equipment wildfires will not spread and destroy unique ecosystems. In addition, the quadcopter can also help in combating illegal logging, establishing the exact location of offenders, and in determining the condition of the protected forest and the animals living in it.
The results of the round table
A recording of the round table (in Russian) is available at the link and may be viewed by everyone interested. A collection of reports and recommendations summarizing the experts’ views on the issues of forest conservation and their role in the Baikal ecosystem will be soon released.
The Preservation of Forests in the Baikal Region project became possible thanks to the support provided by the World Around You Foundation of Siberian Wellness Corporation.