Target Region: The Altai Republic and Altai Krai of Southern Siberia
We have chosen this region because we have already developed strong relationships with local groups, where we have a deep knowledge of the ecological and social situation, and where our main areas of interest and expertise all come into play. This is south-central Siberia, especially the Altai Republic and Altai Krai. A cultural, geopolitical, and ecological crossroads, this region is considered one of the great treasures of northern Eurasia. Located just north of the Russian borders with Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia, the Altai contains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, several protected territories, and a high number of endemic and endangered species, including the snow leopard. Like any crossroads, it is a place of cultural diversity, where Russian Orthodoxy meets Muslim and ancient indigenous belief systems. Indigenous peoples there are struggling to protect their traditional lands--including sacred sites--from destruction and inappropriate exploitation.

Currently, there is a political battle over several proposed large development projects, including a massive dam project on the wild Katun River--a dam which has been stopped repeatedly by citizen protest. The dam's opponents point to smaller-scale renewable alternatives as a more environmentally friendly way to meet the region's energy needs. Besides being the sunniest place in all of Russia, the region is blessed with innumerable small rivers and streams appropriate for micro-hydropower projects, and many excellent locations for wind power generation. Another growing source of income in the Altai is ecotourism, an industry which benefits from expanded wilderness protection and which would suffer if the proposed developments were completed. SEN will work with Altaian partners to seize these new opportunities and to strengthen opposition to the proposed destructive development projects.

Within this region, our primary target populations for REPP are nonprofit environmental organizations; indigenous peoples; and staff and residents of protected territories.

SEN's Current Partners and Advisors in the Region

21st Century Altai
Agency for Research and Protection of the Taiga
Argali EcoCenter
Barnaul State University EcoClub
Ecodom
Ecotok
Istok Altai Regional NGO
Light of the Ancient Lands
Novosibrisk State University Ecoclub
Siberian Interregional Center, "Zapovedniki"
Uch Enmek - Karakolskiy Nature Park