The Altai Project |

Happenings

September 2009 – We will be hosting three Siberian architects in Northern California for an in-depth study program in energy efficient natural building, construction project management, and nonprofit development. This program is the culmination of our highly successful seven-year collaboration with Siberian architects, designers, environmental nonprofits, and educational institutions. Our main Altai partners in this field have been inspired by past TMU-funded exchange activities to start a nonprofit to train those in the building trades in environmentally sustainable materials and practices, consult on natural building, and provide information to the general public.

Ongoing in 2009 – We will provide a number of small grants (<$5,000 each) to grassroots groups and partners working in the Republic of Altai. Proposed projects include publishing the Viewpoint newsletter on environmental issues by Fund for 21^st Century Altai, co-funding the installation of electronic poaching detectors, and supporting numerous improvements at Belukha Nature Park. We are also facilitating several grants to local Altai partners through Global GreenGrants Fund.

February 2009 – Read the report on our 2008 Strawbale Project!

October 2008 – Altai Alliance formed to protect Altai!

August 2008 - New Strawbale construction project completed in Altai Krai in cooperation with Altai’s Institute of Architecture and Design, Fund for 21^st Century Altai, and Builders Without Borders.

Starting April 2008 – We began a one-year grant from Ford Foundation's Moscow office. The project will use this $70,000 grant to support the development of new grassroots conservation groups in the Republic of Altai, which contains some of the world's most unique and sensitive wilderness areas. In addition to supporting two fledgling NGOs in their efforts to protect the "Pearl of Siberia" from harmful development projects, The Altai Project will also provide funding for an Altai-wide meeting of activists, NGOs, and the public to discuss conservation strategies, work toward campaign goals, and increase communication among community activists.

Ongoing in 2008 – We will provide a number of small grants (<$5,000 each) to grassroots groups and partners working in the Republic of Altai. Proposed projects include publishing the Viewpoint newsletter on environmental issues by Fund for 21^st Century Altai, supporting the creation of a proposed new Sailugem federal protected area, anti-poaching brigades, and supporting campaigns against the proposed Altai gas pipeline to China and the proposed Katun hydroelectric dam.