Program

We protect nature in the Altai by assisting our partners’ efforts to strengthen conservation measures, manage tourism effectively, and create strategies for ongoing protection of sensitive areas. Specifically, we support nature park rangers, protected area employees, and other outdoor professionals to improve their anti-poaching skills as well as achieve greater oversight and education of visitors. Through direct support and international exchanges involving specific nonprofit organizations, indigenous groups, and protected areas, we sponsor training programs, signage, publications, and the purchase of equipment and materials needed to establish visitor centers and control poaching.

In collaboration with other international nonprofits, we support Russian activists’ efforts to prevent or improve potentially destructive development projects such as a proposed international gas pipeline and road to China across the fragile Ukok Plateau. Our campaign support generally goes to small grassroots groups volunteering considerable time and energy toward such causes. We provide funds to cover travel, publications, and communications costs so these activists can attend hearings, participate in environmental impact studies, conduct outreach efforts, and coordinate with other concerned community members.

By way of providing an alternative to harmful development projects, we also contribute funds and training toward the demonstration and promotion of renewable energy and natural building technologies. Through professional exchanges we address the need for experts highly trained in designing energy-efficient buildings powered and heated without the use of fossil fuels, and that incorporate inexpensive, locally-available natural materials such as clay, sand, and straw. We also provide small grants toward the purchase of renewable energy equipment for nonprofits, nature parks, and other public sites. Finally, we support outreach efforts popularizing the use of these appropriate technologies.

Throughout our work in the Altai, whenever possible, we involve and support representatives of indigenous groups. Not only do we support their efforts to manage their traditional natural territories, we believe they hold a key to living in balance with nature—a key that must not be lost.