Comment about tour Yenisey Meridian

12-07-2000

author - Dr. Evgeny A. Shvarts, Director of Conservation, WWF

Ecological Travel Center - ETC - (one of it's founders is the largest in Russia environmental NGO - Biodiversity Conservation Centre) during several years has been conducting unique ecological excursions, in particular - in the Russian Arctic. The uniqueness of their program "The Yenisey Meridian" is in the opportunity for participants to see all natural zones situated along the great Siberian River - the Yenisey.
Special attention is drawn to tundra and forest-tundra zones. Tourists are shown various Permafrost phenomena, they are told and shown specific Arctic communities. Doctor L. Kolpashnikov - Russian scientist, one of the most experienced in northern deer ecology takes part in the program. Visiting of the only in the world the Permafrost Museum in Igarka settlement with no doubts is of interest and importance for this program.
During the whole route tourists get familiar with conservation in Russia -activities of nature reserves. Their employees deliver lectures and conduct field excursions. Local population is also involved in the program.
ETC activity is a unique case when scientists started and run ecologically oriented business. They actively collaborate with Russian nature protected areas. Many of them took part in creation of some reserves and parks. ETC is the best working model of ecotourism business in Russia for nowadays.
All mentioned above is a reason for WWF-PRO (Moscow) to support the nomination of ETC program "The Yenisey Meridian" to WWF Arctic Program Award.