Address to the participants of the III International Forum “Baikal Dialog” from the Prime Minister and Head of the Republic of Buryatia, Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn

Dear participants of the Third International Forum “Baikal Dialog”

 For decades, the question of protecting the enviroment of the Lake Baikal area while developing the region has been discussed, analyzed and reviewed by the government and the public.  As a result, this question of enviromental protection and development has been the focus of much research, planning and many projects.

The essence of the “Baikal Question”  is epitomized by a growing conflict of interests.  On one hand, there is the unquestioned need to protect the unique enviroment of the lake and its fresh water reserves, but on the other hand, there is a need to develop the area and provide for the economic well-being of the people that live there.

There have been recent changes in Russian law which create a system of citeria that ensure the development of the Baikal region meet global standards.  There is still much work to be done though, in making sure that local factories and businesses have the best modern technology available to meet these high standards. 

The philosophy of this law is to move away from draconian restrictions on development and instead create a balanced ecologically-oriented model that protects the enviroment while ensuring a good standard of living for the population.

Adoption of new laws and decrees, including economic incentives for dealing with waste and recycling, will not only decrease pollution overall, but hopefully will also serve as a catalyst for the creation of an entirely new industry.

These and other important questions will be discussed  during our Forum.

I wish all the participants of the International Forum “Baikal Dialog” a productive discussion which will serve to improve the lives of the people living in the regions around the lake as well as protecting its environment.

Prime Minister and Head of the Republic of Buryatia

Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn