Let’s start solving global problems with local initiatives.

I believe that, since it is impossible to launch fully independent projects under immense pressure and restrictions, we will transfer some of the essential nature conservation tasks into public initiatives. The initiatives section has now been improved, and new functionality has been added for long-term problems that require a comprehensive approach. A “Pin” function has been implemented, and the design has been updated to make interaction with participants easier.

I think we will proceed as follows: we will take problems that cannot be solved quickly and turn them into long-term public initiatives. Then, for each problem, we will work purposefully to achieve change by creating a permanent centre of public demand for its resolution.

First of all, we will launch an extremely important initiative calling for a complete ban on the logging of Korean pine and oak trees in Russia’s wild natural areas. Only a few percent of them remain today, and scientists and experts unequivocally confirm that their destruction causes widespread starvation among wildlife. For example, we can now see businesses seeking to destroy the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve for gold mining, while at the same time hungry tigers are entering human settlements: their habitat has been destroyed, and there is no adequate food supply. Scientists identify the catastrophic destruction of Korean pine forests as one of the fundamental causes. The fact is that the Korean pine is a keystone tree species and forms numerous interconnected ecological relationships in the wild. As a result, every layer of local ecosystems gradually deteriorates.

And then our “bright minds,” those diligent bureaucrats, decided: “Why don’t we start destroying the nature reserve as well?” — even though it is one of the last refuges of the endangered tiger. And there are many Korean pines there too! They will certainly continue cutting them down until nothing is left.

We have already collected a large number of scientific studies, papers and supporting materials. We are now bringing everything together, preparing a concrete proposal for the state authorities and getting ready to launch the first long-term public initiative. The others will follow immediately afterwards.

In reality, initiatives alone are not enough; large-scale projects are required. However, as you understand, we are not being allowed to implement them. This is being prevented through genuine systemic pressure involving enormous risks.

I sincerely hope that our allies in the Government will support the upcoming initiatives and that we will manage to move the situation forward from its current deadlock. Let us try.