Solving the Problems of the Baikal Natural Territory Requires a Comprehensive and Scientifically Grounded Approach

On August 8, 2019, a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Protection of Lake Baikal was held at the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, chaired by Minister Dmitry Kobylkin.

The specialists discussed the progress of implementation of measures for the construction and modernization of wastewater treatment plants in the BNT within the framework of the federal target program “Protection of Lake Baikal and the Social and Economic Development of the Baikal Natural Territory in 2012–2020” and the federal project “Preservation of Lake Baikal”, part of the national project “Ecology”.

During the discussion, it was noted that when determining the maximum permissible load on the treatment facilities generated by the BNT housing and communal services, it is necessary to take into account the maximum attendance of this area at the peak of the tourist season.

The parties presented approaches to amendment of the Order No. 63 “On approving the standards of maximum permissible impacts on the unique ecological system of Lake Baikal and the list of substances harmful to the unique ecological system of Lake Baikal, including especially hazardous, highly hazardous, hazardous and moderately hazardous substances” issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia on March 5, 2010.

The issue of increasing the biological diversity of Lake Baikal was also discussed. The key measures for the reconstruction of fish breeding facilities and the existing trends for the growth of juvenile omul and sturgeon were outlined.

The specialists heard a report on the implementation of measures aimed at the fulfilment of obligations for the protection of Lake Baikal as a UNESCO World Heritage site by the Russian Federation and familiarized themselves with the current data on the state of the tourism infrastructure in the BNT, the existing ecological routes and tourist products offered to the population.

A separate discussion was devoted to the issue on the elimination of the negative impact of waste produced by the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill, OJSC. The participants of the meeting were provided with information on the assessment of harm accumulated as a result of the activities of the enterprise.

The final topic on the agenda of the meeting was a discussion of objectives and indicators of the federal project “Preservation of Lake Baikal”, part of the national project “Ecology”.

“Solving the problems of the Baikal Natural Territory requires a comprehensive and scientifically grounded approach. We need to take inventory of all available facilities and involve representatives of the public and the expert community in the development of balanced, competent solutions,” concluded Head of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia.

Based on the results of the Interdepartmental Commission meeting, a list of instructions to the federal executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation will be drawn up in the near future. The purpose of these instructions is to ensure implementation of measures necessary to preserve Lake Baikal.

Source: Press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Russian Federation

Опубликовано: 12 August 2019