Defending Wilderness and Tradition with Innovation

The Altai Republic is a breathtaking mountainous region of southern Russia. The first humans appeared in the region almost 1 million years ago. Today, it is home to the Altaian people, indigenous inhabitants, who comprise approximately one-third of the Republic’s population of 200,000. They are largely a nomadic people, following their herds and relying on the land for survival.

Within the Altai Republic is the Ukok Plateau, which is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, entitled “Golden Mountains of Altai.” The plateau is a remote and untouched grasslands that is home to many of the world’s endangered species, including the snow leopard.

Traditionally, these animals and the Altaian people have lived in harmony in this pristine landscape. But presently, both are threatened by the construction of a gas pipeline. The gas line would bisect the Ukok Plateau, and both native communities and animals would suffer.

The Katun River in Altai (courtesy of Pacific Environment)

Defending Wilderness and Tradition with Innovation

Grassroots groups in the Altai region are using our small grants to campaign against this destructive project. The Foundation for Sustainable Development of Altai (FCDA) is preserving indigenous sacred places including mountains, streams, rivers, and places of worship, in an effort to preserve traditional culture.  One such site is the Ukok Plateau.

To challenge the gas pipeline that would cut through the Ukok Plateau, FCDA is using fund to advocate for alternative energy sources in the Altai region.

The group has also used a small grant to purchase and install two solar panels in the Visitor Center of Ukok Plateau.  During the summer, the site attracts indigenous groups from the Altai Republic, and neighboring Tyva and Kazakhstan, who use the panels for heat and food preparation.

Finding a Balance with Sustainable Economic Alternatives

In 2010, with Global Greengrants funding, FCDA established tourist eco-camps in local herder villages within the planned Sailyugem National Park, another protected and sacred area in Altai. The grant invested in trail construction and training five local shepherd families as tour guides and in craft-making.  A solar panel and wind turbine were also given to the families, allowing them to house tourists. The project promoted ecotourism as a source of income and opportunity for indigenous groups.

These grassroots projects are using innovative solutions to make a difference. With just a little financial support and great ideas, the group is defending the Altai wilderness from harmful development and promoting economic alternatives among local indigenous communities.