The Altai Republic, located in Siberia, Russia, is known for its incredible environmental riches - rolling foothills and grasslands, blue lakes and rivers and high mountain peaks that are home to numerous threatened and endangered species, such as snow leopards and Argali mountain sheep. Altai’s remote and pristine Ukok Plateau is part of the Golden Mountains of Altai, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Currently, Altai’s environment and communities are being threatened by a proposed gas pipeline from Russia to China. Set to pass through the Ukok Plateau, the Altai Pipeline will lead to unregulated development – exacerbating unemployment, threatening local businesses and increasing illegal logging. Construction will damage the fragile tundra and the pipeline will continue to pose a threat to the area during operation because of the high likelihood of serious earthquakes. The Ukok Plateau is also a sacred place for the Altai’s indigenous people, containing ancient burial sites.
Together with partners in Altai we are asking the Russian Government to put a stop to current plans and consider an alternative route to protect Altai.
Please sign this petition in support of our appeal to Gazprom and the Russian Government, to save Altai!
