Protect Altai From a Gas Pipeline!
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!
Dear Mr. Medvedev,
I am writing to ask you to consider alternative routes for the Altai gas pipeline and to protect the pristine nature of the Altai region. I have learned that the pipeline would cause damage to the fragile tundra, and opening the border between Russia and China could lead to unregulated development and illegal logging.
The Ukok Plateau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a sacred place for the Altai's indigenous people. Given potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed pipeline and the importance of the Ukok Plateau to the local people and to the world, please put a stop to current plans and consider an alternative route.
[Your comment]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
