Russia to prioritize protection of Lake Baikal, major rivers, rare animals in Far East - Putin

VLADIVOSTOK. Sept 3 (Interfax) - The Russian government will attach special significance to protecting sensitive ecosystems in the Far East, such as Lake Baikal and the rivers Amur and Lena, and to preserving the population of the Siberian (Amur) tiger, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"We'll attach special significance to protecting sensitive ecosystems, such as Lake Baikal or our great Far Eastern rivers, the Amur and Lena, as well as preserving the populations of the Amur tiger, the Far Eastern leopard, and other rare animals as a unique natural resource for the region and the entire country," Putin said at the Eastern Economic Forum's plenary session in Vladivostok.

He recounted how he himself saw a tiger during a recent trip to Primorye Territory.

"You know, I can't help sharing this: we were driving through a field, and a tiger came out, walked right in front of the vehicle wagging its tail, and wouldn't go anywhere. The master of the taiga. It was very interesting to see all the riches of this place," he said.

Nature conservation is among Russia's top priorities, he said.

"This topic itself is also a priority for us. We'll make sure that high environmental requirements and standards are complied with in building infrastructure and industrial facilities and developing new deposits. We intend to further reduce hazardous emissions in the industrial centers of the Far East. We'll continue to clean up the Arctic, remove old equipment and all sorts of junk accumulated over the past decade, and clear industrial waste and landfills there," he said.