At a meeting by Lake Baikal, the topic was how to protect forests and reconcile ecological and economic priorities
09/26/2025
At a meeting by Lake Baikal, the topic was how to protect forests and reconcile ecological and economic priorities
A forest climate forum was held on the shores of Lake Baikal. Participants planted thousands of trees, discussed firefighting, and demonstrated how ecology is becoming part of a new economy where caring for nature brings both benefits and profit.
Pribaikalsky National Park has become the center of an international dialogue about the future of the planet. The forest climate forum "Baikal Ecosystem 2025" was held in the village of Bolshoe Goloustnoye fr om September 17th to 21st. Scientists, environmentalists, business representatives, and government officials discussed one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and forest conservation. The charitable foundation "Give the Planet Life" served as the main organizer of the forum, and the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Zapovednoye Pribaikalye" served as a co-organizer. The project was supported by the Presidential Grants Fund.
The forum's main symbol was the planting of 9,500 pine and larch saplings at the site of the 2019 fire. Schoolchildren, volunteers, representatives of public organizations, and delegations from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, and Kyrgyzstan joined the event. An "International Friendship Alley" was established on the grounds of the Bolshegoloustnenskaya School, serving as a reminder that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility that knows no boundaries.
Forest as a new economy
The forum was notable for its focus on environmental issues, which was not abstract but supported by concrete examples. One such example was RUSAL's project for aerial forest fire protection in the Krasnoyarsk Krai, which was presented at the forum by Elena Gordeeva, Head of Carbon Markets at RUSAL's Sustainable Development Directorate. A distinctive feature of this approach is that it translates environmental efforts into economic terms.
The gist is this: forest damage prevented is converted into carbon units. These units reflect the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to the preserved forests. Carbon units have already been used in Russia to offset the climate impact of the 2024 Eastern Economic Forum, the BRICS Climate Forum, and other international events.
Experts estimate that by 2025, this mechanism will have provided over 40% of the carbon credits for the national climate experiment. Essentially, this represents the creation of a new economic model in which environmental protection becomes not only a social mission but also a business tool.
Ecology and business are allies, not adversaries
During the discussions, many experts noted that the example of such projects demonstrates that long-term investments in the environment and business interests are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, it is precisely this symbiosis that allows for the creation of a sustainable model for the future.
"Sustainable business is not only environmental responsibility but also new economic opportunities. The company's forest climate project simultaneously protects forest ecosystems and generates market value through the issuance of carbon credits. This is proof that long-term business sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand," emphasized Andrey Sharonov, Director of the National ESG Alliance.
Baikal as a venue for dialogue
Such initiatives are especially important for the region. Lake Baikal is a unique ecosystem, the health of which affects not only Siberia but also a significant portion of the planet. It's no coincidence that experts have gathered here to discuss not only scientific but also practical solutions.
The forum's organizers deliberately abandoned the usual "meetings first, then action" sequence. On the very first day, participants picked up shovels and planted trees. This format, according to experts, sets the right tone—moving conversations straight to action.
Natalia Eremeeva, director of the "Give the Planet Life" charitable foundation, which was the forum's main organizer, noted the importance of partnership with business: "We greatly appreciate the participation of both En+ Group and specifically RUSAL expert Elena Gordeeva and the Russian Partnership for Climate Conservation in our project, as this is our first serious collaboration, which is valuable precisely because of the symbiosis of volunteerism and professionalism. We would like to continue working in this symbiosis."
A pathway to the future
The forum demonstrated that the topic of climate change has long since moved beyond the confines of narrowly professional discussions. Today, it concerns everyone. Russia is aligning itself with global practice, wh ere environmental efforts are beginning to receive monetary value.
The planting of thousands of young pine and larch trees in Pribaikalsky Park is not only a contribution to forest restoration but also a symbol of a new philosophy. The forest is becoming an asset to be protected and developed. The economy of the future can no longer ignore nature—on the contrary, it is becoming the foundation for sustainable growth.
Source: https://life.ru/p/1792191?ysclid=mggoak4kon767926884
Pribaikalsky National Park has become the center of an international dialogue about the future of the planet. The forest climate forum "Baikal Ecosystem 2025" was held in the village of Bolshoe Goloustnoye fr om September 17th to 21st. Scientists, environmentalists, business representatives, and government officials discussed one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and forest conservation. The charitable foundation "Give the Planet Life" served as the main organizer of the forum, and the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Zapovednoye Pribaikalye" served as a co-organizer. The project was supported by the Presidential Grants Fund.
The forum's main symbol was the planting of 9,500 pine and larch saplings at the site of the 2019 fire. Schoolchildren, volunteers, representatives of public organizations, and delegations from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, and Kyrgyzstan joined the event. An "International Friendship Alley" was established on the grounds of the Bolshegoloustnenskaya School, serving as a reminder that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility that knows no boundaries.
Forest as a new economy
The forum was notable for its focus on environmental issues, which was not abstract but supported by concrete examples. One such example was RUSAL's project for aerial forest fire protection in the Krasnoyarsk Krai, which was presented at the forum by Elena Gordeeva, Head of Carbon Markets at RUSAL's Sustainable Development Directorate. A distinctive feature of this approach is that it translates environmental efforts into economic terms.
The gist is this: forest damage prevented is converted into carbon units. These units reflect the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to the preserved forests. Carbon units have already been used in Russia to offset the climate impact of the 2024 Eastern Economic Forum, the BRICS Climate Forum, and other international events.
Experts estimate that by 2025, this mechanism will have provided over 40% of the carbon credits for the national climate experiment. Essentially, this represents the creation of a new economic model in which environmental protection becomes not only a social mission but also a business tool.
Ecology and business are allies, not adversaries
During the discussions, many experts noted that the example of such projects demonstrates that long-term investments in the environment and business interests are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, it is precisely this symbiosis that allows for the creation of a sustainable model for the future.
"Sustainable business is not only environmental responsibility but also new economic opportunities. The company's forest climate project simultaneously protects forest ecosystems and generates market value through the issuance of carbon credits. This is proof that long-term business sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand," emphasized Andrey Sharonov, Director of the National ESG Alliance.
Baikal as a venue for dialogue
Such initiatives are especially important for the region. Lake Baikal is a unique ecosystem, the health of which affects not only Siberia but also a significant portion of the planet. It's no coincidence that experts have gathered here to discuss not only scientific but also practical solutions.
The forum's organizers deliberately abandoned the usual "meetings first, then action" sequence. On the very first day, participants picked up shovels and planted trees. This format, according to experts, sets the right tone—moving conversations straight to action.
Natalia Eremeeva, director of the "Give the Planet Life" charitable foundation, which was the forum's main organizer, noted the importance of partnership with business: "We greatly appreciate the participation of both En+ Group and specifically RUSAL expert Elena Gordeeva and the Russian Partnership for Climate Conservation in our project, as this is our first serious collaboration, which is valuable precisely because of the symbiosis of volunteerism and professionalism. We would like to continue working in this symbiosis."
A pathway to the future
The forum demonstrated that the topic of climate change has long since moved beyond the confines of narrowly professional discussions. Today, it concerns everyone. Russia is aligning itself with global practice, wh ere environmental efforts are beginning to receive monetary value.
The planting of thousands of young pine and larch trees in Pribaikalsky Park is not only a contribution to forest restoration but also a symbol of a new philosophy. The forest is becoming an asset to be protected and developed. The economy of the future can no longer ignore nature—on the contrary, it is becoming the foundation for sustainable growth.
Source: https://life.ru/p/1792191?ysclid=mggoak4kon767926884