vlad.tribnet.com / Issue #150 / Opinion / Reading article...

The recent conferences on conserving the Sikhote-Alin biosphere prove there are people in Primorye who care about what they will leave for their children. No one disputes the serious economic condition of the krai, with the closing of factories, late pay and growing social problems.
But sustaining the land for future generations is just as important as fixing roads. What’s more, a variety of native peoples live off Sikhote-Alin’s rich natural resources. Russia’s constitution, under Article 69, guarantees them fair treatment and aid.

Within Sikhote-Alin, discussion of an extensive logging project in the Samarga River area raises a difficult question: What do you say to the indigenous people who live there and approved the project? The company that proposed the activity assured locals of improved infrastructure and jobs. But what about when the trees are gone? When the rivers are polluted?

Pavel Suliandziga, indigenous people’s spokesman in Primorye, said that under the former governor, people around the world sent 10-12 letters per day when a logging project in the Bikin River area in the early 90’s was announced. The idea was tabled. The Samarga River project should be viewed with the same urgency.

Scientists are attempting to explain to local officials why it is bad to continue development in Sikhote-Alin. They hope the bureaucrats will understand that selling resources today will lead to disaster tomorrow. But maybe polite talk isn’t enough. Maybe it’s time to stand up and yell.