Center for Civil Society International (ccsi@u.washington.edu)
Tue, 28 Nov 1995 10:00:10 -0800 (PST)
Sender: Ecobiokh <ecobiokh@as.khabarovsk.su>
Subject: Environmental youth project in Russian Far East
21 November, 1995
Khabarovsk Territory
Youth Eco-Bio Center
Khabarovsk, Russia
Greetings America!
I am writing to you from the snowy city of Khabarovsk, Russia, a
city of 800,000 located on the Amur River in the Russia Far East. I was given
your address from the Peace Corps, Vladivostok, Russia. I am a Peace Corps
volunteer working as coordinator for the State Ecology-Biology Center.
This center works with eight other centers in the region on implementing
environmental education in the schools and consulting with individual
schools. We also work with students on science projects that include
studying biology, ornithology, ecology, and air and water pollution
testing. Throughout the year, scientists lead expeditions for students to
learn about environmental science and related fields.
This July we would like to invite a group of Americans to take part
in an international camp and ecological expedition. It will be a 2 to 3 week
camp with Russians students and scientists and an additional 2 to 3 weeks
exploring the wonders of the Russia Far East. This may include mountain
climbing on the volcanoes of Kamchatka, exploring the wilderness of Sikhote-
Alin Reserve, whitewater rafting, and more.
The goal of this camp is to focus attention on the preservation of
this fragile ecosystem. Much international attention is being given to this
area that is home to vast Taiga forests, home to extensive mountains and
volcanoes, and home to the endangered Siberian tiger and Himalayan bear.
This area is at high risk of exploitation by international logging, mining,
and oil companies as a result of the opening up of Russia. Because the
need for the preservation of this area is so immediate and wide ranging,
we want to include people from other countries to participate in this
expedition.
I would greatly appreciate any contacts of groups who might be
interested in such a environmental camp. We are looking for students who
are interested in learning about the environment, a cultural exchange with
Russians, and interested in camping, backpacking and other outdoor
recreation. This expedition is open to all ages and interests, although we
would prefer older students and adults. We are also looking for a group of
about 15-25.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Stonebraker
Coordinator-U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer
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