Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr. Trutnev, about a year ago we met on Kamchatka and discussed efforts to improve our nature reserves in order to encourage our people to acquaint themselves with Russian nature and natural attractions. Today, for a number of reasons, this is not easy to do. This is due primarily to the fact that these facilities are in reality quite poorly equipped. Visitors travelling in large groups can potentially do real damage to these areas. This is a streamlined process in many other nations in the world, and I know that you have devoted time to this issue and prepared a few proposals. Where does this work stand, where have you drawn the line and when will we actually begin improving the facilities?   

Yuri Trutnev: We are about to begin work, Mr. Putin. Back then, along with giving us some instructions, you also allocated an additional 2.4 billion roubles for the next three years. In accordance with your instructions, we have completed the following. Firstly, we selected 12 nature reserves that are in urgent need of conservation, from among 200 of Russia’s most protected reserves. This list is made up of ten nature reserves and two national parks (Baykalo-Lensky, Baykalsky, Kronotsky, Wrangel Island, Kavkazsky and a number of others). A three-year preservation programme for these twelve reserves and parks has already been developed. According to the programme, the funds will be allocated to each of the twelve facilities. In total, 1.5 billion roubles will have been invested over the three years. The remaining funds will go towards telecommunications and public transportation (water and land), which will allow inspectors to preserve biodiversity, combat poachers and patrol the territories.        

What we shall be doing for each reserve is spelled out in these materials here: What we are doing? Why are we doing it? Whom are we protecting? The programme exists, these are merely brief presentations. You have visited many of these reserves, and you know that they are in need of conservation. For this reason I'd like to present to you the Kronotsky nature reserve and Wrangel Island. As you know, in accordance with your instructions, we are currently beginning a clean-up process on Wrangel Island. The vessel Mikhail Somov and the two presses are currently on the island, and this work has already begun.      

As part of the programme, museums and new buildings will be built in the preserves: 180 construction projects, 150 visitor facilities, 98 rest stops, 290 environmental trails. We are going to purchase 680 units of equipment. All this  should allow us to double the number of visitors. These areas currently receive 6.5 million visitors a year; by 2013 we plan to increase this number to 12 million. 

Mr. Putin, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit a nature reserve of your choice so that you may have the opportunity to see the work that is being accomplished not only on paper, but in reality as well. Never before in Russia has there been a project of this scope. For the first time, Russians will have the opportunity to visit the most beautiful places in the nation without causing further damage to them, and to continue to advance preservation efforts.    

Vladimir Putin: How many visitors do you anticipate? 12 million?

Yuri Trutnev: Our estimate is 12 million per year. For now.

Vladimir Putin: And how much revenue will this bring?

Yuri Trutnev:  Mr. Putin, we are still calculating that. At present we do not know the exact amount. We have been working on the projects, and on the selection process. 

Vladimir Putin: I'm asking because, although it is possible to charge visitors for certain services, these facilities must remain accessible to individuals with modest incomes.

Yuri Trutnev: That is exactly our intention. It is for this very reason that we began with nature reserves. The state maintains nature reserves, so there are no legal private investors. The infrastructure of the reserves is run by the state, which will provide necessary services and keep prices low.

Mr. Putin, I would like to ask you to consider the possibility … As per your instruction, the programme will remain in place until 2013. However, the government of the Russian Federation usually makes plans until 2020. If the programme were to be extended up to 2020 with an annual allocation of 800 million roubles, we could fully equip all specially preserved territories in Russia. The opportunities that people would gain to get to know our wonderful country through environmental tourism would greatly improve. 

Vladimir Putin: Submit your proposals to the Government Presidium meeting and we will discuss them.  

Yuri Trutnev: Thank you.