FW: Keep Baikal Alive!

[Robert Chandler]

Dear all,

I forward what seems like a worthwhile petition.  Please circulate it if you
agree.

Yours,

Robert Chandler

------ Forwarded Message
From: Pnina Levermore <info at pacificenvironment.org>
Reply-To: <info at pacificenvironment.org>
Subject: Keep Baikal Alive!

Lake Baikal is No Small Change to Throw Away
Known as the "Galapagos of Russia," Lake Baikal is located in southern
Siberia near the Russian-Mongolian border. The oldest and deepest lake in
the world, Baikal contains 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater reserve. 
The Russian Government is treating Lake Baikal like small  change. Prime
Minister Putin's decision to re-start the Baikalsk Pulp  and Paper Mill
obstructs the  environmentally safe economic development  of the town of
Baikalsk and the  whole Baikal region. The governmental  decree, which Prime
Minister Putin  signed on January 13, permitted the  mill to discharge its
wastewater into the cleanest lake on the planet.    This is a  violation of
both Russian laws and an indicator of Russia's   unwillingness to deliver on
its international obligations to keep  intact  Lake Baikal - a priceless
heritage site protected by  UNESCO. Sign the petition to UNESCO Director
General!  UNESCO  must address the Russian Government with a demand to  stop
pollution of  Lake Baikal.

<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/608/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=26
83> 

Pnina Levermore Russia Program Director
        

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