The Plastic-Free Baikal Association has published a roadmap on its website to address the lake’s most pressing environmental challenges and the issues facing nearby regions. The document was crafted with input from business leaders, NGOs, government representatives, and educators, and leans on 11 targeted actions with concrete timelines and responsible parties for each step.
Despite the partial relocation of many enterprises from the sanitary area around the reservoir, experts warn that the risk of Baikal’s contamination remains significant. The lingering dangers underscore the need for coordinated action across sectors to protect this unique ecosystem and the communities that rely on it.
May marked the formal establishment of the Plastic-Free Baikal Association, a collaborative effort bringing together business figures, NGO staff, government officials, and academic researchers. Among the founding participants are major industry players, banks, retail chains, and universities, alongside regional development groups and conservation organizations. This diverse coalition includes corporate leaders, scientific institutes, and public institutions, illustrating the broad stake in Baikal’s environmental future.
From its first meetings, the association defined a clear road map detailing what must be done, who will do it, and when. The plan outlines practical actions, assigns accountability, and explains how timelines will be tracked, offering a transparent blueprint for progress that communities and stakeholders can monitor and discuss openly.
The roadmap identifies several key problems. These include a lack of a culture of responsible consumption and waste management, insufficient economic incentives for collecting and delivering recyclable materials, widespread but unmanaged tourism, and the absence of sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. The document also notes a range of related gaps that amplify environmental risk, such as inadequate waste infrastructure and limited public awareness about the consequences of plastic waste in sensitive ecosystems.
To address these issues, the association proposes a combination of grassroots volunteer initiatives and proactive collaboration with authorities, supplemented by in-house scientific research when appropriate. This dual approach aims to empower local communities while ensuring decisions are informed by solid evidence and expert opinion.
One example involves tackling the shortage of waste-treatment facilities by supporting the construction of material-separation complexes. Another major priority is reducing the accessibility of disposable plastic products through the development and advocacy of legal measures that limit the sale of single-use plastics, bags, and packaging within the Baikal natural zone. Such steps are intended to curb needless waste and encourage more responsible consumer behavior.
During the dialogue held prior to the conference titled “Challenges 2030: Sustainable Development of Regions” in Moscow, Natalia Tümureeva, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology for the Republic of Buryatia, voiced support for a bill aimed at restricting plastic use in the central ecoregion of Lake Baikal. The State Duma approved this concept at the end of June, with officials acknowledging that the proposal is principled but in need of refinement to balance environmental goals with practical implementation realities.
Association members emphasize that their work should be accessible and understandable to everyone. People are encouraged to learn about the roadmap, participate in discussions, and share feedback. The official materials and updates from the association’s website serve as the primary channels for public engagement and accountability, ensuring transparency and ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders. [Source: Plastic-Free Baikal Association]