MOSCOW, September 23 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow will further support research on the symbols of the Asian steppes within the framework of the rare species conservation program, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"When we started to support projects on the study and conservation of rare species, we chose not only recognized species, but also, most importantly, 'problematic' species. 'Problematic' - first of all due to the scale of the tasks that were to be resolved," Putin said in an interview, published on the Kremlin's website, with the Russian Geographical Society's (RGS) journal "Around the World".
Putin is the chairman of the RGS's Board of Trustees. His support has seen the return of the Persian leopard to the Caucasus.
The endangered species that will be subject to research include saigaks which are on the brink of extinction, sturgeons and migratory birds, all binding Russia with other countries in Eurasia.
"The rescuing of the Amur tiger required action from different areas. Scientifically, we have provided significant support to research projects. Monitoring of the tiger's population is currently underway. Internationally, we have convened a 'Tiger summit'. Conservation-wise, we have established reserves and enlarged their territory. Legally, we have toughened punishments for poaching and the illegal trade of hunting objects," Putin said.
"This is the only correct approach to conservation," Putin added. "We are not casual in our approach to rare species from the fauna of Russia. Following their example, it is much easier to explain where the difficulties lie ahead."
According to Putin, such programs have propelled the cooperation between the state, business and society in the corresponding regions in the right direction.
