UPF of Russia is accepting applications to participate in its annual Environmental Tourism project, to be held from July 10 to 24, 2017. The project will take place in southern Siberia, in the mountains near the beautiful Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world. The nearest city is Irkutsk.
Participants will make footpaths and build footbridges across mountain streams. They will receive training in leadership skills as well as in surviving in extreme conditions. They will walk extensively in the nature near Lake Baikal, visiting many scenic locations.
The annual Environmental Tourism project was launched in 2002 with the aim of promoting a values-oriented volunteer culture. It was initiated by UPF and supported by the Baikal research and rescue group of the Ministry of Emergency and several other organizations. In 2009 the project was recognized in the Ecology and Landscaping category of the all-Russia competition Volunteer of the Year 2009.
Representatives of youth and volunteer organizations are invited to participate, as well as those who desire to develop the volunteer movement and/or ecological tourism.
There is a policy of no smoking, no alcohol and no drugs during the project. Participants must be over 18 years and must be able to walk up to 15 kilometers (over 9 miles), while carrying a backpack, and to camp outdoors.
It is possible to participate for either one week (July 10 to 17) or two weeks (July 10 to 24). Participants will pay for their transportation to and from the city of Irkutsk. The registration fee for one week is $400, and for two weeks is $300.
The application deadline is May 25, 2017. Please read the following materials for the application and for more project details. Also included in the materials are lists of necessary equipment, which participants must bring with them, as well as optional equipment which will make the experience more comfortable.
Important Information about the Baikal Project PDF
Baikal Project Booklet 2017 PDF