| 2007-02-19 |
Published: Regions.Ru |
"Wildlife preservation and setting up preserves" was the name of a workshop held by ornithologists in Washington. The workshop was held within the framework of the Russian Federation - U.S. intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in preserving the environment and natural resources.
Results of the joint work intended to restore the population of great white crane in Western Siberia listed in the international Red Data Book were discussed as a separate theme.
Scientists of VNII-prirody (All-Russia Nature Research Institute), Okskiy State Biosphere Reserve and other Russian specialists told the participants of the meeting about the successful completion of the first stage of Flight of Hope, the international environmental project. They stressed that within just one year, the material resources have been prepared and experience gained to fully implement the long-term project.
In keeping with the program of this unique environment-oriented experiment, four hang-gliders were designed, produced and certified. They allow for a lift-off from both land and water.
Pilots and specialists were selected and trained to work with white crane birdlings. A test flight with cranes nurtured in Okskiy preserve (in the north of Western Siberia where the nesting ground of white crane is located) to the border with Kazakhstan was accomplished in 2006. The length of this extremely complex flight exceeded 1500 km. The role of ITERA Oil and Gas Company, the general sponsor of the Flight of Hope, was specifically praised as an example of a private business efficient involvement in financing the project and solving international and national environmental problems.
The workshop participants highly appreciated the scientific significance of the Flight of Hope and supported a proposal to continue the project based on the experience gained.
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