Lake Baikal

• Pollution of the Lake
• Questions about the legal status of some parts along the border of the site (issue resolved)
• Lack of resources

Previous deliberations:
Twenty-third session of the Committee – paragraph X.28 and Annex VIII.
Twenty-third ordinary session of the Bureau – paragraph IV.38.

New information: The Centre received on 2 May 2000 a request for a training workshop on the effective implementation of the Federal Baikal Law following the suggestion of the twenty-third extraordinary session of the World Heritage Bureau. No information was received from the States Party concerning the state of conservation report on the site due by 15 April 2000. The Centre was informed by the Director of the UNESCO Moscow Office that the Prime Minister has signed on 31 December 1999 a decree to forbid any selling of the 49% of shares owned by the Federal Government of the Baikal pulp and paper mill.

IUCN has noted that Russian Federal Laws relating to Lake Baikal are not being effectively implemented. Of particular concern are:

• Continued discharge of waste waters into Lake Baikal, particularly from the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper mill. These discharges are, according to reports, well in excess of levels permitted by Federal Standards.
• Impacts from unregulated hunting and fishing.
• Inadequate environmental monitoring of the Lake Baikal ecosystem.

IUCN reiterates its previous views that, given the economic difficulties in the region, there is a need to identify and examine innovative options and solutions to this issue, specifically in relation to the legal, financial and other requirements associated with re-profiling of the Bakalsk Pulp and Paper mill. Discussion of such options and solutions should address environmental, social and economic concerns and should involve donors and should ideally be addressed under the umbrella of the Baikal Commission.

A representative of the World Heritage Centre participated in the international workshop on “Sustainable Development of the World Heritage site Lake Baikal. Preparations of Recommendations to the Subordinate Legislation of the Federal Law on Protection of Lake Baikal” held in Irkutsk and Baikalsk from 10 to 12 July 2000. The Workshop was organised and financed by Greenpeace Russia and a number of Government agencies, NGOs, and international donor agencies attended. The necessity for a unique body for the whole region was recognised, however it was questioned whether the Baikal Commission could fulfil this role. The final recommendations have not yet been received and the information on the state of conservation of the site received by the State Party is dated “end of 1999”. IUCN noted that a workshop on Lake Baikal was held in July 2000 and that this meeting and other reports have indicated:

·         Continuing concerns about the discharge of waste waters into Lake Baikal, particularly from the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill. It is noted that this is leading to the build up of organochlorine compounds well in excess of Federal standards.

·         A delay in the preparation of a detailed plan for the conversion of the Pulp and Paper Mill. The meeting did not provide any clarification on whether or not the plan would be implemented. The meeting also noted that re-profiling of the plant is not going to solve the existing sewage and sludge problem.

·         Concerns about the adequacy and effectiveness of the Federal Law on Lake Baikal.

·         Lack of local and regional awareness of the World Heritage Bureau requests for a State of Conservation Report for this site, as well as lack of awareness on the implications of listing the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

·         Other major threats to the integrity of the site, including impacts from unregulated hunting and fishing and impacts associated with extensive building development.

IUCN also noted that the State Committee on Environmental Protection has been abolished. The specific implications for World Heritage sites in the Russian Federation are unclear.