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opinion Arshak Makichyan

The Fight for Lake Baikal Shows the Motives of Russia’s Elites

Many lawmakers who supported a recent bill stand to profit from the destruction of the lake’s ecosystems. They are putting greed over our future.

Siberian Officials Wage Denunciation Campaign Against Baikal Defenders

Environmental activists have come out against fresh legislative amendments that seek to permit logging on 762 hectares of Lake Baikal's shores.

New Bill Puts Russia’s Lake Baikal at Risk of Deforestation, Harmful Urbanization

Experts and activists warn that a bill to ease logging restrictions along the lake's shores could deal irreversible damage to its unique ecosystem.

Zero Businesses on Russia's Lake Baikal Meet Environmental Standards – Official

The head of Russia’s environmental protection watchdog hinted that standards could be relaxed further to help enterprises meet them.

International Swimmers Attempt to Cross Freezing Lake Baikal in Eco-Relay

Eight marathon swimmers from Europe, Africa and the United States shed their wetsuits for the two-day relay swim.

Russian Freediver Claims New Record in Icy Lake Baikal Plunge

Alexei Molchanov plunged 80 meters below Lake Baikal's ice into water temperatures of 3 degrees Celsius.

Russians Race Across Baikal in Icy Marathon Sprint

Each year, racers bike, ski and skate across 210 kilometers of ice and snow on Lake Baikal. Are you up for the challenge?

Russian Swimmer Claims New World Record With Baikal Under-Ice Swim

Yekaterina Nekrasova, 40, swam an 85-meter distance beneath the ice of Lake Baikal wearing only a bathing suit.

With Lake Baikal’s Key Protections Set to Expire, Russian Eco-Activists Sound the Alarm

Environmental experts and activists say upcoming deregulation could do significant harm to the lake's unique ecosystem.

Steven Seagal Vows to Get Tough on Lake Baikal Pollution

The actor and naturalized Russian citizen wants to criminalize dumping pollutants and waste into the world's largest freshwater lake.

Russian Swimmers Complete Eco-Relay Across Lake Baikal

The swimmers hoped to draw attention to pollution of the world's largest freshwater lake.

Russia Sparks Backlash for Allowing Deforestation, Construction Along Lake Baikal

Environmentalists say the law threatens protected natural areas and the lake’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Russia Hosts Bone-Chilling Ice Marathon on Lake Baikal

People from all over the world came to test their athletic prowess and take in the beauty of Baikal’s icy landscape.

Virus Fallout Hits Lake Baikal as Chinese Tourists Stay Away

Winter is high season for tourism around Lake Baikal, but the coronavirus outbreak has curtailed its main source of income.

Walking on Russia's Frozen Lake Baikal in Winter

Walking on the deepest lake in the world may feel like a dream.

Tourists Trapped in Russia's Lake Baikal

Two tourists who got stuck in the ice on Lake Baikal 300 meters from shore managed to climb their way out to safety.

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