This Asian land mass of Russia makes up almost 2/3 of the country's total territory. It is largely uninhabited, with scattered settlements of indigenous peoples, practicing occupations ranging from reindeer herding to fishing. Ecotourism offers the people of this area a means to develop a sustainable income, while preserving the extraordinary character of the surroundings.

One of the most popular destinations is Lake Baikal, in south central Siberia. This lake is the world's largest, by volume, holding fully 20% of the world's fresh water. It is the only home of the fresh water seal and many other unique species of fish and plant life. The lake is still largely unspoiled with its water a translucent turquoise. The famous Russian writer, Anton Chekov, who visited the area in the late nineteenth century said of the lake, "You can see through the water as if looking through air."

Another exceptional area is the Kamchatka Peninsula. Here you will find opportunities to fish for salmon and view brown bears. Kamchatka is home to over 20 active volcanoes and thousands of lakes. There are mountains to climb and valleys to descend. On the entire peninsula, there are fewer than 400,000 people, so you can truly "lose yourself" in this remote area.

These are only two of many unique possibilities for ecotourism in the remote areas of Russia. Russian Travel is proud to team with the Baikal Watch program of Earth Island Institute and the Kamchatka Peninsula tourism program of the Pacific Environment & Resource Center to create ecotourism programs that protect the integrity of the environment while providing job opportunities for local Russians.