WWF lifts objections to construction of ski resorts in Northern Caucasus

The Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC) "Resorts of Northern Caucasus" and the World Wildlife Fund-Russia (WWF) have signed an agreement on cooperation in the area of nature protection in Northern Caucasus.

The agreement provides for interaction and cooperation between the parties in the field of North-Caucasian nature protection. In particular, it refers to development of sustainable use of natural resources as the primary direction of socio-economic development; preservation of the unique biodiversity; introduction and promotion of the best environmental practices, technologies and standards; and formation of the ecological consciousness in the population of the region.

The agreement was signed by Alexei Nevsky, Director General of the OJSC "Resorts of Northern Caucasus", and Igor Chestin, Director of the WWF-Russia, the website of the above OJSC writes.

Currently, the WWF believes that construction of resorts in the Caucasus will not harm the nature. "We had expressed great concerns. But prior to sign the agreement, we ran consultations; now, all the fears have been lifted," the website of the newspaper" Izvestia" quotes Igor Chestin as saying.