Since the 33rd session of the World Heritage Committee (Seville, 2009), the World Heritage Centre and IUCN have received a large number of letters from individuals who are concerned about the state of conservation of the the World Heritage property Lake Baikal (Russian Federation), and in particular about the re-opening of the Baikalsk Paper and Pulp Mill (BPPM) and its likely impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value and integrity of Lake Baikal.
In a series of letters addressed to the Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation, the World Heritage Centre requested the State Party to provide further information and comments on this issue.
The World Heritage Centre received a report on 31 May 2010 from the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, clarifying the Government's position on this matter.
The state of conservation of this property will be examined by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in July 2010.
