More construction projects are set up to get Vladivostok read for the coming 2012 APEC Summit. A new freeway and oceanamrium are approved for building. Timber industry is developing and extending production volumes. WWF Russia draws the public’s attention to the problem of poaching in specially protected territories. Learn more in the weekly report by FederalPress.
More construction projects are set up to get Vladivostok read for the coming 2012 APEC Summit. A new freeway and oceanamrium are approved for building. Timber industry is developing and extending production volumes. WWF Russia draws the public’s attention to the problem of poaching in specially protected territories. Learn more in the weekly report by FederalPress.
New freeway
2817 new jobs will be created by a new construction project. An express freeway will be built at exist from Vladivostok and leading to Patroclus Harbor. This project is a part of preparations for 2012 APEC Summit. The freeway will work a back-up for the major federal highway Vladivostok-Khabarovsk. New road will be made of concrete and will have special coating making the surface more solid with time.
New landmark
Urban Planning Council of Vladivostok held a meeting on December 17, 2009 discussing a number of new initiatives. The meeting was chaired by mayor Igor Pushkarev. One of the most interesting issues on the agenda became the project of oceanarium located on Russky Island. This is going to be one of the most memorable landmarks of Vladivostok. Oceanarium construction is financed by the federal budget and might be finished by the time of 2012 APEC Summit.
The complex will include an aquarium with 75 meters of underwater tunnel, a dolphinarium, exhibition halls, training center, adaptation and scientific research center, various technical facilities, etc.
Russian deputy arrested in New York
Ex-deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Primorky Region, Yury Stepanchenko, was taken under arrest in the USA. He was on the run after a number of accusations made against him regarding participation in an organized crime group and legalization of illegal earnings. He was deported to Russia despite of the absence of an extradition agreement between Russia and the United States. Criminal proceedings against Yury Stepanchenko started in 2007.
Timber industry
The volume of timber processing in Primorsky Region grew by 3% in 11 months of 2009 compared to 2008. Currently there are three major investment projects in timber industry of the region. Timber companies get 50% off rent for participating. Two timber-processing facilities are at work, the third one will open in February 2010 to produce parquet.
Illegal hunting and wood-cutting
Amur Leopard’s Nature Reserve in Primorsky Region still needs more protection. Press secretary of WWF Russia Amur Division Elena Starostina reported two new cases of poaching and illegal wood cutting were registered last week.
A group of four hunters were intersected by the Reserve’s inspectors and guards. Poachers already killed at least two deer and where traveling home with meat and guns in the truck. All types of hunting are prohibited in the Amur Leopards Nature Reserve. This measure is necessary to keep biological diversity, sustainable food supply and the number of rare leopards.
In the second case a group of people were arrested after cutting down valuable trees in the Reserve. They even had a mobile saw bench ready right at the site.
Governor
Local political experts are quite sure Sergey Darkin will remain the governor of Primorsky Region for the next term. On Monday last week President Medvedev held a meeting the governor regarding social and economic situation in the region. Darkin reported that back pay has been reduced by 2.5 times. 2012 APEC Summit preparations are also accomplished according to the schedule. So, there are enough arguments for Darkin to stay in the office.