The Taiga Forum always welcomes “Taiga Supporters” who can support the Taiga and its people, as well as The Taiga Forum!? It is free of charge, and you can become a Taiga Supporter anytime.

It is wonderful to get to know the Taiga along the Bikin River where tigers live, the country of Russia, and people who live there.? It is a life-altering experience to walk through forests of the Taiga and feel your own life force connecting to its soil, and to be exposed to open minded people of the? Udege and other people who live with forests.

On the other hand, it is not easy to really comprehend situations in Russia surrounding the Taiga and to find what we can do to protect the Taiga.? This is where we struggle as member NGOs and companies of the Taiga Forum.? Still, we can say with confidence, that the best way for us to protect the Taiga is to have many more people, especially from Japan, become supporters of these forests.

The first step to becoming a friend and supporter of the Siberian tiger and the Taiga is to pay attention to the fact that these forests exist.? Listen to the voices and opinions of people who live there, or many others who have something to say about these forests.? Be aware of the challenges that these forests are facing, and explore how to resolve these challenges.? The more people we have as supporters, the more it becomes that…

• Even if someone tries to log these forests again, someone will notice and take peaceful actions.
• The minority ethnic group of the Udege, the indigenous people, will have more confidence and courage in protecting these forests.
• Messages stressing the global importance of the Bikin River basin can be sent to the Government of Russia, which?has decision-making power on the application for the World Heritage listing of the Bikin River basin. ?(Protecting?the Taiga of the Bikin River basin may also contribute to the health of the Japanese ocean and fisheries)
• As a supporter, we can also deepen our understanding of lives and views of the Udege people and other people in?Russia.

So, if you are interested in helping protect the natural environment or wildlife habitats, or in being connected with the Taiga and the Udege people, why not support the Taiga by starting with the forests in Bikin where tigers, black bears, Blakiston’s Fish Owls and porcupines live?? Why not participate in cultural exchange and tourism that support the independence of the Udege people through their business and revitalization of their culture as well as the Taiga that they are trying to protect.

Please become a “Taiga Supporter” and lead The Taiga Forum with your interest and enthusiasm.? Whether or not you know a lot about nature, or Russia, or not, whether you are learning Russian or speak Japanese only, please join us.

Let’s protect the Taiga from destruction and move onto the next era with the Taiga as it stands now.?We look forward to seeing you.

When you register as a “Taiga Supporter”, you will receive recent news from The Taiga Forum via email.?To register, please send your name, email address, mail address, phone number and? fax number to The Taiga Forum Secretariat at?info@taigaforum.jp