Needless to say, there is a significant need for us to protect forests around the globe, even when they exist far and away from us. However, we must also not forget that there are such beautiful forests in Far East Russia; right next to Hokkaido across the Sea of Japan, and stretching along Bikin River – tributary of Amur River. The forests there are now under a severe threat. From this vast forest along the 560km-long Bikin River, nutrients are carried through Amur River into the Sea of Okhotsk, which offers rich fisheries resources to Japan. These forests provide homes for indigenous people, the Udege, who still lead a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. I believe that our commitment to protect the Taiga, as well as the culture and traditions of the Udege, must be communicated widely at CBD COP10 in October 2010, as one of the key messages from Japan.