Baikal is a world heritage site, and we all have to play a role in taking care of and protecting it.

Ecotourism is especially important for our region. After all, the cleanest fresh water lake on the planet is located here. A properly constructed trails are considered ecotourism infrastructure with great environmental significance. These trails:
– direct visitors along the arranged routes;
– contribute to the conservation of ecosystems;
– reduce the risk of fire hazards (by preventing the advance of the fire and facilitating the unhindered access of fire brigades to sources of fire);
– promote the localization of garbage within the equipped parking lots and create opportunities for its transportation to areas for disposal.

Ecological trails do not harm the environment. Rather, they promote sustainable economic development of the territory, create additional jobs for local residents, and improve the ecological culture of local residents.
The Great Baikal Trail project involves complex logistics and requires comprehensive training measures to be taken throughout the year.
Our volunteer projects usually last 3 days, 10 days or 2 weeks. Volunteers live at a tent site, work on building ecological trails, and independently prepare food around the bonfire.
The official languages of the projects are Russian and English.
During the workday, volunteers might clear the way for a new trail, improve an existing trail, or build a campground or other structure, making sure that each trail is clean and up to our standards. Each project description includes specific chores listed in detail. During free days of projects, volunteers might enjoy hikes, or trips to local sites and museums. These outings, and the trail projects themselves, are led by our crew leaders. Our leaders are trained in the design and construction of trails and the creation of backcountry campsites. Each group also will have a translator, a GBT staff person who not only ensures that the Russian and international volunteers can enjoy each other’s conversations, but is also responsible for the project’s cultural and entertainment programs.