Reference: iAONR-2025-00001 Date: 17 June 2025
Cultural Dialogue on Grand Altai and Academic Seminar on Natural Resources and Green Development in Russia
——Enhanced with Natural Resource Surveys focusing on Geography, Geology,
Ecology, Nomadic Culture, and Related Scientific Issues
Organizers:
International Association of Natural Resources (iAONR)
with
Altai State University
and
Russia Public Foundation of Denisova Cave
A. Introduce
The Scientific Expedition to the Great Altai Summer Camp is an immersive educational and research program designed to explore the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Greater Altai region in Russia. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together undergraduate students, young researchers, and experts from diverse fields to investigate the region’s geography, geology, ecology, and nomadic traditions, while addressing critical scientific questions related to sustainable resource management and eco-environmental conservation.
B. Why Join?
1. Unlocking Natural Resource Insights
The Greater Altai, a transboundary mountain system spanning Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan, is a treasure trove of biodiversity, mineral wealth, and ancient landscapes. This expedition focuses on natural resource surveys to document the region’s geological formations, hydrological systems, and endemic species. By mapping these resources, we aim to support sustainable development strategies and inform policies for ecological preservation.
2. Advancing Interdisciplinary Research
Participants will engage in cross-disciplinary studies:
- Geography & Geology: Analyze tectonic activity, glacial dynamics, and mineral deposits shaping the Altai’s rugged terrain.
- Ecology: Study alpine ecosystems, endangered species (e.g., snow leopards, Altai argali), and the impacts of climate change on forest and grassland biomes.
- Nomadic Culture: Document traditional knowledge of indigenous Altai communities, whose pastoral practices and resource use offer lessons in balancing human needs with environmental stewardship.
3.Addressing Global Scientific Challenges
- The expedition tackles pressing issues such as:
- The role of mountain regions in global carbon and water cycles.
- Human-wildlife coexistence in fragile ecosystems.
- The effects of melting permafrost and glacial retreat on regional hydrology.
C. Objectives of the Camp
1. Education & Skill Development
Equip participants with hands-on fieldwork skills in geospatial mapping, biodiversity monitoring, and cultural ethnography. Workshops led by experts will foster critical thinking and technical proficiency in resources and environmental science.
2. Fostering International Collaboration
Promote cross-border cooperation among young scientists and local communities, emphasizing shared responsibility for conserving the Altai’s natural and cultural legacy.
3. Preservation Through Awareness
Raise global awareness about the Altai’s ecological vulnerability and the urgency of protecting its resources. Findings from the expedition will be shared through academic publications, documentaries, and public outreach campaigns.
4. Cultural Exchange
Bridge modern science with indigenous wisdom by collaborating with Altai nomadic families. Learn how centuries-old practices in land use, herbal medicine, and wildlife coexistence can inspire contemporary sustainability models.
D. Expected Outcomes
- A comprehensive natural resource database for the Greater Altai region.
- Policy recommendations for mitigating climate impacts and promoting eco-tourism.
- Strengthened networks among researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders.
- Inspiring a new generation of scientists and conservation advocates.
E. Join the Journey
This expedition is more than a scientific endeavor—it is a call to safeguard one of Eurasia’s last wild frontiers. By uniting curiosity, expertise, and respect for nature, we strive to leave a legacy of knowledge and stewardship for future generations.
Contact: www.iAONR.org
Date: July-September, 2025 (Will be adjusted according to applicants)
Location: Greater Altai Region, Russia
💰 Budget Adjustment
- Base Cost: about $3,000 (differences according to the routines and persons).
- Sponsorship Tip: Target renewable energy firms interested in lithium/boron data.
- UndertakingUnit: Russia Public Foundation of Denisova Cave
- Registration and contact email:info@iaonr.org
Appendix: Itinerary Routine Description
1) Routine One (Altai)
Program cost: about 2,920$~2,640$ per person based on the group participants
Group of 10 people | Group of 12 people | Group of 14 people | Group of 16 people | Group of 18 people | Group of 20 people |
2,920 $ per person | 2,840 $ per person | 2,760 $ per person | 2,700 $ per person | 2,670 $ per person | 2,640 $ per person |
The price includes: | Additionally paid for: |
Travel from the selected city by comfortable transport Neman tourist or FoxbAss) ; 2-3-bed accommodation in accommodation facilities: standard rooms (in mountainous areas there are facilities on the floor; meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner; tick bite insurance, guide and interpreter services, entrance tickets to the facilities | Additional expenses for meals, souvenirs, etc. |
Day 1. Meeting in Barnaul: airport, railway station (by appointment). Departure from the city at 09:00 (local time). In case of arrival at Gorno-Altaysk airport, private transfer Gorno-Altaysk – Belokurikha (120 km, for an additional fee). Barnaul – Belokurikha transfer (240 km). The resort is known for its healing air and natural thermal springs. These are the junctions of the Altai Mountains and the West Siberian Plain. Here granite mountains are combined with a fertile plain with the best chernozem soils in comparison with other territories of Siberia. Academician and geologist V. Obruchev named this place “The Northern face of Altai” in the 1930s. locations: 1. The border of mountains and plains – the Face of Altai – is the result of the collision of continents. 2. Belokurikha as a resort (thermal nitrogen-silicon waters with radon, geological aspects). 3. Granite massif: characteristics of granites, minerals, mechanism of formation of denudation remnants (Belokurikha 2). Site – Belokurikha | |
Day 2. Belokurikha city tour. The base is located in the Anui River valley. The route is by bus (70 km) and 10 km by jeep. Anuja Valley (features of geomorphology) Hiking route in the narrow mountain canyon of the Shinok river (translated as impassable) with waterfalls. The highest is 75 m. Along the way, Silurian carbonate strata (possibly finds of Silurian fauna). This area has the status of a key ornithological area in Russia. Accommodation in a hotel near the banks of the Anui River. | |
Day 3. Denisova cave – Uch-Enmek. Denisova Cave is an archaeological monument of global importance. For the first time, bones belonging to a human species that represent a special branch in evolution (Denisovian Man) and differ from Neanderthals and modern humans were found here. Transfer Denisova Cave – small Keleisky mountain pass, Kansk steppe (the northernmost dry Altai) – Yabogan mountain pass –Chuisky tract (the ancient road to Mongolia and China). Accommodation in the Uch-Enmek Nature Park is a specially protected area in the vicinity of the sacred Uch-Enmek mountain. It is the geographical and sacred center of the Altai Republic. | |
Day 4. Uch-Enmek Nature Park. The ancient mounds of the Karakol Valley, a local guide will tell you about the mystical phenomena that even geophysicists have observed here. The finds of the Bashadar sacred complex are kept in the most famous museum of Russia (the Hermitage). Getting to know the traditional nature management and traditions of the Altai people. |
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Day 5. Uch-Enmek – Chagan-Uzun (250 km) – Uch-Enmek (250 km). Auto tour along the Chuisky tract up the Katun and Chuya rivers to the intermountain basin – Kurai steppe. On the way, we overcome the Chike Taman mountain pass, a picturesque serpentine road (translated as “Narrow Foot”). Going up, you will enjoy the impressive curves of the serpentine, you will see a magnificent panorama of valleys and mountains. Katun terraces (problem of origin, theory of catastrophes). The confluence of the Chuya and Katuni rivers . The North Chuisky Ridge is one of the centers of the modern glaciation of Altai. View of modern glaciers. The seismicity of Altai is the seismic rocks of the Chuya epicentral zone. Kyzyl-Chin are steep canyons, the color of which varies from pale yellow to red throughout the valley. The outcrops of colorful clays on the surface create the feeling of another planet. Kyzyl-Chin – Geyser Lake transfer. It can be compared to an “earthly eye” or a green-blue portal to another world. Here, a mixture of bluish clay and sand is thrown onto the surface of the water. A stop is planned on the way to inspect ancient rock carvings. Return to the tourist complex. | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 6. Uch-Enmek is a hotel in the Lower reaches of the Katun River. Seminsky mountain pass. It is covered with forest, Siberian pine grows here, cones of this tree are used for food. Guided tour along the banks of the Katun River. Visit to the tourist area “Turquoise Katun”. | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 7. Transfer to a hotel in Gorno-Altaysk or Barnaul for an airplane flight. The Seminar |
2) Routine Two (Rudny Altai)
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Dates: subject to approval
Number of participants: 10 people Route: Barnaul (Novosibirsk, Gorno-Altaisk) – Aleysk – Pospelikha – Zmeinogorsk – Kolyvan – Lazurka – Chineta – Kurya – Pospelikha – Aleysk – Barnaul (Novosibirsk, Gorno-Altaisk) 1300 km
Program cost: about 2,990$~2,575$ per person based on the group participants
Cost of the program per person:
Group of 10 people | Group of 12 people | Group of 14 people | Group of 16 people | Group of 18 people | Group of 20 people |
2,990 $ | 2,923$ | 2,849 $ | 2,700$ | 2,637$ | 2,575$ |
The price includes: | Additional charges: |
Travel from the selected city by comfortable transport; 2-3-bed accommodation in accommodation facilities: standard rooms (in remote areas, shared facilities are possible), meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner; tick bite insurance, guide and translator services, entrance tickets to sites. | Additional expenses for food, souvenirs, etc. |
Day 1. Meeting in Barnaul/Novosibirsk. Meeting at the airport/train station/bus station. Meeting time by arrangement. OPTION #1 Meeting in Barnaul: Check-in at the hotel. Lunch (set menu) Sightseeing tour of the city of Barnaul Visiting the “World of Stone” museum, meeting the owner of the museum and a tour from him. Dinner at the “Gornaya Apteka” restaurant ВАРИАНТ №2: Встреча в Новосибирске: Transfer Novosibirsk Airport – Talmensky District (160 km) Breakfast. (Altai Edge) Transfer Talmensky District – Barnaul (115 km) Check-in at the hotel. Lunch (set menu) Sightseeing tour of Barnaul Visiting the museum “World of Stone”, meeting the owner of the museum and a tour from him. Dinner at the restaurant “Gornaya Apteka”. Accommodation: Hotel “Barnaul” | |
Day 2. Barnaul – Zmeinogorsk Early breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Transfer Barnaul – Zmeinogorsk (330 km) Lunch. A la carte menu in Pospelikha Check in at the hotel. Dinner. A short stop in the village of Kurya. This is the birthplace of Mikhail Kalashnikov – he created the Kalashnikov automatic rifle. A la carte menu Accommodation: Altai Courchevel recreation center or Golden Hill hotel | |
Day 3. Zmeinogorsk – Kolyvan village. Breakfast. (Set menu) Transfer Zmeinogorsk – Kolyvan village (90 km) Excursion to the Kolyvan stone-cutting factory named after I. I. Polzunov. Excursion to the stone-cutting museum. Lunch. Set menu. Visit to the Kolyvanstroy mines. Trip to Lake Mokhovoye. Return to the base (90 km) Dinner. Set menu. Accommodation: recreation center “Altai Courchevel” or hotel “Golden Hill” | |
Day 4. Zmeinogorsk – Lazurka village – Zmeinogorsk Breakfast. A la carte menu Transfer from Zmeinogorsk to Lazurka village (30 km) Transfer from Lazurka village to Zmeinogorsk (30 km) Lunch. A la carte menu or lunch box Excursion to the A. Demidov Museum of the History of Mining Development. Sightseeing in Zmeinogorsk Dinner. A la carte menu. Accommodation: Altai Courchevel recreation center or Golden Hill hotel | |
Day 5. Zmeinogorsk – Chineta village Breakfast. A la carte menu. Check out from the hotel. Transfer Zmeinogorsk – Chineta village (160 km) Accommodation in the territory of the Nature Protected Natural Area. Lunch. Walk along the “Wolf Trail” in the Chineta Protected Natural Area. 14 kilometers of the trail. Return to the camp. Dinner. Accommodation: camping in a protected natural area | |
Day 6. Chineta – Kurya – Pospelikha – Barnaul C– Aleysk Transfer from Chineta to Kurya (110 km) Transfer from Kurya to Pospelikha (60 km) Lunch. Transfer from Pospelikha to Barnaul (230 km) Sanitary stop in Aleysk Check-in at the hotel. Rest. Dinner. A la carte menu Accommodation: Barnaul Hotel | |
Day 7. Breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport |
International Association of Natural Resources (iAONR)
318- 3478 WESTBROOK MALL, VANCOUVER, V6S 0B6, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
www.iaonr.org | info@iaonr.org