Sino-Russian team to check Baikal ecology
By Wang Ying (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-18 05:32

Experts from both countries will research the influence of the regional climate in Baikal upon the climate of North China, which has been greatly affected by frequent climate changes in Siberia.

Another focus for the joint investigation is a comparison study of industrial enterprises in the Baikal region and China's northeast. This will help revitalize heavy industry in Northeast China as well deepening bilateral relations between the two nations.

The partnership will help find new ways to advance Sino-Russian co-operation in economics and technology and echoes President Hu Jintao's recent visit to Russia, promoting bilateral relations in a host of fields, such as politics, economics, technology and culture, said CAS's Chen.

For the Russian people, Lake Baikal is a natural treasure. Located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, and surrounded by mountains, forests and wild rivers, Baikal is an immense and breathtaking area of physical beauty.

Baikal holds 20 per cent of the earth's fresh water and harbours more endemic species of plants and animals than any other lake in the world. Fed by 336 rivers and streams including the Angara, Barguzin, Selenga, Turka and Snezhnaya, the lake holds 50 species of fish including bullhead, sturgeon and omul.