Greetings on Tiger Day

The message reads, in part:

"This celebration has firmly established itself on the calendar of socially significant events in the Russian Far East and across the country. It has considerably expanded its educational and outreach potential, and today draws an ever-growing number of committed individuals into nature conservation efforts.

In recent years, your dedicated team of like-minded people - staff of the Amur Tiger Centre, biologists, game wardens, local history enthusiasts, and, of course, numerous volunteers - has carried out extensive and painstaking work. The Amur tiger population in the Russian Far East is growing year on year; scientific, methodological, and practical approaches to preserving biodiversity are being refined; the infrastructure of specially protected natural areas is expanding; the security of nature reserves is being strengthened; and environmental awareness is rising among the general public and the younger generation.

I am confident that the regular observance of Tiger Day will continue to foster a responsible and caring attitude towards the unique natural heritage of our country and of the entire planet."