Russian Far East Public Watershed Council Network Initiative

About this grant

The project goal is to promote public participation in decisionmaking in order to maximize local benefits from resource exploitation. To this end, the Wild Salmon Center will continue to strengthen the capacity of a network of watershed councils in the Russian Far East. In 2011-2012, these community-based councils successfully represented the varied interests of the watersheds’ resident populations, users, and visitors. They provided input on policy, economic, and restoration activities, encouraging civil society to channel community knowledge to government decisionmakers. In 2013-2014, project activities include supporting council strategy implementation, conducting outreach and recruiting new leadership, facilitating learning between the councils, providing expert training, and supporting the development of policy recommendations. Established in 1992, the Wild Salmon Center promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon ecosystems across the Pacific Rim.