On the first day of the International Tiger Conservation Forum, the environmental ministers from 13 states approved the global programme to restore the tiger populations from 2010 to 2022.

"Wild tigers are under threat of extinction; both action and inaction will shape their destiny in the next 10 years," the document's introductory statement reads. "The programme to restore the tiger population is the last hope for the survival of one of the earth's most spectacular species, and the preservation of the natural habitat in which it lives."

The programme calls for the development of 13 respective national plans on restoring the tiger population in its natural habitat in Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Nepal. About 350 million dollars, in addition to the funds provided as part of the national plans, are set to be allocated to finance the programme over the next five years.

A system of protected nature reserves is planned for Russia as part of the programme. Also, the programme provides additional support for inspectors – with wage increases and new equipment. Special ecologically protected corridors, designed to reduce the impact of deforestation and road construction on the tigers' habitat, will be created to connect these protected reserves.

Some 25% of the tigers' known habitat areas will receive reserve status. Russia plans to increase its domestic tiger population to 500 from the current 450 and to maintain this level until 2022.

Russia's programme has been assessed at $19 million, with the objectives estimated to take from two to 10 years.