On 23 May, Russia’s new Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin met with Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Erik Solheim to discuss cooperation between his ministry and the UNEP. It was Mr Kobylkin’s first international working meeting since his appointment as minister.

Mr Solheim, on behalf of the UNEP, praised Russia’s efforts in environmental protection and the conservation of rare animal species, including the Amur tiger, and said that the UNEP would welcome a greater environmental role of Russia on a global scale. He believes that Russia’s achievements in protecting the Amur tiger population should gain greater publicity at the international level.

Dmitry Kobylkin, for his part, said that the latest presidential executive order sets a significant number of environmental tasks before his ministry. He expressed hope for cooperation with the UNEP and other international organisations and is prepared to use international experience in this field.