The bitter battle over tourism at Russia's 'Sacred Sea'
CNN
Lake Baikal, Russia's 'Sacred Sea,' has been a lifeline for inhabitants of Southern Siberia for thousands of years, thanks to its pristine water and rich fauna.
The gigantic ancient lake, bigger than all of the Great Lakes of North America combined, encompasses about 23% of the planet's freshwater reserves and is home to over 2,000 species. It is also the site of a bitter battle between the state, residents, and environmentalists trying to strike a balance between a population dependent on tourism and mass development infringing on a fragile ecosystem.More Related News