Ecoturism

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In the twenty-first century, more and more people are vacationing closer to nature. The Phoenix Fund, a Russian environmental non-governmental organization, offers unique ecological tours for nature lovers in Primorsky krai, also known as Primorye. Primorye has abundant unique outdoor recreational opportunities, such as bird watching, wildlife observation, nature trails, fishing, camping, backpacking, boating and scuba diving.

We provide tours for those who have had enough of mass tourism. Our model of travel is about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment - but it is about far more than that. If you travel to learn, relax, discover, and achieve a sense of personal fulfilment - rather than simply to tick off 'places and things' - then our tours are for you. We are offering our tours for a group of 1-5 people. All our tours start in Vladivostok. We want you to understand the relationship between local people and their environment, and know that income from tourism can be a powerful incentive for conservation. Tourists who choose our tours value diversity-the diversity of people, cultures and environments - and are determined to leave no physical evidence of their visit but their footprints. Our tours are about re-discovering how to experience and be in nature - feeling it, smelling it and learning about it rather than just looking at it. Through this our visitors replenish their souls, grow as individuals, and make a positive contribution towards conserving the world's diversity of people, animals, plants, and landscapes.

Travelling with us is not just a brief stay somewhere - it is a real connection with the people, the landscape, the culture, the food and the environment. We offer an array of unique and environmentally friendly opportunities to experience and help conserve the majestic Far Eastern wilderness. Since its inception in 1998, Phoenix has been closely cooperating with all the protected areas of Primorye and assisting with anti-poaching, fire-fighting and educational programmes. Phoenix works closely with the local communities, conservation agencies and experts to develop and maintain a network committed to the conservation of habitats and wildlife. An independent local NGO, today Phoenix has many devoted adherents all over Primorsky krai (also known as Primorye). The NGO has been recognised internationally, including the Whitley Award 2006. To ensure long-term survival of the Amur tiger and other rare and endangered species Phoenix has been implementing a program comprising anti-poaching efforts, rescue operations and educational activities in Primorye. And we believe that ecotourism in Primorye can play a positive role in the protection of the nation's incredible biodiversity, endangered species, and lush forests.By choosing our tours, you will make significant contribution to nature conservation in Primorye, because the tours' costs will directly support the protected areas. Together we can create a better world and conserve our natural heritage.

Primorye

Why is Primorye worth visiting? The legend says, "While distributing treasures among different lands, God forgot about Primorye. When he remembered, he threw it the leftovers out of his sack." The legend seems plausible, because, in fact, Primorye has a very rich and diverse, and at the same time vulnerable, variety of natural treasures. Scientifically, Primorye has the most biodiversity and highest endemicity of species in Russia due to its geographical location at the junction of Eurasia and the Pacific Ocean. When the continents of the Northern hemisphere were covered in ice and massive glaciers, the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean preserved the southern areas of the Russian Far East from glaciation, saving ferns and other heat-loving plants. At the same time, general cooling brought many plants and animals from the taiga and tundra over the course of thousands of years. The mixing of southern and northern biota resulted in a rich diversity and rare combination of cold- and heat-loving species.

Inhabiting our forests are a vast array of wild animals: Amur tiger, Amur leopard, Asiatic black bear, brown bear, wolf, wild boar, goral, sika deer, reindeer, Siberian stag, sable, lynx, fox, and many others. Over 458 species of birds dwell permanently or migrate through Primorye, including the endangered cattle egret, spoonbill, black stork, black-billed white stork, mandarin duck, Japanese starling, black vulture, golden eagle, Japanese crested ibis, Asian spruse grouse, hooded crane, Polivanov's parrotbill and many others.

More than 2500 species of plants in Primorye make the region a botanist's paradise. The majority of the region's territory is taken up by rich coniferous and coniferous-broadleaved forests. Among rare plants such species as ancient lotus, ginseng, different ferns, yew, chozenia willow, eleuterococus, Chinese magnolia vine, decussate microbiota, rhododendron fauriei franch are worth mentioning.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. Victoria Molchanova and Irina Burtseva will be glad to assist with ideas for your individual travel planning and arrange your visit to Primorye. Looking forward to see you in Primorye!

Approximate prices for our eco-tours in Primorye:

- Kedrovaya Pad Biosphere Nature Reserve - from $2,500 to $5,000 per person (5-day tour)
- Far East Marine Biosphere Reserve - from $3,000 to $10,000 per person (3-day tour)
- Khankaisky Biosphere Nature Reserve - from $1,500 to $2,500 per person (2-day tour)
- Lazovsky Nature Reserve - from $4,500 to $7,000 (3-day tour)
- Udege Legend National Park - from $4,500 to $7,000 per person (3-day tour)
- Zov Tigra National Park - from $2,500 to $4,000 per person (3-day tour)
- Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Nature Reserve - from $4,500 to $7,000 (3-day tour)
The price includes:
-transfers on arrival in Vladivostok and departure;
-transportation (Vladivostok - protected area - Vladivostok);
-transportation (all-terrain vehicle) inside the protected areas;
-accommodation;
-meals;
-services of an interpreter.
Not included in price:
-international flight to and from Vladivostok;
-visa support;
-and life insurance.

Tips

Seasons/Weather

Winters in Vladivostok are usually dry and windy, with occasional snowfalls. Temperatures may vary from -25°C (-13°F) to +3°C (+37°F). Early spring is still cold (sometimes it snows even in April!). Trees usually begin to blossom and turn green in late April-early May. Temperatures may get as low as -10°C/14°F (March, April) and as high as +18°C/64°F (May). The first part of summer is characterized by heavy fogs (especially in the morning), drizzles and rains. But the weather is quite unstablea period of good sunny weather may be followed by a week of rains or vice versa. Beach season usually begins in mid-July, when sea temperature warms up to +20-21°C. August is traditionally the best summer month in Vladivostok, except for typhoons coming mostly from Asian countries. Autumn comes to Vladivostok later than to Western part of Russia. September is "Indian Summer" time in Vladivostok - when it is still possible to swim and the average temperature is about +18°C/64°F. In late September and almost all October you may admire the picturesque Russian autumn when leaves of the trees turn different colours. November is rather dull and cold (up to -7-10°C/ 19-14°F), and in late November it usually snows for the first time. The best months for coming to Vladivostok are August and September. If you happen to travel in winter do not forget to take REALLY warm clothes and shoes with you! You will need a preferably long, thick windproof coat, a hat with ear-flaps to guard against frostbite, gloves, scarf and thermal underwear. Shoes should be stout and water resistant in any season, and always come equipped for sudden chills.

Russian cuisine

Try traditional Russian pelmeni (meat dumplings), blinis (pancakes) which you can combine with honey, herring or black/red caviar, borscht (beet-root soup), salmon and many other local delicacies.

Drinking water

Running water is not drinkable if not boiled but you can easily purchase mineral water in all the shops (both "flat" and carbonated). Please make sure to emphasize that you want plain mineral water without bubbles when you order at a restaurant.

Tipping

There is no regular tipping policy in Russia. You can pay tips as large as you want if you find service good.

Electricity

To use your electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and a plug adapter. The electrical current in Russia is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take continental-type plugs, with two round prongs.

National holidays

* Matryoshka Dolls - these dolls, also known as Russian nesting dolls, are a favorite Russian souvenir. They come in the traditional styles - girls with flowered dresses and headscarves - or more whimsical designs (from Communist leaders to the Simpsons).

* Lacquer Boxesminiature art on Russian lacquer boxes is one Russia's most precious legacies. They are handcrafted from a high quality papier-mache, then they are handpainted by skilled artists who must do most of their work with the aid of a strong magnifying lens. Each box is finished with many layers of clear lacquer.

* Birchbark Souvenirs - Birchbark is used all over Russia in decorative folk crafts. Boxes, hairpins, picture frames, or plates fashioned from birchbark vary in intricacy of design and cost.

* Gzhel Ceramics - the most common Gzhel ceramics are of a blue-and-white floral design. Tea sets, bowls, and other kitchen ware feature these traditional designs.

* Khokhloma Souvenirs - This gorgeous folk art is often scoffed at as being too common for the discerning tourist, but the typical red, gold, and black floral and berry designs date back hundreds of years. These symbolic colors were originally used for religious purposes.

*Souvenir Eggs & Nesting Eggs - Hand painted wooden souvenir eggs and eggs that can hold treats or stand alone as your holiday table centerpiece. Nesting Eggs are a unique version of the Russian nesting dolls, and would be a well received gift for the matryoshka collector in any season.

Precautions/Safety

Before setting off for a trip, you should consider being immunised against tick-borne encephalitis. In Primorye, the main periods of tick activity are April-June and September-October. We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart.

Safety rules are universal - you should stick to them in every city worldwide, no matter where you travel. So just keep in mind the following recommendations:

* Walking at night use your common sense, don't go alone, don't go into dark unlit areas, or other areas you are unfamiliar with;

* Never leave your bags unattended. When sitting or resting, in public, be sure to loop the handle over your arm or leg. Any valuables should be locked away in a safe place (e.g. a safe deposit box in your hotel);

* Be on alert for handbag snatchers and pickpockets, especially in crowded places - markets, shops, etc.;

* Try not to carry your passport around everywhere you go. You may leave it in the hotel deposit box and take copies of passport and visa with you together with the hotel guest card;

* Always carry the address of your hotel in Russian and its telephone number and that of your embassy;

* Be very selective and careful in establishing new acquaintances.