The first project focused on local tourism development. This has long been identified as a priority by Russians and Western experts for the Lake Baikal region. The second project involved innovative vegetable production. This also represents a direction that is necessary for Buryatia. Land in this republic is not able to produce sufficient fodders to support large herds of cattle or sheep.
Timber is presently over-harvested which is causing severe ecological problem.
Various row crops have proven disastrous to the fragile and low fertility soils. But the sandy soils are excellent for many vegetable varieties. The location of the republic also provides markets for vegetables north to the gold mines and south to Mongolia. In 2000-2001 we expect that our school exchange will be funded at a higher level. The overall grant program by US Information Agency for Russia has been expanded.