Together with Andrei Subbotin, senior researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Problems of Ecology and Evolution, who the President invited to accompany him on the visit to Tuva, Mr Putin made a boat trip down the Khemchik River, crossing rapids classified as grade four difficulty on the way.
After the boat trip, the President and Mr Subbotin travelled by car and horse to the foothills of the Western Sayan Range, crossed several valleys and observed various types of wildlife, including the Siberian mountain goat. During the trip, Mr Putin discussed the issue of preserving unique ecosystems and rare animal species with Mr Subbotin.
Mr Putin also travelled to the eastern part of the Republic of Tuva, where he visited the Balaktykhem River.
Before leaving the republic, Mr Putin met with Sholban Kara-ool, the head of Tuva’s government.
The President left the Tuvan capital, Kyzyl, in the middle of the day.