KRASNOYARSK, October 14. /TASS/. An ecology trail leading to the Olor Waterfall in the Putorana Plateau foothills opened in Taymyr. While walking along the trail, visitors will be able to see various representatives of the northern flora and fauna, press service of the Expert Center at the Arctic Development Project Office (PORA) told TASS.
"The Five Ethnic Groups of Taymyr ecological trail has been opened," the press service said. "It leads to the Olor Waterfall on the Kharayelakh Range slopes, in the foothills of the Putorana Plateau."
"The name - Five Ethnic Groups of Taymyr - refers to the peninsula's five indigenous peoples - the Dolgans, Nganasans, Ents, Nenets, and Evenks," the press service continued. "Wooden sculptures about four meters high, created with traditional ornaments and symbols, are dedicated to their cultural heritage."
As the number of tourists has been growing over recent years, on the peninsula appeared natural trails, bonfires, debris and damage to vegetation - right in the direction to the Olor waterfall, the Expert Center said. The new ecology trail with an entrance group, navigation poles, information stands and themed art objects will guide visitors along an organized route.
According to the organizers, while walking along the new trail, visitors will be able to see rare representatives of the northern fauna, for example, gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, white-billed loon and tundra swan. Special attention is paid to mosses, lichens and other plants that are sensitive to trampling.
"The development of tourism in the Arctic should not conflict with objectives to preserve its unique nature. Right on the contrary, a properly-organized tourist flow can reduce the burden on the fragile northern ecosystems, and at the same time it can make natural attractions more accessible. The ecology trail to the Olor Waterfall is a good example of this approach," Maxim Dankin, Director General of the PORA Expert Center and a member of the Russian Federation's Civic Chamber, said commenting on the event.
At the ceremonial opening of the trail, representatives of Taymyr's low-numbered indigenous peoples conducted the sacred Dolgan ceremony, dubbed "Alastyr", which included the symbolic purification of the sculptures with the smoke of rosemary and juniper - for good luck, they said.