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The message reads, in part:

“I am happy that the premiere of the wonderful documentary film, The Master of the Altai Mountains, has brought together in Moscow a large and close-knit team of like-minded enthusiasts, including zoologists, nature reserve staff, volunteers, and members of civic organisations, charities and, of course, filmmakers – all those who are personally contributing to the conservation of snow leopards and who draw inspiration from the stunning beauty of the primeval nature of Altai Mountains.

I want to emphasise that issues related to the environment and effective natural resource management deserve to be among the major national priorities. Programmes are being carried out to protect rare animal species and ambitious research, information, education and creativity projects are ongoing.

I want to mention in this context the significant and responsible work of The Irbis Centre for the Research and Conservation of Snow Leopards, which is an interregional association. Thanks largely to the tireless, laborious and truly selfless work of the association members, it has become possible to achieve tangible practical results in making safe the habitat of this predator, which is included on the Red List of Threatened Species.

I am confident that the premiere of this documentary film will generate genuine interest among a broader viewing audience and will help people, primarily young people, develop a considered approach to our unique natural resources.”