Deforestation for gambling zone in Altai Republic
Massive deforestation is underway near the Manzherok resort in the Altai Republic for a new gambling zone, despite public protests and environmental concerns. The project, linked to Sber's development of the resort, has been approved by regional and federal authorities.
Consensus
- Massive deforestation is occurring near the Manzherok resort in the Republic of Altai.
- The deforestation is for a new gambling zone.
- The project has been approved by the State Duma and signed into law by Putin.
- Local residents and activists have protested the creation of the gambling zone.
- The Manzherok resort has been developed since 2012 by Sber.
- The movement 'Kurultai of the Altai People' submitted 3,900 signatures opposing the gambling zone in February 2026.
- The Republic of Altai's government and the State Duma approved the gambling zone despite opposition.
- A blogger named Artem Shefer documented the deforestation in a video posted in October.
- The deforestation is linked to concerns about increased bear attacks due to habitat loss.
- The project is connected to the construction of a new 14-kilometer road near Manzherok.
Points of divergence
- The head of the Manzherok resort, Vladimir Shcherbinin, announced a large-scale program of compensatory reforestation, aiming to plant around 300 hectares of forest by the end of 2026. — meduza
- The head of the Republic of Altai, Alexander Prokopiev, praised Manzherok for its responsible environmental approach and active ecological stance. — meduza
- The gambling zone was created 'despite the opinion of public activists' and is linked to the head of Sber, German Gref. — tg_horizontal_russia
- Duma deputy Vyacheslav Marhaev (CPRF) was the only one to oppose the law in the State Duma, citing concerns about gambling addiction and the existing casino in neighboring Altai Krai. — tg_horizontal_russia
Coverage (2 sources)
- In the Republic of Altai, trees are being cut down for a new gaming zone near the resort of Manjerok. It was allowed to be created despite residents' protests — Meduza
- Altaian resident showed logging under gambling zone created by head of 'Sber' against public opinion — 7х7 — Горизонтальная Россия
Key entities
- Sber
- Republic of Altai
- Manzerok
- Shefer
- Artem Shafar
- V
- Rain
- Altai
- Gerald Greff
- Altai resident
- Kurultai of the Altai People