In this project a volunteer from Finland will be hosted by the Regional public nature conservation organization of Karelia, “SPOK”, a regional environmental NGO working particularly with forest protection issues in NW Russia. Two volunteers will engage in the activities of the local volunteers and staff and have a chance to contribute in the grass root work of an NGO, gain insight in the environmental situation in Russia and especially in old-growth forest protection. The project aims to develop mutual understanding and cooperation in environmental issues, support the protection in the taiga region and in Europe. Through international volunteering the concepts of European participation and active citizenship will be promoted.