Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a plan designating key events to be held in 2017 as part of the Year of Environment in Russia, with special emphasis on Lake Baikal and the Arctic, Interfax news agency reported, citing Dmitry Medvedev's statement at a cabinet meeting.

"This Sunday we will celebrate Environment Protection Day. I have just signed a plan of key events to be held in 2017 as part of the Year of Environment in Russia, both on federal and regional levels," Mr Medvedev said.

According to the Prime Minister, the plan covers all aspects of environmental protection, including efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, transitioning to the best available technologies, preserving forests, rivers, lakes and wild life.

"In this plan, special importance is attached to our unique natural sites, by which I mean Lake Baikal and the Arctic. Some of the events are dedicated to environmental education. We have allocated currently available funds for holding these events," Mr Medvedev pointed out.