The environmental activities of the Russian Geographical Society were presented at the World Youth Festival as part of the panel discussion "Endangered Species: Main Issues of Biological Diversity Conservation". Yana Fedosova, Director of the RGS Department for Youth Work, made a presentation at the event.
The panelists discussed the acute issue of the deterioration of biodiversity on the planet. Yana Fedosova spoke about the results of the long-term work of the Russian Geographical Society in this field, about the significant contribution to the field of environmental protection, as well as the fact that hundreds of scientific and environmental education projects have been implemented throughout Russia by regional branches of the Russian Geographical Society, youth clubs, and specialized centers.
The Russian Geographical Society has significant experience in wildlife research and conservation not only in Russia but also in other regions of the world. Currently, the RGS is implementing scientific volunteering projects to attract young people to environmental protection activities.
Yana Fedosova's speech at the discussion at the World Youth Festival. Photo: Anastasia Yamchuk
“Each of us has a responsibility for what our future will be like, and what kinds of views our descendants will see. Let's preserve nature together," Yana Fedosova addressed the participants of the discussion.
The report noted that the Russian Geographical Society has allocated more than 100 grants for the conservation of 28 rare species, 23 of which are listed in the Red Book. Currently, the RGS oversees over 200 projects to study, protect, and support populations of rare animals, including the Amur tiger, Far Eastern leopard, snow leopard, beluga whale, and Przewalski's horse.
The Russian Geographical Society is engaged not only in the study and conservation of rare animals but also in the popularization of knowledge and ideas of respect for the environment. An important mission is to involve young people in the environmental projects of the Russian Geographical Society.