Ilya Gurov: "BRICS Geographer's Day – There will Definitely be an Effect"

There was no Geographer's Day in Russia until 2020. The initiative to introduce it was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the RGS. For the first time, Geographer's Day was celebrated in 2020 on August 18. It was on this day in 1845 that the Imperial Russian Geographical Society was founded at the behest of Nicholas I.

In 2023, the RGS made a proposal to make August 18 unified BRICS Geographer’s Day. The initiative was supported by all the countries that are members of this international association. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia made a great contribution to the process of establishing the professional holiday. As a result, at the 16th BRICS Summit, which was held on October 22-24, 2024, in Kazan, Vladimir Putin announced the establishment of BRICS Geographer's Day. Ilya Gurov, First Deputy Executive Director of the RGS, told about the plans and the work that preceded the event.

— What global effect do you expect from the joint work of the geographers of the BRICS countries?

— The BRICS countries are huge territories, diverse geographical landscapes, more than half of the world's population, thousands of peoples, many religions, unique nature, culture, and almost 40% of global GDP. In addition, they are the heirs of ancient civilizations: Russian, Chinese, Indian, Persian, and others. All of this is extremely interesting to study. There is a possibility to annually conduct joint expeditions and educational programs, as well as implement scientific projects. The BRICS nations are very talented. Naturally, when such people unite, including in the field of geography and related sciences, there will definitely be an effect. And we will see exactly which one in 5-10 years.

— This year, BRICS Geographer’s Day has already been celebrated. How did it happen?

— Indeed, the first celebration of BRICS Geographer's Day took place before its official announcement already this year, on August 18, at the Moscow Headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society. It was attended by experts in the field of geography, conservation, tourism, and related fields from the new, expanded BRICS countries: Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, as well as representatives of Russian departments and organizations, foreign embassies, and the media. In addition, our scientific and educational program in Khakassia and the Krasnoyarsk Territory was timed to coincide with BRICS Geographer’s Day. Events dedicated to the celebration were also held in India and Ethiopia. And in the future, I believe, these will be cross-border holidays in Russia and the BRICS countries, within the framework of which exhibitions, educational competitions, and student exchanges will be held.

— What are the historical prerequisites for the unification of the BRICS countries?

— Of course, it is necessary to say about the unique map of Siberia by Semyon Remezov of the late 17th century, the restoration of which was initiated by the Russian Geographical Society and is currently in full swing. This is a huge canvas with an area of almost 6 sq. m. At that time there was still no Russian Empire, and the task of this map was to show the possibilities of interaction between the Moscovian state and the countries of the Global South: how trade can develop, how quickly messages can be transmitted and embassies can be sent. That is why the map, essentially a logistical one, is oriented not to the north, as we are all used to, but to the south. The fact is that the state interests of the Moscovian state, our country, were then directed towards the south, aimed at China, India, Iran, and the Persian Gulf countries. In fact, this Semyon Remezov’s map is a prototype of the modern BRICS interstate association.

Prepared by: Vladimir NESKOROMNY