At the stand of the Russian Geographical Society. Photo: UNA-Russia
The Russian Geographical Society took part in the business program of the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), which was held from February 25 to 28 in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. An exhibition stand of the RGS dedicated to projects studying, preserving, and raising awareness about rare species of marine animals, as well as the problem of marine pollution was presented at the event.
The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development is held annually under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). It is the largest regional platform for discussing the effective implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The traditional venue is the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.
At the stand of the Russian Geographical Society. Photo: RGS press service
One of the main themes of the APFSD was the «Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development» established by the UN General Assembly. Within the framework of this topic, the Russian Geographical Society, together with the United Nations Association of Russia (UNA-Russia), presented an exhibition stand with information on key educational projects and expeditions of the RGS, the contribution of Russian scientists to the study of the oceans (Yu. M. Shokalsky, K. M. Deryugin, P. Yu. Schmidt), as well as photo albums «The Most Beautiful Country» and examples of publications on marine ecosystems prepared with the grant support of the RGS («Atlas of Salmonids of Russia», «Atlas of Cetaceans of the Far Eastern Seas of Russia»). A VR cinema was operating at the stand, which allowed the forum participants to see the beauty and diversity of Russia’s nature.
At the session of the UNA-Russia and the EEC. Photo: UNA-Russia
Anastasia Timofeeva, Adviser of the of Expert Analytics and International Affairs Department, spoke at the session of the United Nations Association of Russia and the Eurasian Economic Commission dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development goals within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. She spoke about the work of the RGS to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Representatives of the RGS took part in the event «Upholding the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable ocean to accelerate ocean-based climate action». It discussed the need to expand knowledge and intensify activities in this area, to involve young people in the topic, including through voluntary regional initiatives.
Mathilda D'Silva, Director of the Ocean Purpose Project, talking about her project. Photo: ESCAP
On the final day of the forum, the delegation of the Russian Geographical Society participated in the event «SDG: partnership report». During the meeting, Thai marine parks inspector Psi Scott and Singapore Ocean Purpose Project director Mathilda D’Silva spoke about the obstacles they face while working to preserve marine ecosystems in their countries.
Another important outcome of the visit of the delegation of the Russian Geographical Society to Bangkok was a meeting with the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage. A working meeting was also held with a representative of Rossotrudnichestvo in Thailand.