Материалы экспедиции Николая Вавилова в Южную Америку. Фото: Научный архив РГО
A meeting of delegations from the Geographical Society of Lima, the Russian Geographical Society, and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Peru in Russia took place in Moscow. The parties discussed the opening of an Expedition and Tourism Center, a joint research project following the route of the famous geneticist Nikolai Vavilov, and an exhibition of maps of Latin America and photographs organized by the Russian scientist in Peru in the 20th century.
In the 1930s, plant breeder Nikolai Vavilov, who headed the All-Union Geographical Society, organized an expedition to Peru and Bolivia. The potato and grain seed samples collected there later became the basis for many high-yielding varieties and hybrids. The RGS is now preparing a new expedition in the explorer’s footsteps — it will be the first project of the Expedition and Tourism Center in Lima, which will open at Corporación Kajatt Vaccari. Participants will retrace Vavilov’s route, but using new technologies, including DNA analysis and GIS mapping.
«Despite geopolitical challenges, the Russian Geographical Society is actively expanding its international activities: we hold events in more than 130 countries, including South America,» noted Artem Manukyan, First Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society. «We currently have eight centers abroad, two of which are expedition and tourism centers. South America is of particular interest to us — Russian geographers have been exploring these territories since the 19th century. We look forward to continuing their work and organizing joint scientific expeditions with our Peruvian colleagues.»
The participation in the meeting of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Peru to Russia Manuel Augusto De Cossío Klüver confirmed the high level of intergovernmental support for scientific initiatives. The head of the diplomatic mission highlighted the prospects for joint work between scientists from the two countries.
Meeting of delegations. Photo: Vladimir Neskoromny / RGS press service
«Founded in 1888, the Geographical Society of Lima historically dealt with protecting the country’s territorial rights, and today it focuses on resource exploration, infrastructure development, and international scientific exchange,» noted María del Carmen Carrasco Coello, President of the Geographical Society of Lima. «We are grateful to the RGS for initiating this joint work and appreciate that Russia has become the driver of this partnership. Geography remains a global science, free from political constraints.»
The opening of the Expedition and Tourism Center of the RGS in Lima is scheduled for November.