Vladimir Putin during a speech at the XVII Congress of the RGS. Photo: kremlin.ru
Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Geographical Society, spoke at the XVII Congress of the RGS, which ended on October 23 in Moscow.
The Russian President recalled that this year we celebrated two important anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the Victory and the 180th anniversary of the RGS.
«We know about the great contribution made by geographers, topographers, and meteorologists towards the Victory and defeat of Nazism,» he said. «Sometimes whole huge, large-scale operations of the Second World War — yes, probably none of them could do without the help, support, and direct participation of these specialists.»
Vladimir Putin praised the activities of the Russian Geographical Society since its reboot in 2009. He noted that the achievements of the current members of the RGS in many areas were comparable to the achievements of their predecessors.
«You were the first in modern Russia to massively involve volunteers in the implementation of major projects. The first to launch programs for the conservation of rare animal species, which became the basis for systematic measures in this area at the state level,» Vladimir Putin said, addressing the delegates of the congress.
The Russian leader noted the large national project «Arctic: Spring Cleaning», in which thousands of volunteers participate today, and stressed that this was an initiative of the RGS, «from its very idea to its implementation». He called for using the vast experience of the Society’s work in difficult polar conditions in the implementation of development programs: from the economy and infrastructure to ecology, tourism, and the social sphere.
The President of Russia recalled that the main goal of the founders of the Geographical Society in 1845 was to «gather and direct the best young forces of Russia to a comprehensive study of their native land.» According to him, this goal is relevant today, because patriotism, a sense of being the part of the Motherland’s future, responsibility for its tomorrow are born from knowledge about its history and geography, about the cultural and natural heritage of the Fatherland.
Vladimir Putin called the main vector of further development of the RGS education and dissemination of knowledge, consolidation of youth around creative ideas and traditional values.
During his speech, the head of state made a number of important proposals: in particular, taking into account the extensive experience of the RGS with children (including the organization of specialized sessions «World of Discoveries»), to extend it to the whole country.
«Educational, themed recreation should be available in every region of the Federation. I suggest that the branches of the RGS, with the support of local authorities, of course, take up its organization,» said the head of the Board of Trustees of the RGS.
Vladimir Putin drew attention to the fact that 2027 was going to be rich in events related to the history of Russian geography. It will be 200 years since the birth of the great scientist, one of the leaders of the RGS, Pyotr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky. Also celebrations will be held for the 200th anniversary of the first Chairman of the RGS, Grand Duke Konstantin, and the 330th anniversary of the discovery of Kamchatka by Russian pioneers.
«Taking into account the contribution of our geographers from different eras to the strengthening of the state and the highest importance of geographical science, I ask the government to consider the possibility of declaring 2027 the Year of Geography,» said the President of Russia. «It is also important for us from a political point of view. And the main event of this year may be not only the consolidation of maps — or new maps — of the Russian Federation, but also of practical importance will be the opening of the Museum of Geography, of course.»
Vladimir Putin noted that there were few specialized geographical museums in the world, but the museum, which «must necessarily» be created in Russia, must become the largest, most beautiful, diverse and, of course, must meet all the requirements of today.