Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation
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On January 20, 2026, the grand opening of the visitor center took place at Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park. Its launch marked the final stage of a three-year comprehensive program to develop Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park, implemented by JTI Russia and the Nature Conservation Embassy Foundation.
In preparing the national park development project, the Zapovednoye Poloslovo Foundation conducted a sociological study, which formed the basis of a comprehensive tourism development strategy for Smolenskoye Poozerie. Over the three years of the joint program between JTI Russia and the Zapovednoye Poloslovo Foundation, the "Poozerie Without Barriers" eco-trail was established in the national park, one of the few routes in Russia for people with limited mobility. With the participation of volunteers, 117,500 Scots pine seedlings and 94,500 Norway spruce seedlings were planted on 60 hectares of the park over the three years of the project. Over the course of the three years, the bison population increased from 80 to 140 individuals. A new demonstration enclosure, "Zubrinets," was also built in the park, where these endangered animals are exhibited year-round.
The visitor center occupies 420 square meters and consists of several modules. It includes a guest area, a conference room for 100 people, offices for park staff, and a large-scale exhibition dedicated to the nature and history of the national park.
"The visitor center is the crown jewel of the national park development project. This space will become a powerful focal point for park visitors and local residents. This is where tourists will first encounter the national park, where they will receive comprehensive information about its unique nature, routes and recreational opportunities, and the scientific and environmental work being carried out in the park," explains Natalia Danilina, President of the Zapovednoye Polostel'stvo Foundation.
"For JTI Russia, supporting Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park is our first experience with a comprehensive, long-term program to support a protected area. As the project developed, we witnessed the park's transformation and improvement. The opening of the visitor center will make this unique region even more attractive to tourists and volunteers from across the country," comments Evgeny Nikolsky, CEO of JTI Russia.
The establishment of a center of this caliber will not only provide a powerful boost to tourism in the national park but also expand opportunities for economic and social development throughout the Smolensk region. It will host events to preserve historical and cultural heritage, support social entrepreneurship, and implement regional initiatives.
"The Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park, a unique natural treasure in our region, has long been a magnet for numerous tourists, active and family vacation enthusiasts, naturalists, and explorers. Therefore, creating modern, comfortable infrastructure for visitors is one of the goals of the park's dynamic development as a tourism and recreation cluster. I am pleased that reputable businesses and public organizations are participating in this work alongside the residents of Smolensk, helping to unlock the rich potential of the protected areas of the Smolensk region," emphasized Vasily Anokhin, Governor of the Smolensk Region.
With the opening of the visitor center in Przhevalskoye, a new permanent thematic exhibition dedicated to the natural, historical, and cultural treasures of Smolenskoye Poozerie will open. The story of the national park's 35 lakes is presented in the central part of the exhibition within a thematic installation. Another highlight of the exhibition is an artistic installation of a glacier, simulating the scale and thickness of the ice cap. The museum's creative concept is built around the central installation, "Drops," which simulates water in its various states. Chains of multifaceted "drops," a transparent bottom beneath one's feet, and the contours of mirror-like lakes—this creative image of water, which has shaped the modern natural landscape of Smolenskoye Poozerie and continues to influence life in this area. Entering this installation, one experiences new sensations and begins to see new meaning in the national park's heritage through its fragility and beauty.
The exhibition is designed like a guidebook. Interactive exhibits are arranged around the perimeter of the hall, explaining the natural and cultural and historical landmarks of the national park. The historical narrative is divided into themes: Neolithic sites, the Varangian-Greek route, the Great Patriotic War, and traditional land management. Interactive "calling cards" and artifact collections explain the nature of the Smolensk Lake District—the climate, forests, animals, and plants. A separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to the bison, the master of the Smolensk forest.
Temporary exhibitions of local artists are already planned for the visitor center next year, and negotiations are underway with leading museums across the country to organize an exhibition of archaeological finds from the Northwestern Expedition. The new visitor center will host events commemorating the national park's 35th anniversary in 2027. The visitor center will host conservation festivals, such as the traditional Stork Festival, and folk festivals such as Maslenitsa and Christmas. The Smolenskoye Poozerie visitor center will also host participants of the traditional conference in memory of N.M. Przhevalsky.
"The dream became a reality when a joint project with the Zapovednoye Posledstvo (Reserve Embassy) Charitable Educational Foundation was launched. A huge thank you to Natalia Romanovna Danilina, the foundation's President, for initiating the Zapovednoye Posledstvo (Reserve Embassy), with the support of JTI Russia, to implement a comprehensive development project for the Smolenskoye Poozerie territory. The project includes infrastructure development, reforestation, the creation of a navigation system, bison population support, and the development of a volunteer movement. Park staff, local residents, and the Smolensk Region Government are now aware of another significant outcome of this joint project: a new visitor center, outstanding in size and facilities," noted Alexander Kochergin, Director of the Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park.
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