Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation
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The capital celebrated the 10th anniversary season of one of the country's largest corporate volunteer marathons, the "Poneslos" eco-marathon. The most active volunteer teams received awards from Norilsk Nickel. Projects that benefit nature and society were recognized not only with certificates but also with certificates to support future good deeds. The marathon's long-standing expert partner, the "Zapovednoye Poslostvo" Foundation, actively participated in the event.
The volunteer season, as in all previous years, lasted several months and included several stages, from project development and training to eco-volunteer shifts and the implementation of good deeds. The results of the tenth anniversary season were summed up in style: with a business game, cake, and big plans for the future. Experts from the Nature Embassy Foundation organized a "Nature Reshearium" for the participating teams—a brainstorming session to address real-life challenges facing protected areas. The participants enthusiastically proposed solutions to cases from Krasnoyarsk Stolby National Park and the Daurian Nature Reserve.
Over the past ten years, the marathon has grown from a local initiative into a large-scale program, uniting 173 teams and over 1,500 people across Russia in 2025—from Norilsk and the Murmansk region to Moscow and Transbaikal. While the first season focused on litter cleanup, today "Poneslos" encompasses six major areas: from scientific volunteering and assistance to protected areas to environmental education and animal rights.
The scientific focus—assisting nature reserve scientists—was a fascinating new feature last season. For example, at the Daursky Nature Reserve, volunteers helped scientists count birds, collected feathers for mercury analysis, and even made a scientific discovery, discovering that long-legged buzzards, due to a rodent shortage, have switched to feeding on… insects! And Moscow teams brilliantly demonstrated how to combine environmental and social assistance. For example, one team took over the "Husky Help" dog shelter. The volunteers not only walked the huskies but also organized a special outing for the dogs and children from the orphanage, giving both the children and the animals a joyful experience. Another team, while planting plants at a nursing home, realized that seniors need more than just greenery in their yard. They gave them a relevant lecture on digital security, protecting grandparents from online scammers. There are teams that have been supporting the Tsar's Apiary eco-center in Izmailovo Park, museum-reserves near Moscow, and other sites for several years now.
These projects are just part of a larger effort. This season, volunteers across the country built eco-trails, improved street spaces in their communities, supported animal shelters, created eco-art installations, and held hundreds of educational events.
The evening concluded, as is traditional, with a shared celebratory cake. But for the "Ponesils" volunteers, this isn't the end, but merely a pause before new achievements. After all, as the participants themselves say, they're already a big family, growing stronger with each passing year and ready to make the world a better place.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.