Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The project is being implemented by the Potanin Foundation in partnership with the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation.
An event for volunteer shift participants and representatives of the Potanin Foundation School 2026 territories was held in the Moscow region from February 25 to March 1. The event brought together over 150 participants, including volunteers, volunteer program leaders, winners of the Vladimir Potanin Scholarship Program, and representatives of nature reserves, national parks, and museums. Over the five days, nearly 20 educational events of various formats were organized, ranging from training sessions on psychology and team building, safety and first aid, to game rooms dedicated to the nature of nature reserves and national parks, climate discussions, and grant application preparation workshops. School participants attended and spoke at the discussion "Nature and Culture: Preservation, Development, Reaching a New Audience," which took place at the New Jerusalem Museum.
The event, organized by the Potanin Foundation in partnership with the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation, was part of preparations for the anniversary and largest-ever season of volunteer camps in Russia's protected areas as part of the "Potanin Foundation School 2026" project to preserve natural and cultural heritage. The project, now in its fifth year, is expanding: this year, 63 volunteer programs are planned in the country's protected areas, spanning a vast geography, from Karelia to the Far East. Since its inception, 800 Potanin Foundation community members have joined the project, and the new season will see a further 500 volunteers join. The volunteers represent a variety of professions and interests, applying their knowledge of ecology, history, archeology, and community engagement to preserve heritage in protected areas.
Yulia Lizicheva, Program Director of the Potanin Foundation: "One of the key results of the Foundation's School is the formation of a community around natural and cultural heritage sites, united by a shared responsibility for their preservation and development. This community is made up of the School's volunteers—students and teachers who bring their expertise to the work and form sustainable horizontal connections—volunteer program leaders, representatives of protected areas, and everyone who contributes to the movement's activities. The School of Volunteer Program Leaders and Territory Representatives was an opportunity for us to gather on the eve of the project's launch and compare notes: discuss plans and priorities, learn new things, get to know each other better, and get ready for the new anniversary season of the School—the Potanin Foundation's largest environmental and volunteer initiative. I thank every member of our community for their commitment, engagement, and collaboration, and I look forward to seeing you all this summer."
Yulia Vereshchak, Director of International Projects at the Nature Embassy Foundation: "Several years ago, we began our work at the Foundation's School from scratch, explaining what a protected area is, a museum-reserve, and why volunteers are needed. We talked about the different worlds: cultural sites, natural areas, and volunteering. Today, the School has reached a whole new level. It's now a major collaborative effort between all participants. The territories have been able to experience the power of volunteer assistance and offer volunteers more systematic and long-term participation. Volunteers, for their part, have better understood the specifics of working in protected areas and are initiating new approaches to territorial development. Another highlight of this year's program was the events dedicated to deeper engagement with the Potanin Foundation and the Nature Embassy Foundation. I believe this will lead to expanded opportunities for collaboration within the community."
Anna Ufimtseva, researcher at the Baikal State Nature Reserve: "The Baikal Nature Reserve is preparing to host the Potanin Foundation's volunteer camp for the first time. Our program will be built around the Baikalskaya Bird Ringing Station. At the School for Volunteer Program Leaders and Territory Representatives, I saw many opportunities to expand our station's network of friends and promote scientific volunteering. It's great that interested winners of the Foundation's programs can then propose their own projects to help the protected areas. This is very motivating for us to demonstrate ourselves as an interesting platform for environmental initiatives!"
Ildus Nurmukhametov, Shulgan-Tash State Nature Reserve: "This was my first time participating in the Potanin Foundation School, and I'm impressed. The organizers' seriousness and extensive experience are immediately apparent. Everything was meticulously planned, and the program was rich and useful. It's clear that the Potanin Foundation School volunteers are well-prepared, and we'll be happy to welcome them to our grounds."
Khamza Apobekov, Omsk, volunteer: "The school was a rich and practical event. I especially remember the case studies, as well as the extensive first aid module with skills training—all of which will definitely be useful in protected areas. I liked that the program combined training and informal networking: business games, group discussions, and a trip to the New Jerusalem Museum helped us get to know each other better and share experiences. Ultimately, I left not only with new knowledge and contacts, but also with a clearer understanding of my role as a volunteer program leader."
Natalia Korshunova, Moscow, volunteer program leader: "The school set the tone for a vibrant summer: we attended many useful classes on volunteer work in protected areas, shared experiences, and were incredibly energized by connecting with like-minded people. The school once again demonstrated that we are part of a larger and more important effort to preserve our country's natural and cultural heritage. Thank you to the organizers for the valuable program and inspiration!"
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.