Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A strategic session, "The Territory's Recreational Potential as a Driver of Regional Development," was held at a school in the village of Urshelsky, Vladimir Region. Entrepreneurs, local residents, the management of Meshchera National Park, and administration representatives developed a long-term vision for the future of their land. The strategic session was led and moderated by experts from the Zapovednoye Posledstvo (Protected Embassy) Foundation.
As a reminder, the Eduard Bendersky Foundation and the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation have been implementing a major joint comprehensive project to develop the cooperation area between the Meshchera National Park and the village of Urshelsky since 2026.
Ksenia Gasparyan, Development Director of the Nature Conservation Embassy Foundation, explained: "With the support of Eduard Bendersky's Foundation, extensive work has begun on developing a master plan—a strategic document for developing cooperation between Meshchera National Park and the village. Master planning as a development tool for protected areas and adjacent settlements is rare in our country, but it can achieve greater depth and solutions that are truly beneficial for all parties. Today, we gathered local residents, government representatives, local businesses, and, of course, the national park to discuss opportunities, their current understanding of the situation, and to analyze future directions."
Our experts shared with the participants practical experiences in developing sustainable tourism in similar areas with similar natural and climatic conditions. Participants, in turn, were asked to consider how to develop a sustainable tourism brand, "Territory of Cooperation between Meshchera National Park and the Village of Urshelsky," where the national park and the village operate not in parallel, but together.
"There's a lot of talk in the country today about developing national parks, the entire protected area system, and the development of nature and ecotourism. The government encourages such initiatives, and society is paying close attention. Therefore, there's a significant opportunity to capitalize on this wave, this trend, to take the lives, work, and interactions between local residents and the national park to a new level," emphasized Alexander Zheleznyak, an ecotourism expert at the Zapovednoye Polosstvo Foundation.
Participants in mixed groups analyzed the territory's strengths and weaknesses, its opportunities and threats, discussed key tourism and socioeconomic trends through 2030–2035, and sketched a vision of the future of Urshelsky and Meshchera National Parks—with new routes, eco-trails, events, and tourism jobs. Each group collected "definitely yes" and "definitely no" statements for the territory, plus initial ideas for "quick wins"—projects that can be launched in the coming months.
Participant groups shared opinions and ideas that emerged during the discussion:
"We represent a group of Moscow tourists. We were very impressed with all the proposed development options for the area. It was very difficult to disconnect from the local residents and the national park staff, who immediately began to empathize with them. For us, tourists, the national park's strengths are its natural beauty, its ecologically clean environment, which is lacking in the metropolis, mushroom and berry picking, organized campsites, and much more."
"We're thrilled that our equestrian club has created quite a stir, as we're the only ones developing this in the region so far. And, of course, we'll be thrilled to see the Meshchera region grow, with a steady stream of tourists coming to enjoy nature, hike the trails of Meshchera, and, of course, ride horses. We're planning to organize a children's day camp where kids can spend time in nature, learn English, learn horseback riding, and offer workshops and educational activities."
Nikolai Skulov, a contemporary scholar and writer who has dedicated over 40 works to the Meshchera region, emphasizes: "In the 1990s, Jeffrey Stilley, as an ethnographer, found similarities in some of my recordings of Meshchera residents' stories with ancient epics, including the Karelo-Finnish epic Kalevala. This epic, a treasure of world culture, was collected from the remote villages of Russia's White Sea Karelia, in ancient Olonia. And Meshchera—isn't it Olonia, only Russian?" This region has enormous cultural potential, which must be carefully developed.
Among the areas of not only environmental, but also social and cultural development of the village within the framework of the project:
Early career guidance for local children isn't about abstract lectures, but rather three clear areas: conservation, glassmaking, and tourism. A child from Urshelskoye should understand that they have a choice to stay and not lose out on quality of life to a classmate who left for the regional center.
In Meshchera, they offer not only nature viewing but also running through it. Or even riding. The development of mass sports is being promoted as part of the future "Meshchera Fest" brand: runs, northern "entrances," and water rafting—all of this is intended to bring together athletes and people who simply want to stroll through the forest.
Developing traditional cuisine: recipes for traditional local dishes have been transformed into a mouth-watering menu at the "virtual" restaurant "Urshelsky Korostel." It's quite possible that guests at the Meshchera Fest on June 7, 2026, will be able to sample them.
A questionnaire has been prepared for residents and local businesses: in it, everyone can propose their initiatives and ideas for developing the village and tourism – from a new trail to a festival.
The strategic session was organized by the Eduard Bendersky Foundation and the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Charitable Foundation.
*Photo courtesy of the district administration press service
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.