Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Several educational and awareness-raising projects for the 2025–2026 academic year are nearing completion. They share a common mission: developing environmental awareness and human resource development in the country. The RUDN University Institute of Ecology served as a strategic co-organizer and expert core for three significant competitions: the 5th International Competition "Tourism Code of My Country, City, Town, or District — PRO-Tourism," the All-Russian Competition "Green Credit," and the Youth Media Competition "EcoReportage." The university's participation in these projects demonstrates the shift from targeted education to systemic efforts to train future specialists.
Scaling talent across the country
From March 5 to 7, the in-person stage of the 5th Anniversary International Competition "Tourism Code of My Country, City, Town, or District — PRO-Tourism" took place in Moscow. The event, included in the list of the Russian Ministry of Education, attracted a record number of participants.
The competition received over 1,000 applications from 86 regions of Russia. 450 contestants and research supervisors reached the finals, representing 74 regions of the Russian Federation—from the Murmansk Region in the north to the Republic of Dagestan in the south, from Kaliningrad in the west to the Kamchatka Krai in the east.
Following the defense, 33 winning projects (first place), 64 runners-up (second place), and 69 laureates (third place) were determined. The winners, aged 10 to 35, will be included in the state information resource "Talents and Success" and will also receive vouchers to the Artek International Children's Center.
Expert dialogue and the role of universities
As part of the final round of the All-Russian annual environmental literacy assessment competition "Green Credit," an expert dialogue was held in late February with the participation of accompanying teachers, government representatives, the scientific community, and business. One of the speakers was Vladimir Evgenievich Pinaev, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Safety and Product Quality Management at the Institute of Ecology at RUDN University. In his speech, he outlined the new role of specialized universities.
"They should serve as methodological centers for regional environmental education programs. We are ready to share educational materials, video courses, and practical exercises, and to build relationships with schools, both in person and online," noted Vladimir Pinaev.
The participation of RUDN University representatives in the Green Challenge confirmed the high level of trust in the competition among the professional community. The competition, aimed at promoting environmental awareness and fostering interest in engineering and technical fields, serves as a bridge between schools and universities, building a talent pool to ensure the country's environmental well-being.
Media as a tool for environmental culture
The third area of systematic work was the All-Russian media competition "EcoReportage," organized by the Association of Ecological Architects and the First Public Environmental Television "1EKOTV.RF" with the support of the RUDN University Institute of Ecology.
The competition launched on November 11, 2025, and successfully completed its first (qualifying) stage, collecting entries in four categories: "Social Advertising," "EcoReportage," "Interview," and "Article." Participants presented compelling perspectives on the environmental situation in their regions, highlighting both pressing issues and successful practices for sustainable environmental management.
The second stage, supervised by the Environmental Journalism Project Coordination Team, has already begun. Finalists will undergo a five-week intensive course with practical immersion in the profession, thus realizing the concept of continuous education and training for qualified personnel in the field of environmental journalism.
The RUDN University Institute of Ecology's work as a co-organizer of these three projects demonstrates a comprehensive approach to environmental education. "PRO-Tourism" focuses on regional development and creative industries, "Green Credit" focuses on fundamental knowledge and the selection of talented applicants, and "EcoReportage" focuses on shaping the information environment. Together, these projects create an effective ecosystem for nurturing a new generation of responsible citizens, managers, and environmentalists.
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