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October 22, 2025

October 21, 2025 The visitor center as a point of attraction in the protected area

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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The visitor center is the entry point for everyone visiting a protected area for the first time. It is equally important for local residents. How were the needs of key visitor groups considered when creating the new visitor center at Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park in the village of Przhevalskoye? Natalia Butorina, an expert with the Zapovedniki Ecocenter and the Zapovednoye Polostvo Foundation, who participated in the visitor center's design, answers the question.

Visitor centers of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) are multifunctional complexes. Their primary goals are to visually present the natural and historical attractions of the SPNAs, direct visitor flows, and provide up-to-date information and recreational services.

In Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park, almost all educational trails are connected to the recreational hub around the village of Przhevalskoye. Therefore, the optimal location for the new visitor center was chosen at the entrance to the village—convenient for tourists and within walking distance for locals.

When developing the concept for the visitor center building, a special questionnaire was used to collect data on the needs of future visitors. This helped the architects design the three-module building complex and develop a development plan for the adjacent area. The central module is being constructed as a welcoming guest area, housing an information center, a workshop space, an office for staff, a cloakroom, and restrooms. To the right of the main entrance is a large exhibition hall, "The Heritage of Smolensk Poozerie." A separate section of the visitor center building is a multifunctional hall accommodating up to 100 people for various educational events, with video and audio capabilities.

The new visitor center's infrastructure will significantly expand the range of annual environmental education events at the national park. These will include introductory tours of the exhibits, game programs, creative competitions, and temporary exhibitions, as well as events such as nature conservation festivals and environmental education campaigns. The visitor center's multifaceted activities are aimed at promoting the values of Smolenskoye Poozerie Park, increasing public support, and developing visitors' environmental awareness.

The visitor center, as a focal point for visitors to Smolenskoye Poozerie, is focused on introducing them to the national park's tourism opportunities in various formats: one-day and multi-day tours, volunteering, recreation at tourist centers and in private accommodation, and participation in events. One of the key indicators of success will be tourists' desire to return to Poozerie or recommend the tour to their friends.

For local residents, the visitor center offers a new opportunity for engaging leisure activities and expanding their horizons in the familiar places of the Demidovsky District. Themed excursions and workshops, game programs for children and families, creative competitions, and club and hobby groups are just a few of the opportunities available. Visitor centers typically serve as the basis for Friends of Protected Areas clubs, which coordinate community engagement programs. Thus, the visitor center in Przhevalskoye has the potential to become a "third place" (a place for leisure and recreation, as sociologist Ray Olbendurg calls it) for local residents—an interesting place to spend their free time outside of work or school.

The new visitor center will also foster local economic growth through partnerships between residents and the national park. This will include new jobs, opportunities to sell souvenirs, and the promotion of private initiatives to create recreational services for tourists.

The active work of the visitor center creates a multiplier effect that draws new partners of the national park into sustainable long-term cooperation.

*The visitor center is one of the stages of a joint project between the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation and the Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park, implemented with the support of JTI Russia.

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.

October 21, 2025

Ukraine: Attacks in recent days have left more than 100,000 people without power.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 21, 2025 Peace and security

Ongoing attacks across Ukraine over the past five days have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and severe damage to energy infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday.

According to local authorities, the heaviest damage occurred in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipro, Kherson, and Chernihiv regions. At least 12 civilians were killed and over 100 others were injured.

In the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions, several overnight strikes on energy infrastructure resulted in widespread power outages and water supply disruptions, affecting over 150,000 people. Amidst the cold snap, such incidents raise concerns about heating and other essential services in the affected areas, OCHA stated.

The Office emphasizes the need for stable funding to support the efforts of the humanitarian community within the framework of Winter Response Plan.

Meanwhile, the UN continues to support Ukrainian specialists working on the front lines of humanitarian aid. Last year, nearly two-thirds of the more than $160 million allocated through the OCHA-managed Ukraine Humanitarian Fund went to local organizations.

October 21, 2025

INTERVIEW | Ukraine: UN Representative on the Priorities of the Humanitarian Community in the Context of War and the Coming Winter

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 21, 2025 Humanitarian aid

As winter approaches, the situation in Ukraine's frontline areas is becoming increasingly dire. Andrea De Domenico, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) office in Ukraine, told the UN News Service.

“Winter is approaching and weather conditions are getting worse every day, so one of our priorities is to support people, especially the vulnerable, so they are prepared for the winter period,” De Domenico said.

According to him, with the increasing range of attack drones and glide bombs, the number of populated areas under daily attack is growing. "These daily attacks are striking civilian infrastructure. It is particularly alarming to see strikes on critical energy facilities, which make winter survival even more difficult," the UN representative added.

In August and September, he added, there were mass displacements due to pressure on the front lines. "The situation is particularly alarming in cities close to the front lines, where civilians are forced to flee constantly just to survive," De Dominico said.

Delivering aid under fire

Last week, a UN humanitarian convoy came under fire in the Kherson region, two trucks caught fire. Such are the realities of war—this year alone, there have been nearly 100 attacks on humanitarian operations. However, according to De Dominico, not counting the attack on IAEA staff, this is the first direct attack on a United Nations humanitarian mission. Humanitarian workers, as an OCHA representative noted, “were shocked,” but continued their work. “Risk is part of the conditions in which we live. This is what it looks like.” humanitarian operation in a war zone"," he said, adding that the UN has developed clear safety protocols to help protect the lives and health of staff.

De Domenico emphasized the role of local partners, who bear the brunt of the aid delivery: "The majority of humanitarian aid is delivered by local authorities and partners. We commend them for the fantastic work they do every day."

Priorities and resource constraints

"We are guided solely by people's needs," the OCHA representative noted, speaking about prioritization in a context of limited resources. He identified the key areas as providing assistance along the frontlines, supporting evacuations, responding to the aftermath of airstrikes, and assisting internally displaced persons. "This is a collective effort to prioritize and a collective effort to deliver aid to the millions of Ukrainians who need it," De Domenico said.

INTERVIEW | Ukraine: How humanitarian support from the UN and its partners is helping peaceful Ukrainians survive

According to him, local authorities, public and volunteer organizations play a special role: “We cooperate with numerous civil society organizations, dedicated to helping people. We try provide resources, which are necessary to move huge amounts of aid – after all, there are at least a million people living along the front lines who need support.”

Preparing for winter and appealing to donors

"We started thinking about winter back in the summer because preparation takes time," De Domenico said. The primary focus is on frontline areas where the most vulnerable groups remain—the elderly, many of whom have difficulty moving. "Programs are now operating at full capacity, and humanitarian partners and UN agencies are already delivering aid," he explained.

However, a new wave attacks on energy infrastructure creates additional difficulties. "We see that 60 percent of gas production facilities are damaged, and the electricity supply system is affected. Without water and electricity, it is very difficult for people to survive in the winter," the UN representative noted.

"We need more support from the international community to address this challenge," he added.

In total, he said, the UN humanitarian plan is designed to provide assistance to six million people, and by the end of August, it had managed to provide support to almost four million of them. "We are preparing for winter requested 277 million dollars"We've managed to mobilize approximately 50 percent of that amount," De Domenico said. "If we don't receive the rest, people won't be able to stay in their homes and will have to evacuate. That's the only way out," he noted.

Most people don't want to travel far from their hometowns: "People want to stay close to home, that's natural. But as the front gradually shifts and the range of attacks increases, they're forced to move again."

According to an OCHA representative, the most vulnerable displaced persons are being housed in collective centers supported by both the government and humanitarian organizations. "Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale recently allocated additional resources to support such centers through the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine. It's crucial for us to continue receiving funds so we can flexibly and quickly direct them to where assistance is most needed," De Domenico said.

The Face of War

When asked about his personal impressions from traveling around the country and interacting with Ukrainians, Andrea De Domenico said: “When I started systematically going to the front lines and meeting people, I realized that war has the same color, the same smell, and the same sound as elsewhere. The peculiarity of Ukraine is that here the elderly suffer especially“The young people were able to leave [the frontline areas], but the older ones stayed.”

"When they have to evacuate, you see the pain in their eyes and the realization that they might never return home. It's terrible. And that's the price of war, the face it bears here," he concluded.

October 21, 2025

Kyrgyzstan steps up efforts to combat transport-related air pollution

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 21, 2025 Climate and environment

Air pollution remains one of Kyrgyzstan's most pressing environmental and health issues. In the capital, Bishkek, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels regularly exceed World Health Organization standards.

In this regard, the Second National Multistakeholder Dialogue on Air Quality was held in Bishkek on October 21. More than 100 participants from across the country—experts, government representatives, local authorities, civil society, international organizations, and other institutions—focused on the issue of transport emissions.

Pollution risks and factors

PM2.5 particles (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) contain substances such as sulfates, nitrates, and black carbon, which penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system. Exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

Air pollution leads to millions of premature deaths every year.

While heating is the main source of pollution in Bishkek in winter, according to the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the transport sector accounts for a significant share during the warmer months. Factors exacerbating the situation include an aging vehicle fleet, low-quality fuel, ineffective traffic management, and limited alternatives to private transportation.

Recommendations and next steps

Opening the event, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev emphasized that air quality is not only an environmental priority but also an economic, social, and humanitarian one. During the dialogue, practical recommendations were developed to accelerate action to combat transport-related air pollution, which will be part of the national plan for 2026–2027.

UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic Antje Grawe noted the timeliness of the dialogue ahead of the winter season and emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable measures to improve air quality throughout the year, as well as expanding efforts beyond Bishkek to all cities in the country, particularly in the transport sector. She emphasized that the UN system, together with Member States, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank, continues to support the government's efforts.

Aidai Kurmanova, Head of the UNEP Regional Office for Central Asia, noted that switching to cleaner fuels, electrifying public transport, and developing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will ensure cleaner air and bring immediate benefits to human health and the climate. She also confirmed that UNEP will continue to work closely with other UN agencies, the government, and development partners to promote science-based and data-driven solutions to combat air pollution in Bishkek and across the country.

October 21, 2025

The UN called for maintaining a calm and inclusive atmosphere during the second round of elections in Kosovo.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 21, 2025 Peace and security

Acting Head of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Milbert Dong-jun Shin, welcomed the peaceful and inclusive nature of the local elections held on October 12. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the same atmosphere in the second round of elections scheduled for November 9.

"I call on all parties to maintain the same calm and inclusive atmosphere in the second round of elections on November 9 so that people can continue to freely exercise their right to vote," Shin said in his address to the Security Council meeting on Kosovo.

Meetings under the auspices of the EU

He welcomed the June and September meetings in Brussels between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the EU. Shin emphasized that both sides must avoid steps that undermine trust and resolve issues constructively. He also noted the work of the working group on missing persons, which met in July under the chairmanship of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Shin welcomed the Kosovar authorities' efforts to simplify the registration process for Kosovo residents whose documents were issued by Serbian institutions. However, he expressed concern about the upcoming full entry into force on November 1 of the Foreigners' Law and the Vehicles Law, which could hinder access to basic services for members of minority communities.

"This could lead to administrative difficulties affecting access to basic rights and services, including healthcare, education, and employment. This is particularly concerning for permanent residents of Kosovo from non-majority communities, who continue to face difficulties obtaining the necessary documents," Shin said.

He also noted the concern of the UN and its international partners about the potential consequences of the closure of Serbian institutions in Kosovo. He said the Pristina authorities should actively consult with local communities before making decisions affecting people's daily lives and seek alternatives that minimize the negative consequences.

Freedom of expression

Shin emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of expression. He emphasized that arrests related to the display of cultural, national, or religious symbols are disturbing and could undermine trust in the judicial and law enforcement systems.

"Failure to maintain this balance risks violating international human rights standards and undermining public trust in the judiciary and law enforcement," Shin said.

He noted that civil society and free media are the foundation of Kosovo's democratic development, and therefore pressure on journalists and restrictions on freedom of expression require special attention.

Shin also stated that the multi-ethnic nature of society should be reflected in the institutions of power.

Building trust

He spoke about the UN mission's programmes in Kosovo aimed at building trust between communities, including joint projects with municipalities and training women leaders, many of whom were participating in elections for the first time.

The Security Council, by its resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999, authorized the Secretary-General to establish an international civil presence in Kosovo, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), to establish an interim administration for Kosovo under which the people of Kosovo could enjoy substantial autonomy.

Later, following the declaration of independence by the Kosovo authorities and the entry into force of the new constitution on 15 June 2008, the Mission's tasks were significantly adjusted to focus on promoting security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo.

October 21, 2025

Russia maintains the world's largest forest fund: new FAO data on global forest resources

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 21, 2025 Climate and environment

Deforestation rates are declining globally, but forest ecosystems remain under significant pressure, according to a new report. Global Forest Resources Assessment The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that forests cover 4.14 billion hectares, or about a third of the planet's land area. More than half of the world's forests are concentrated in just five countries: Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and China.

FAO notes that despite positive trends, ecosystems remain under threat Due to fires, diseases, and extreme weather conditions, the report found that in 2020, approximately 41 million hectares of forests were damaged by insects, diseases, and strong winds, primarily in temperate and boreal latitudes.

INTERVIEW | Forest Ecosystem Conservation Expert: "Forests are like air—as long as they're there, you don't notice them."

Every year humanity still losing approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest, although this figure has declined significantly since the 1990s. The rate of net forest loss worldwide has been slowing primarily due to significant expansion of forest cover in Canada, China, Russia, and the United States.

Russia: The largest forested area on the planet

The Russian Federation accounts for the largest share of the planet's forests—20 percent. Forests occupy more than half of the country's territory. In 2025, Russia's forest area was estimated at over 832 million hectares, compared to 811 million in 1990. Almost 98 percent of Russia's forests are of natural origin.

According to the report, the forests of the Russian Federation are mainly in the boreal zone and have a natural level of biodiversity—they represent benchmarks for population, species, and ecosystem diversity. They can be considered a resource for restoring damaged biodiversity, the authors note. Russian forests provide a variety of services, from providing timber to the forest complex to non-timber forest resources and various ecosystem services.

Central Asia: Stable performance

In Uzbekistan, forest area increased from 2.55 to 3.89 million hectares between 1990 and 2023, accounting for approximately 9 percent of the country's territory. In Kazakhstan, forests occupy approximately 1 percent of the territory, remaining stable, with a slight increase from 3.16 million hectares in 1990 to 3.52 million hectares in 2025.

In Turkmenistan, forest area is estimated at 2.33 million hectares, or 5 percent of the country's territory. In Kyrgyzstan, forests cover 1.26 million hectares, or approximately 7 percent of the country's territory. In Tajikistan, forest cover covers 425,000 hectares (approximately 3 percent of the country's territory). In these countries, forest area has remained virtually unchanged since the 1990s.

October 21, 2025

'Colossal' demand for food aid in Gaza amid fragile ceasefire

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 21, 2025 Humanitarian aid

The ceasefire in Gaza has allowed UN humanitarian missions to reach the majority of people on the brink of famine. However, according to representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP), humanitarian organizations need significantly greater access to the Strip.

WFP Senior Regional Communications Officer Abeer Etefa told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the agency had delivered more than 6,700 tonnes of food to Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect on October 11 – enough to feed nearly half a million people for two weeks.

"Daily deliveries continue, and are currently around 750 tons per day," Etefa said. "This is much more than before the ceasefire, but still significantly less than our target of approximately 2,000 tons daily."

She said achieving this goal was "almost impossible" unless all border crossings were opened.

Closed checkpoints

Currently, only the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings in the south are open, but “severe damage” is making it difficult to deliver supplies from the southern part of the strip to the north, where famine was officially declared back in August.

“We need to open the Erez and Zikkim crossings,” Etefa emphasized.

According to her, the priority remains the delivery of food to the northern part of Gaza by large convoys.

The rubble at the border crossings has been cleared, Etefa reported, allowing access to Gaza City, where the situation is particularly dire. "But if the crossings aren't opened, we won't be able to send large quantities of humanitarian aid there," she said.

Food distribution

WFP has begun restoring its food distribution system. Food distribution is planned at 145 locations across the sector. Currently, 26 locations have resumed operations.

"The response has been truly overwhelming," Etefa said. She added that many people are coming to the distribution points, expressing gratitude for the prompt delivery and the "decent conditions" in which they can receive their food rations.

Cautious optimism

Despite the improving situation, there's currently "cautious" optimism in Gaza, said a WFP spokesperson. Many residents of the Strip, having received food aid, are eating only part of it and saving the rest "for a rainy day" because they "don't know how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next."

"This is a fragile peace," Etefa noted. She also reported that food prices in Gaza remain very high, and most of the population is unable to afford food.

“There is food in the market, but for many it is simply out of reach – too expensive,” Etefa noted.

Financial assistance

WFP is providing assistance to those in need through digital payments, which have already enabled 140,000 people to purchase food at local markets. The program plans to double in size in the coming weeks.

Etefa reiterated its call for commercial supplies to be allowed into Gaza, in addition to humanitarian aid.

“Humanitarian aid alone will not solve the problem of malnutrition or provide adequate nutrition,” she explained.

According to a WFP spokesperson, only full compliance with the ceasefire terms will allow the agency to operate at the scale needed to address the crisis.

"It's crucial that the ceasefire holds," Etefa emphasized. "This is essentially the only way to save lives and stop the spread of hunger in northern Gaza."

October 21, 2025

On October 15 and 16, the International Seminar of Experts on Environmental Aspects of Energy Development, "DECARBONIZATION OF THE ENERGY SECTOR. REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS," was held at the Scientific and Practical Complex of the Belarusian National Technical University "Polytechnic" in the Republic of Belarus.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Save Nature Foundation

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Participants included representatives of international organizations, Belarusian and Russian scientists, specialists in ecology, energy, and environmental management, research fellows, and faculty, students, and postgraduate students from universities in Russia and Belarus.

On October 15, the seminar opened with welcoming speeches by K.V. Yakushenko, Vice-Rector for Research at the Belarusian National Technical University; G.M. Brovka, Dean of the Faculty of Management Technologies and Humanitarianization at the Belarusian National Technical University; A.A. Brin, Director of the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus; V.E. Pinaev, Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Safety and Product Quality Management at the Institute of Ecology at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia; and L.L. Poleshchuk, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy Efficiency at the State Standard of the Republic of Belarus.

After welcoming the participants and introducing the seminar program, a plenary discussion opened.

The first speaker to present his plenary report on "Characteristics of the Development of the Nationally Determined Contribution of the Republic of Belarus to the Paris Agreement" was A.Zh. Grebenkov, a leading researcher at the Sustainable Energy Development Laboratory of the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

Next, O.V. Kudryavtseva, Professor of the Department of Environmental Management at the Faculty of Economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University, spoke about "Decarbonization of the Electric Power Industry with the Help of Energy Storage Systems and Achieving the SDGs."

N.M. Maltseva, consultant for the Department of Energy Efficiency, Ecology, and Science at the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Belarus, introduced participants to the work on "Decarbonization of the Electricity Generation Sector and its Impact on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals."

Yu. P. Khitev, associate professor at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology, spoke about the activities of the RUDN University greenhouse gas validation and verification body during the Sakhalin Experiment.

The plenary session was quite lively. In addition to reading the papers themselves, the speakers answered questions from the participants in depth.

After a short break, a roundtable discussion on "Decarbonization of the Energy Sector" took place in the conference hall of the BNTU Polytechnic. The discussion was moderated by V.L. Chervinsky, PhD, Head of the UNESCO Department at the Belarusian National Technical University.

T.G. Zorina, Head of the Laboratory, Doctor of Economics, and Professor at the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, opened the meeting with a presentation on "Decarbonization of Energy in the Context of Sustainable Energy Development."

Ya.E. Boreiko, an employee of the State Enterprise “Bel Scientific Research Center “Ecology,” presented a report on the topic “Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the Energy Sector.”

A.M. Apalko, a researcher at the Economic Research Institute of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, spoke about "Power-to-X Technology and the Role of Hydrogen and Electrolysis in the Global Energy Transition."

V.R. Kuzmin, a junior researcher at the Melentyev Energy Systems Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, presented a paper on "The Role of Digital Twins of Renewable Energy Sources and Monitoring of Pollutant Emissions from Energy Facilities in Energy Decarbonization."

N.N. Dalmuradova, Associate Professor of the Alternative Energy Sources Department at the Islam Karimov Tashkent State Technical University, introduced the participants to the "Role of Resource-Saving Technologies and Recycling of Renewable Energy Components in Decarbonization of the Energy Sector."

K.V. Dobrego, head of Belinvesttorg LLC, a 1AK GROUP holding company and a partner of the seminar, gave a presentation on "Statistical Modeling of Lithium-ion Battery Charge-Discharge Cycles."

A.D. Matyushenko, a postgraduate student at the Belarusian State University, introduced the participants to the "Assessment of the Impact of Various Factors on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Energy Sector of the Republic of Belarus."

At the end of the individual presentations section of the roundtable, moderator V.L. Chervinsky, Ph.D., Head of the UNESCO Department at the Belarusian National Technical University, presented a report on "Improving the Energy Efficiency of the BNTU Student Campus Power Supply by Using a Photovoltaic System."

Participants then began a discussion of the speakers' reports and the challenges of decarbonizing the energy sector.

In the afternoon, experts participated in a roundtable discussion on "Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions" in the conference hall of the BNTU "Polytechnic" Scientific and Technical Complex. The discussion was moderated by A. A. Grebenkov, PhD, leading researcher at the Sustainable Energy Development Laboratory of the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

The section of individual reports opened with a presentation by R.N. Salieva, Institute of Ecology and Subsoil Use Problems of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, on the topic "The Legal Basis for the Implementation of State Policy in the Field of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Russian Federation."

Participants learned about "Russian Practices in Training and Handling GHGs" from a presentation by V.E. Pinaev, Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Safety and Product Quality Management at the Patrice Lumumba Institute of Ecology at RUDN University.

I.I. Poloz, Associate Professor at the Belarusian National Technical University, PhD in Agricultural Sciences, conducted a "Review of Policies and Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Waste Sector."

J. Dobkovich, A. Andreev – Official representatives of GAIA Corporation in Russia introduced participants to the experience of “Local processing of organic waste to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.”

Seminar participants learned about "Neural network modeling of carbon dioxide concentrations as a basis for developing emission reduction technologies" from a presentation by V.A. Nurmekhamitova from the Institute of Ecology and Subsoil Use Problems of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan.

E.V. Rassokha, Head of the Department of Production Organization and Real Estate Economics at BSTU, and A.M. Frantsuzova, PhD student in the Department of Production and Real Estate Economics at the Belarusian State Technological University, presented their research on "Decarbonization of Real Estate Based on the Integration of ESG Principles."

V.V. Dyurov, an employee of the Scientific Research Economic Institute of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, spoke to participants about "Managing the Efficiency of Material Resource Use in Industry in the Republic of Belarus as a Factor in Decarbonization: International Experience and National Economic Prospects."

The individual papers section concluded with a lecture by Xueyao Liu from the Belarusian State University on "Research on Environmental Emissions in China."

The participants then began a discussion, during which they discussed the speakers' presentations and answered questions.

On October 16, a roundtable discussion on "Decarbonization of the Energy Sector" was held in the conference hall of the BNTU Polytechnic. The discussion was moderated by V.L. Chervinsky, PhD, Head of the UNESCO Department at the Belarusian National Technical University.

The round table began with an award ceremony for the young participants of the seminar, whose scientific work received high praise from experts.

Leading experts took part in the meeting to discuss the proposals and summarize the results of the discussion, including: A.M. Apalko – Research Economic Institute of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, Ya.E. Boreiko is an employee of the State Enterprise “Bel NRC “Ecology”, D.A. Gaskova is a junior researcher of the Department of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Energy of the L.A. Melentyev Energy Systems Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, M.V. Grinyuk, V.D. Osmolovsky and I.O. Parshuto are employees of the RUE “BelTEI” RUE “BelTEI”, N.N. Dalmuradova is an associate professor of the Department of Alternative Energy Sources of the Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov, T.G. Zorina is the head of the laboratory, Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, O.V. Kudryavtseva is a professor of the Department of Economics of Nature Management of the Faculty of Economics of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, V.R. Kuzmin is a junior researcher of the L.A. Melentyev Energy Systems Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, A.D. Matyushenko is a graduate student of the Belarusian State University, A.V. Tavrykin – employee of the Institute of Power Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, S.E. Titov – professor, candidate of technical sciences of Kazan State Power Engineering University, V.L. Chervinsky – so-called sci., head of the UNESCO Department of the Belarusian National Technical University.

Participants discussed proposals and ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon and renewable energy sources in the energy production sector of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.

After a short break, the same group of experts held a roundtable discussion on "Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions." The meeting was moderated by A. A. Grebenkov, Ph.D., leading researcher at the Sustainable Energy Development Laboratory at the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

The speakers discussed the potential for applying greenhouse gas reduction methods, as outlined in their previously presented reports. Following the discussion, the experts reached a consensus on key areas of work and expressed hope for continued joint efforts and the exchange of experience between Russia and Belarus to strengthen the results achieved.

All proposals were included in the final Resolution.

The Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation served as a partner for the seminar. Participants were able to learn about the Foundation's activities and mission, as our public service announcement about family values and a love of nature was shown on screens during registration. Participants also received useful and memorable gifts from the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation and the Patrice Lumumba Institute of Ecology at RUDN University – convenient folders for participation in conferences, seminars, and forums. The Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation also provided food for the participants, funding coffee breaks and lunches.

The international expert seminar on environmental aspects of energy development, "DECARBONIZING THE ENERGY SECTOR. REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS," held in Minsk demonstrated the unity of international scientists and practitioners focused on addressing pressing environmental issues, preserving natural resources, and improving the quality of life for the world's population.

We thank the organizers, the Institute of Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Belarusian National Technical University, and the Patrice Lumumba Institute of Ecology of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, for inviting us to partner with this significant event.

October 21, 2025

Biometric payment on Moscow transport has been in operation for four years now.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

According to Maxim Liksutov, since the service's launch, passengers have used it more than 177 million times. And this figure is constantly growing.

Today, biometric payment is available at turnstiles on the metro, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), regular river routes, the Aeroexpress, and some MCD stations. Around 600,000 users are registered, making over 170,000 passes each working day.

The system offers a favorable fare of 63 rubles. And as part of a promotion, the fare is only 53 rubles until November 30th. As Maxim Liksutov reported, a promotion has been launched on Moscow public transportation in partnership with VTB Bank since October 1st. Passengers will receive a 10 ruble refund to their account when paying for travel on the metro, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD)*, and regular river electric transport using biometrics.

"At the direction of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we launched biometric payment on public transport in 2021. Since then, the service has earned the trust and popularity of Muscovites. Nowhere else in the world is it available with such convenience and scale as in the Russian capital. In the last year alone, the number of registered users has increased by 1.5 times. Thanks to biometrics, Muscovites don't need cards, phones, or paper tickets to enter – a single glance at the camera on the turnstile is enough," added Maxim Liksutov.

October 21, 2025

On October 18, 2025, employees of the Russian Agricultural Bank planted 8,000 pine seedlings on Lake Aslykul in Bashkortostan.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

8,000 pine saplings were planted by employees of the Russian Agricultural Bank on Lake Aslykul in Bashkortostan.

A large-scale tree planting event was held in the Aslykul Natural Park, organized by the Ecology Foundation together with the local forestry department. About 60 employees and family members of the Bashkir branch of the agricultural bank took part in it. Volunteers planted about 8 thousand pine seedlings on four hectares of the lake’s coastal area. This is the first stage of the campaign – a total of 15,200 coniferous trees will be planted here. “Today we are making a contribution to the preservation of the largest lake in the Republic of Bashkortostan,” said Elmira Morozova, director of the Ecology Foundation, before planting. – The Aslykul Nature Park is unique: 10 species of animals live on its territory and 40 species of plants listed in the Red Book grow. In recent years, the lake has been rapidly shallowing, and biodiversity in the natural park is declining. New forest plantations will help restore biological and landscape diversity and will play an important role in the fight against desertification of adjacent areas and drying out of the lake.” Forest restoration is carried out by the Ecology Foundation with funds from the sale of certificates in the retail network of the Russian Agricultural Bank. The Bashkir branch of the bank has been among the leaders in the sale of certificates among the regions for several years now. “We are saving one of the most beautiful and famous lakes in the republic not only with our work as volunteers, but also with financial support for this project,” noted branch director Alexey Samsonov. – Since the beginning of 2025, our branch has sold about 1,000 environmental certificates through its sales points. This impressive figure helped the foundation purchase a large number of seedlings. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the restoration of the lake – our sales managers, residents of the republic who bought certificates, and bank employees who readily decided to spend their day off with a shovel in their hands.” Despite the gloomy weather, the volunteers worked with great enthusiasm, and children actively helped parents. The participants of the action were so inspired by the incredible beauty of the lake and the noble mission to save it that they planted more than half of the planting material at once – although the organizers of the action did not set such a goal for them. Not even the icy wind could stop warm hearts from doing a good deed. And the rich shurpa, pilaf and tea with sweets after hard work seemed especially tasty. “Both I and my children are in a great mood,” shared a participant in the action, deputy director and head of the department for working with clients of large businesses, Elvira Kucherbaeva. “The daughter and son felt truly needed, doing an important job. In addition, working together for the benefit of nature is a great opportunity to spend time together in an interesting and useful way. We will be happy to come here with the whole family in the spring – now this place will become special for us.”