Category: Conservation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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Natalia Romanovna Danilina, President of the Zapovednoye Posledstvo (Reserve Embassy) Charitable Foundation and Director of the Zapovedniki Ecocenter, presented a report at the panel discussion "Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges and Solutions." The event was held as part of the "GREEN TRANSFORMATION: PARTNERSHIPS AND SOLUTIONS" conference on the day of the All-Russian "EcoPositive-2025" award ceremony.

The discussion, which brought together leading environmentalists, public figures, and government officials, focused on finding a balance between the interests of nature, the economy, and society. Participants sought answers to the central question: how to halt biodiversity loss in Russia while engaging all stakeholders; and the role of ecotourism, volunteerism, and other activities in this process. Invited to the discussion panel alongside Natalya Romanovna were Vsevolod Stepanitsky, Honored Ecologist of the Russian Federation and Co-Chair of the Expert Council on Nature Reserves; Mikhail Kreindlin, Coordinator of Protected Area Programs for the "Earth Touches Everyone" environmental project; and Georgy Arapov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection. The discussion was moderated by Elena Sharoykina, Chair of the Commission on Ecology and Sustainable Development of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.

In her speech, Natalya Romanovna Danilina shifted the focus from traditional problems to the enormous potential of Russia's nature reserve system. She emphasized that specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) are not open-air museums, but a dynamically developing sector that makes a real contribution to the socioeconomic development of the regions.

"In fact, protected areas aren't just a magnet for the entertainment of millions of tourists, but an industry that contributes to the economy, social development, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage," Natalya Romanovna stated. "Nature, of course, comes first. But this nature is preserved when all the other 'trains' working to preserve it are added to this 'train.'"

At the request of the discussion participants, Natalia Romanovna focused on ecotourism as one of the central topics of her presentation. The expert provided a clear definition of it based on four principles: the preservation of natural environments, sustainable visitation, a mandatory educational component, and support for the regional economy.

The President of the Nature Conservation Embassy questioned the practice of using the number of visits as the main and only indicator of success.

"By including only this figure in the federal project as part of the national 'Environmental Well-Being' project, we've unleashed a genie that distorts the goals and objectives of protected areas. Now, protected areas report only on the number of people who have visited them. But what does the figure of 14 million visitors mean in terms of nature conservation or raising environmental awareness? There's nothing behind it. Is 140 million good? Or 500 million? We can't say because we don't have adequate metrics," Danilina noted.

In contrast, she proposed adding new criteria to the assessment of protected areas' performance: the preservation of natural complexes, which should be regularly assessed by experts; visitor satisfaction and benefits, measured through independent sociological research; and, finally, a real contribution to the regional economy, not just income from ticket sales.

The Ergaki Nature Park in Krasnoyarsk Krai was cited as a positive example, where careful calculations showed that every ruble donated to the park's budget brings almost two rubles in revenue to the region.

Natalya Romanovna also highlighted successful examples of partnerships between protected areas, businesses, and volunteers. She noted that today, companies are investing not only in infrastructure but also in intellectual, scientific, and educational projects.

Finally, Natalia Danilina supported the initiative to create a Federal Agency for the Development of Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation. She believes such a body is essential for the competent management of an industry that has already proven its multifaceted value.

"We've always been leaders in this area, and it's time we reclaim our leadership positions. Because our justifications are being well-received by our colleagues abroad," she noted, citing Uzbekistan's recent decision to create a similar committee reporting directly to the country's president.

The discussion concluded in the spirit of the EcoPositive Award—with constructive dialogue, concrete proposals, and an optimistic outlook on the future, where environmental conservation is the foundation for Russia's sustainable development.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

I hereby voluntarily, of my own free will and in my interests give my consent to the Foundation "Zapovednoye Posolstvo", OGRN 1187700012829, INN/KPP 7728437737 / 772801001, located at: 117335, Moscow, Arkhitektora Vlasova St., Building No. 3, (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation), to the automated and non-automated processing of my personal data, including the use of Internet web analytics services in accordance with the following list:

Last name. First name. Middle name. Contact phone number. Email address. User ID stored in cookie. Source of entry to the Foundation's website. Search or advertising query information. Region.

for the purposes of compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation; concluding and executing contracts; informing about new products and services; preparing individual offers; conducting advertising activities; providing Users with access to specialized information; processing applications on the Fund's Website; forming a personnel reserve; publishing on the website, in internal directories, and in the organization's address books; carrying out activities in accordance with the constituent documents; sending out informational notifications.

The Foundation has the right to process my personal data in the following ways: collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, updating, modification, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access).

This consent comes into force from the moment I tick the consent box and is valid for the periods established by the current legislation of the Russian Federation.

In all other respects not provided for in this Agreement, the Foundation and Users are guided by the Personal Data Processing Policy (hereinafter referred to as the Policy) and applicable provisions of current Russian Federation law. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Policy, the terms of the Policy shall prevail.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The launch of the comprehensive "Living Black Sea" project was announced at the 5th Congress of Young Scientists held in Sochi. The three-year project to preserve the Black Sea ecosystems will be implemented by the Zapovednoye Posledstvo (Conservation Embassy) charitable educational foundation with the support of JTI Russia.

The large-scale "Living Black Sea" project will be launched in late November 2025 and will run until the end of 2027. The project's partners include the Utrish Nature Reserve, the Delfa Scientific and Ecological Dolphin Rescue Center, and the Krasnodar Krai Nature Park Directorate (Anapa Peresyp Nature Park).

The "Living Black Sea" project includes support for scientific research, monitoring of natural systems and wildlife, and the procurement of specialized equipment, a vessel, and a vehicle for research and the rescue of marine mammals. Furthermore, plans include the creation of dolphin rehabilitation center infrastructure, the development of educational programs and workshops aimed at developing human resources in marine and coastal protected areas, the recruitment and training of volunteers for emergency response, environmental education projects, and infrastructure solutions for sustainable tourism and the conservation of rare species along the Black Sea coast.

"Our project isn't a one-time initiative; it's about studying and creating a comprehensive system for protecting the fragile world of the Black Sea. We combine cutting-edge science, animal rescue practices, and large-scale education to give the ecosystem not just a chance to recover from a catastrophe, but the tools for a sustainable future. Instead of isolated efforts, we're creating a comprehensive project—from ecosystem monitoring and providing the necessary equipment to protected areas and the Delfa Center to training specialists and volunteers—that will work to preserve the sea for years to come," notes Polina Grigorieva, an expert at the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation and the head of the Living Black Sea project.

The project includes the following areas:

Dolphin Rescue

In partnership with the Delfa Scientific and Ecological Dolphin Rescue Center, a comprehensive marine mammal protection program will be implemented as part of the Living Black Sea project.

Specifically, regular monitoring of the dolphin population off the coast of Anapa will be established to assess their condition and recovery dynamics following the oil spill. Modern equipment will be purchased for the Delfa Center, including a mobile van, an ultrasound machine, and a PCR amplification system, which will enable prompt and accurate assistance to injured animals. The Living Black Sea project will also support the creation of dolphin rehabilitation infrastructure at the port of Imeretinsky (Sirius federal territory), laying the foundation for a permanent rescue service in the region.

A separate track: organizing a series of educational seminars and training sessions for rescue volunteers and veterinary volunteers, which will be held in key coastal cities: FT Sirius, Anapa, Gelendzhik, and Novorossiysk. The first such event, timed to coincide with Volunteer Day, will take place in Sochi on December 5.

In addition, the creation of educational materials and a traveling exhibition about Black Sea dolphins and conservation efforts is planned. This is expected to help increase public support and attract new volunteers.

Support for the Utrish Nature Reserve

The "Living Black Sea" project includes monitoring aimed at assessing the impact of the oil spill on marine ecosystems in the waters of the Utrish Nature Reserve and along the coast of Anapa. This is the first study of its kind to examine the impact on the entire ecosystem, not just its individual components. Previously, monitoring was limited to monitoring maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs), which did not provide a complete picture of the environmental damage.

The research includes regular monitoring and expeditionary research in the waters of the Utrish Nature Reserve and along the Anapa coast, as well as analysis of the state and dynamics of key marine environmental parameters to assess the impact of the emergency and future changes. Based on the data, scientifically sound recommendations will be developed for optimizing economic activity in the coastal zone to minimize anthropogenic impact.

A special marine vessel will be purchased for the research, significantly increasing the scientists' mobility and efficiency. The research will be conducted jointly with the P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, guaranteeing the highest scientific standards.

In addition, an environmental education trail, "Savina Shchel. Nikolsky's Tortoise Trail," will be established within the reserve. This will draw attention to the critical population decline of this rare species, whose main threats are habitat destruction and illegal capture for sale and pet ownership. The environmental education trail will help raise awareness of the problem and explain how such human behavior is detrimental to the tortoise.

To share experience and improve skills, training seminars and internships are planned for young scientists, staff from other marine protected areas, and volunteers. The first such seminar is scheduled for December 8-11 and will focus on oil spill monitoring and response.

Support for the Anapa Peresyp Nature Park

The Living Black Sea project will support the restoration of the Anapa Peresyp Nature Park, an area that was subject to intense anthropogenic impact during the oil spill cleanup, including heavy machinery and the removal of contaminated sand from the coastline, leading to the transformation of natural ecosystems.

"JTI Russia's social investments focus on addressing the most pressing environmental issues. In partnership with the Zapovednoye Polostvo Foundation and leading environmental organizations, we were among the first to develop a long-term, large-scale program to restore the Black Sea. Our "Living Black Sea" project aims not only to address the consequences of the incident but also to create an effective ecosystem of cooperation," said Ekaterina Levshina, Head of Social Investment Programs at JTI Russia.

"We are confident that collaboration between socially and environmentally responsible businesses and experienced non-profit environmental education organizations yields maximum results. The project's uniqueness lies in its integrated approach, which enables us to achieve long-term change and sustainable results. This is the principle of our collaboration with JTI Russia. We are currently completing a systemic joint project with JTI Russia, unprecedented in scale and strategic approach, aimed at developing the Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park, and are beginning work to support the Black Sea ecosystems, encompassing two protected areas. We hope that the practices and experience gained by scientists and environmental educators during this project can be applied to other marine and coastal protected areas," emphasized Natalia Danilina, President of the Zapovednoye Polostvo Foundation.

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.