Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Save Nature Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The event was organized by Dagestan State University, MGIMO, and the "Revival of Nature" Charitable Foundation. Students from North Caucasus Federal University (Stavropol Krai), MGIMO, and Dagestan universities gathered in Dagestan to participate in the "Voice of the Mountains" Youth Day.
The event began with a welcoming speech by the rector of Dagestan State University (DSU) Murtazali Khulataevich Rabadanov.
Natalia Evgenievna Ryazanova, PhD in Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of International Complex Problems of Nature Management at MGIMO University, then welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of Youth Day.
The plenary session opened with a presentation by Alexey Nikolaevich Gunya, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor, and Leading Researcher at the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on the topic: "Ecological Features of the Development of Mountainous Territories."
Alexey Nikolaevich paid special attention to the importance of the Second International Forum “SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN TERRITORIES”:
"Today, Dagestan provides an ideal example of a forum opening. I am grateful that Dagestan State University provided the opportunity to host the events on its premises. Today, we will try to assess the various issues facing us here."
In his presentation, Alexey Nikolaevich introduced the participants to the concept of mountains and their characteristics, as well as the local climate. He spoke about the importance of acclimatization and the consequences of unprepared tourists. He emphasized the importance of the sun and its impact, and also focused on the dangerous natural processes occurring in mountainous regions.
At the plenary session, Shakhmardan Sittikovich Muduyev, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Department of Economics at the Dagestan State University of National Economy, spoke about the "Social Features of the Development of Mountainous Territories."
"Our wealth lies in our multinationality, multilingualism, and cultural diversity. We can and should be proud of our traditions, customs, and architecture."
Shahmardan Sittikovich emphasized that garbage pollution is a particularly pressing problem in mountainous regions today.
"Educational work should be carried out in families, preschools, schools, and universities to foster awareness that littering is unacceptable. The media and social media also need to pay attention to littering issues."
The speaker emphasized that in order to ensure a comfortable life without polluting ecosystems, we need to start small – in our own village, city, or region.
The floor was then given to Abdulmanapov Salikhbek Gabibulaevich, Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Department of Management at Dagestan State University, who introduced the participants to the "Economic Features of the Development of Mountainous Territories."
The speaker discussed the economic aspects of all activities conducted in mountainous areas. Participants then experienced the unique features of Dagestan's mountains and learned about the risk factors for life and the economic development of mountainous regions.
Participants actively participated in the plenary session, asking questions about tourism development and economic development prospects.
At the end of the meeting, Natalia Evgenievna Ryazanova thanked the audience for their participation and spoke about the planned events for the "Voice of the Mountains" Youth Day.
In the first block, participants enjoyed an introductory lecture, "Vectors of the National Development Agenda," by Natalia Evgenievna Ryazanova, PhD in Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of International Complex Problems of Nature Management at MGIMO University.
The lecture began with a welcoming speech by Natalia Tornqvist, co-organizer of the Youth Day "Voice of the Mountains" of the Second International Forum "SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN TERRITORIES," president and founder of the Nature Revival Charitable Foundation and member of the public council of Rosprirodnadzor.
"According to the UN, human activity has significantly altered three-quarters of the Earth's land surface and two-thirds of its marine environment, pushing one million species to extinction. Mountain ecosystems are unique, home to a multitude of animals and their habitats. But at the same time, mountains are extremely vulnerable – susceptible to climate change, extreme weather, and pressure from overgrazing and other factors that my colleagues and I are discussing today. I would like to emphasize the importance of discussing the conservation of mountain ecosystems for the future of our planet and all future generations."
Natalya Mikhailovna emphasized the diversity of projects implemented by the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation:
"Our projects are aimed at protecting the environment, biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education. We not only strive to help nature and preserve biodiversity in protected areas, protecting and helping to revive rare animal species such as the European bison, Przewalski's horse, cetaceans, falcons, argali, saiga, Mongolian gazelle, snow leopard, and others, but also draw public attention to environmental issues, raise environmental awareness, and promote environmental culture.
Environmental education and awareness initiatives occupy a special place among our goals. Joining forces with MGIMO and RUDN University, we conduct seminars and lectures on ecology and conservation, and organize large-scale educational events for children and youth, such as international winter and summer schools."
Participants also learned about the research work and its results, which is financially supported by the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation:
"Using scientific data obtained by specialists during expeditions, we publish photo catalogs and atlases of animals. We work with experts—the ecological board game "The Amazing World of Russian Invertebrates" was recently released with the foundation's support," noted Natalya Mikhailovna.
The audience also learned about the free online educational course on ecology, "Living Action for the Revival of Nature," where leading environmental experts share their knowledge on climate change, nature conservation, and ecology. Participants learned how to take it now and that the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation is currently preparing the second season of this wonderful project.
In conclusion, Natalya Mikhailovna thanked the leadership of Dagestan State University for organizing the mining forum and wished the students success in writing their projects.
Following N.M. Tornqvist's presentation, Natalia Evgenievna Ryazanova introduced the participants to the rules of the work procedure and described the governing documents and structure of the projects being developed within the framework of team project work.
"We've decided to create a youth mountain center in Dagestan. I hope you'll find it interesting and that you'll be among its first graduates. You have the enormous, honorable responsibility of being pioneers," noted Natalya Evgenyevna.
The students then learned about the work algorithm, discussed prospects, and examined national and federal environmental projects currently being implemented in Russia.
Participants were treated to a wealth of helpful tips. In particular, Natalya Evgenyevna shared a sample national project passport during her lecture and offered valuable practical advice on how to use it to obtain a grant for its implementation. She also explained complex concepts in accessible language:
"A prime example of a public-private partnership (PPP) is the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation. The Interparliamentary Assembly proposed the project, the government of the Republic of Dagestan hosted the Forum, Dagestan State University invited us to host a Model Youth Day, and the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation provided assistance."
Participants learned about the work being carried out, including projects to clean the air, restore forests, preserve biodiversity, and conduct a "spring cleanup" of the planet.
During her lecture, Natalia Evgenievna discussed how new technologies today speed up and facilitate work:
"Sberbank acquired the entire camera trap database from the Russian Nature Reserve Center, and is currently digitizing it so that artificial intelligence can replace humans and reliably distinguish between different species in video footage. This is especially difficult if the footage was captured at night."
Natalia Evgenievna then introduced the audience to vectors and provided valuable advice on how to format their work.
In the second block, participants listened to an introductory lecture entitled "Sustainable Development Clusters for the Creation of the Youth Model of Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories 'Voice of the Mountains 2025'" by Natalia Evgenievna Ryazanova, PhD in Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of International Complex Problems of Nature Management at MGIMO University of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Students learned about the transformation of the MDGs into SDGs, climate change issues, the 2030 Agenda 21, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
"The agenda itself can be visualized as a pyramid, with the environmental goals of sustainable development at its base. This makes a lot of sense, because if you don't have primary environmental products—resources, minerals, food—you won't have anything to rely on," noted N.E. Ryazanova.
Natalia Evgenievna then spoke about who is currently responsible for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing in detail on each stakeholder.
Also in Block 2, participants learned about project work technology, focusing on the three main components of the SDGs: economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
Natalya Evgenievna then spoke, citing the Rosstat website, about the pace at which the Sustainable Development Goals are currently being implemented in Russia.
During the lecture, participants also examined the composition of the SDGs and the objectives for each of them within the environmental, social, and economic clusters.
Continuing the lecture, Natalia Evgenievna shared useful links for studying statistical data and offered practical advice on what would be interesting to include in final projects. The speaker also emphasized the importance of combining efforts to achieve results:
"Strength lies not in individual work, but in unity. It's always important to find the time to apply your professionalism where it's needed," noted Natalya Evgenievna.
As part of the third block, participants enjoyed an introductory lecture by Natalia Evgenievna Ryazanova, PhD in Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of International Complex Problems of Nature Management at MGIMO University, on the topic "Roadmap for the Five-Year Action for Mountainous Territories."
Participants learned about the measures planned and currently being undertaken as part of the "Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions."
"As part of the 'Voice of the Mountains' Youth Day, we, together, have made a significant contribution to the mountain agenda: we're emphasizing traditions and culture, engaging young people, and doing our part to combat climate change through information," noted Natalya Evgenyevna.
Participants learned about the International Mountain Centre's work and its Mountain Partnership program initiatives. The speaker also outlined the plans for the Five-Year Global Framework for Action.
Natalia Evgenievna also paid attention to motivational programs:
"There's a youth award called 'Mountain Future,' which recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence in innovation and the adaptation of solutions. I propose that our Forum be submitted to the 'Youth' category. After all, the results we present and finalize clearly fall under this category."
As per tradition, at the end of the lecture, Natalya Evgenyevna shared useful links and practical tips for preparing the final project of the Youth Day Model "Voice of the Mountains." She also thanked the participants for their attention and wished them success.
After completing each introductory lecture, students were divided into team groups to develop a “Youth Strategy for the Development of Mountainous Territories.”
The final part of the Youth Day "Voice of the Mountains" of the Second International Forum "SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN TERRITORIES" began with a ceremony awarding participants with certificates.
Next, the team groups presented four projects with proposals for implementing the SDGs in Dagestan's mountainous regions. Each project contained ideas for environmental, social, and economic clusters. The participants immersed themselves in the work and formulated excellent proposals that could significantly impact solutions to the problems of mountainous regions in Dagestan and other regions.
The expert jury noted the high quality of each submitted work, emphasizing the authors' professionalism and originality of their approaches. For the participants, the "Voice of the Mountains" Youth Day was a unique opportunity not only to showcase their talents but also to gain valuable experience, enriching their professional portfolios and opening up new prospects for development.
Summing up, N.E. Ryazanova thanked the students for their work and wished them continued success. Natalia also thanked DSU for the opportunity to host such an important event. The Rector of DSU then invited all participants to continue their youth work in mountainous areas at his university.
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.
