Category: Nature

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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The project is being implemented by the Potanin Foundation in partnership with the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation.

An event for volunteer shift participants and representatives of the Potanin Foundation School 2026 territories was held in the Moscow region from February 25 to March 1. The event brought together over 150 participants, including volunteers, volunteer program leaders, winners of the Vladimir Potanin Scholarship Program, and representatives of nature reserves, national parks, and museums. Over the five days, nearly 20 educational events of various formats were organized, ranging from training sessions on psychology and team building, safety and first aid, to game rooms dedicated to the nature of nature reserves and national parks, climate discussions, and grant application preparation workshops. School participants attended and spoke at the discussion "Nature and Culture: Preservation, Development, Reaching a New Audience," which took place at the New Jerusalem Museum.

The event, organized by the Potanin Foundation in partnership with the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation, was part of preparations for the anniversary and largest-ever season of volunteer camps in Russia's protected areas as part of the "Potanin Foundation School 2026" project to preserve natural and cultural heritage. The project, now in its fifth year, is expanding: this year, 63 volunteer programs are planned in the country's protected areas, spanning a vast geography, from Karelia to the Far East. Since its inception, 800 Potanin Foundation community members have joined the project, and the new season will see a further 500 volunteers join. The volunteers represent a variety of professions and interests, applying their knowledge of ecology, history, archeology, and community engagement to preserve heritage in protected areas.

Yulia Lizicheva, Program Director of the Potanin Foundation: "One of the key results of the Foundation's School is the formation of a community around natural and cultural heritage sites, united by a shared responsibility for their preservation and development. This community is made up of the School's volunteers—students and teachers who bring their expertise to the work and form sustainable horizontal connections—volunteer program leaders, representatives of protected areas, and everyone who contributes to the movement's activities. The School of Volunteer Program Leaders and Territory Representatives was an opportunity for us to gather on the eve of the project's launch and compare notes: discuss plans and priorities, learn new things, get to know each other better, and get ready for the new anniversary season of the School—the Potanin Foundation's largest environmental and volunteer initiative. I thank every member of our community for their commitment, engagement, and collaboration, and I look forward to seeing you all this summer."

Yulia Vereshchak, Director of International Projects at the Nature Embassy Foundation: "Several years ago, we began our work at the Foundation's School from scratch, explaining what a protected area is, a museum-reserve, and why volunteers are needed. We talked about the different worlds: cultural sites, natural areas, and volunteering. Today, the School has reached a whole new level. It's now a major collaborative effort between all participants. The territories have been able to experience the power of volunteer assistance and offer volunteers more systematic and long-term participation. Volunteers, for their part, have better understood the specifics of working in protected areas and are initiating new approaches to territorial development. Another highlight of this year's program was the events dedicated to deeper engagement with the Potanin Foundation and the Nature Embassy Foundation. I believe this will lead to expanded opportunities for collaboration within the community."

Anna Ufimtseva, researcher at the Baikal State Nature Reserve: "The Baikal Nature Reserve is preparing to host the Potanin Foundation's volunteer camp for the first time. Our program will be built around the Baikalskaya Bird Ringing Station. At the School for Volunteer Program Leaders and Territory Representatives, I saw many opportunities to expand our station's network of friends and promote scientific volunteering. It's great that interested winners of the Foundation's programs can then propose their own projects to help the protected areas. This is very motivating for us to demonstrate ourselves as an interesting platform for environmental initiatives!"

Ildus Nurmukhametov, Shulgan-Tash State Nature Reserve: "This was my first time participating in the Potanin Foundation School, and I'm impressed. The organizers' seriousness and extensive experience are immediately apparent. Everything was meticulously planned, and the program was rich and useful. It's clear that the Potanin Foundation School volunteers are well-prepared, and we'll be happy to welcome them to our grounds."

Khamza Apobekov, Omsk, volunteer: "The school was a rich and practical event. I especially remember the case studies, as well as the extensive first aid module with skills training—all of which will definitely be useful in protected areas. I liked that the program combined training and informal networking: business games, group discussions, and a trip to the New Jerusalem Museum helped us get to know each other better and share experiences. Ultimately, I left not only with new knowledge and contacts, but also with a clearer understanding of my role as a volunteer program leader."

Natalia Korshunova, Moscow, volunteer program leader: "The school set the tone for a vibrant summer: we attended many useful classes on volunteer work in protected areas, shared experiences, and were incredibly energized by connecting with like-minded people. The school once again demonstrated that we are part of a larger and more important effort to preserve our country's natural and cultural heritage. Thank you to the organizers for the valuable program and inspiration!"

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 Nature Embassy Foundation held a meeting to discuss the agenda of a new international youth club. The club will bring together students, young employees of protected areas, and specialists working in sustainable development and nature conservation. The Nature Embassy International Youth Club will host events of various formats to strengthen the role of Russian specialists in the international arena.

The first meeting of the "Tools for Involving Youth in the Implementation of the International Environmental Agenda" club was held at the "Primordial Russia" festival. Yulia Vereshchak, Director of International Projects at the "Zapovednoye Posledstvo" Foundation and the meeting's moderator, emphasized that the primary outcome of the new club's work should be the inclusion of a youth track in the program of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) to be held in Armenia on October 19-30, 2026, and the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC26) to be held in Australia on September 20-25, 2026.

Natalia Danilina, President of the Nature Embassy Foundation and Director of the Zapovedniki Ecocenter, noted that the youth international club's members could benefit from the connections established between these organizations over 30 years of work. Specifically, the Nature Embassy works with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Zapovedniki Ecocenter is a long-standing member of this global conservation organization. Staff from the Nature Embassy and the Ecocenter serve on committees in various areas and actively promote Russia's interests and its inclusion in the global conservation agenda, organizing the participation of Russian delegates in international events.

Natalia Danilina encouraged young people to develop their skills through work with protected areas, including volunteering and participating in IUCN international commissions, such as the Climate Change Commission, the Species Survival Commission (SSC), the Ecosystem Management Commission (CEM), and, of course, the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). She also mentioned the Ecocenter's collaboration with the Europark Federation, which has extensive European programs for young participants, as well as opportunities for bilateral international exchanges and internships offered by the Nature Embassy Foundation for young protected area staff.

According to Natalia Danilina, young activists should begin their participation in global dialogue by volunteering in nature conservation in their own country to immerse themselves in environmental issues and, once they have acquired real competencies, engage in work at the international level. "The international program of the 'Nature Embassy' is expanding, and our organization is ready to help young people participate in global events, working with businesses to find funding for this. Through international dialogue, sharing experiences, and tapping into the creative potential of young people, ideas for real solutions in nature conservation will emerge," Natalia Danilina noted.

Natalia Dorpeko, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact National Network, supported the creation of the new international club, "Zapovednoye Embassy," and noted the opportunity for the UN Global Compact National Network in Russia to partner with the club. Natalia Dorpeko emphasized the importance of international cooperation on the Sustainable Development Agenda overall and within environmental target tracks, emphasizing the role of youth engagement in UNEP, UNESCO, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) programs, as well as in UN-HABITAT's work on sustainable human settlements development, as well as the potential of existing international and national internships for youth under UN programs and UN Global Compact initiatives. She recommended considering initiatives supported by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which promote opportunities for Russian youth at the international level.

We will announce future meetings of the International Club in our announcements. You can register your interest in participating in the Club meetings by emailing Tatyana Margulyan, Head of International Projects Communications at the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation. tmargulyan@wildnet.ru.

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), for 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.

February 14th was celebrated as a day for all those in love with the sea and dolphins. As part of the Living Black Sea project, a training session titled "Helping Black Sea Dolphins and Citizen Science" was held.

Citizen science is a highly relevant topic, as it transforms volunteer observations into scientific data. Scientists need information on dolphin strandings to monitor population changes, analyze the causes of mortality, and develop conservation measures for Black Sea cetaceans.

The theoretical part of the training was devoted to topics of cetacean biology, the main threats associated with tides, marine pollution, diseases, injuries, and methods of safe basic care for injured mammals.

Having mastered the theory, the volunteers moved to the seashore and began field (sea) practice. On shore, the volunteers practiced methods of supporting and safely assisting cetaceans in the water, learned basic veterinary procedures, and how to collect the necessary samples to diagnose the dolphins' condition.

The training participants highly appreciated the knowledge they gained and the practical benefits of the event:

Zhanna Rybak, "Nets, Sieve, Shovel":

"…the whole picture of the rescue finally came together in my head, because before this training, there were only fragmentary elements. As a result of the training, the correct algorithm for rescuing cetaceans was solidified."

Zhanna Lvova, Nadezhda Rashkovskaya, "Saving the Sea":

"This was the most intense and visual learning experience. Thank you so much for such a valuable experience!"

Ekaterina Shlyapina, "Pure Life":

"The theory is fascinating, without the fluff, but with real facts, and then immediately on-shore practice. The instructors were a true joy: they showed and explained everything, and answered all my questions. Honestly, I wouldn't want to encounter such situations, but reality shows a picture where anything can happen, so this training is invaluable!"

Oleg Tretyakov, a JTI Russia volunteer, spent the day at a training session with his wife, turning Valentine's Day into an opportunity to contribute to a common cause. He shared his emotions with his colleagues:

"It's nice to know that behind the lecture's impressions lies real help, and our company is helping the Black Sea stay 'Alive.'"

The event was organized as part of the large-scale "Living Black Sea" program. This three-year, comprehensive project is being implemented by the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation in partnership with JTI Russia. The Delfa Dolphin Rescue Center served as a key partner in conducting the training.

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 gold mining company Polyus and the ANO DPO Ecocenter "Zapovedniki" (the Training Center of the "Zapovednoye Polostya") presented a joint educational project—an interactive lesson, "Keeper of the Taiga: The Essentials of the Brown Bear"—at the All-Russian Nature Festival "Primordial Russia." The lesson brought together young Muscovites and visitors eager to learn more about the life of Russia's most famous forest predator. The exhibition is taking place at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall.

This lesson, developed by professional environmental educators in collaboration with Polyus, introduces schoolchildren to the role of brown bears in the ecosystem, their habits, and, most importantly, safety precautions for a potential encounter with one in the wild. Through playful presentations, infographics, and short cartoons, children learn how to avoid dangerous encounters and why it's unwise to feed predators.

At the "Primordial Russia" festival, experts from the "Zapovedniy Polska" (Protected Embassy) held a workshop for young visitors to the exhibition, which also featured numerous photographs capturing bears in their natural environment.

Daria Grigorieva, Director of the Sustainable Development Department at Polyus PJSC: "The brown bear is the largest predator in Russian forests and the master of the taiga. The state of this species can largely be used to assess the health of ecosystems, including in the regions where Polyus operates. For us, this is not a "fairytale character," but a close neighbor: we must treat it with respect and caution, as encountering a bear in the forest is very dangerous. And it's important to talk about this with the younger generation. Education about ecology and biodiversity helps children learn how to protect nature and how to behave appropriately when encountering its inhabitants. That's why we enthusiastically supported the project of the Zapovednoye Polost Educational Center dedicated to the brown bear. An interactive lesson, filled with colorful illustrations, engaging activities, and games, is an excellent format for making the material easy to digest and memorable."

Elena Romanova, Director of the Zapovedniki Nature Center Educational Center (ANO DPO Ecocenter Zapovedniki): "At the "Primordial Russia" nature festival, we presented a live lesson about the brown bear for the first time, created with the support of the Polyus company. Incidentally, the exhibition includes many photographs of bears, demonstrating interest in this species and the important role it plays in our country. When we talked about bears with schoolchildren from the Krasnoyarsk Territory, we saw admiration and respect for this mighty beast in their eyes. At "Primordial Russia," young Muscovites and visitors to the capital were equally engrossed in the lesson and equally awed by the bear. This isn't just a lesson about the brown bear—it's an environmental education session about the harmony between humans and nature. We tell children that the best encounter with a bear is the one that never happened, and we teach them how to avoid unsafe situations."

Dmitry D., a 5th-grade student and participant in a lesson at the "Primordial Russia" festival:

"We had a really interesting activity at the exhibition. They told us all about the habits of the brown bear. They asked a lot of tricky questions, which required us to think and guess. There were also written assignments. It was captivating, and we spent a whole hour really entertaining. Now I've learned a few things to keep in mind if I ever encounter a bear!"

The lesson was piloted in Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Polyus region where encounters with the brown bear, the master of the forest, are common, but the project is also relevant to other Russian regions. Since its launch in October 2025, 30 lessons have already been held in various regions, attended by nearly 900 students from 17 educational institutions. All materials for the interactive lesson "Keeper of the Taiga" are available free of charge on the national portal "Zapovednyurok.rf." The initiative continues to expand thanks to educators who download materials from the portal and teach the lessons in their schools. Teachers and staff of specially protected natural areas can receive diplomas and letters of appreciation, and students can receive "Brown Bear Behavior Expert" certificates after completing an online test.

All materials for the interactive lesson "Keeper of the Taiga" are available for free. follow the link 

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 traditional Day of the Zapovedniki Charitable Educational Foundation took place at the All-Russian Nature Festival "Primordial Russia" in the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall. Traditional, yet special: it kicked off the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Zapovedniki Ecocenter, one of the oldest non-profit environmental education organizations in the post-Soviet space, whose team founded the foundation. Guests also participated in discussions about the role of youth in nature conservation at the Russian and global levels, learned more about the brown bear in a new nature conservation lesson, gathered for a warm meeting dedicated to volunteerism, and viewed a public report on the results of their work.

Opening the "Reserve Reception" for friends and partners, which marked the day's culmination, Natalia Romanovna Danilina, President of the "Reserve Embassy" Foundation, said: "The well-being and preservation of protected areas, as well as our colleagues and friends in the protected areas, have always been important to our organization. That's why it's so special that so many friends are here in this beautiful hall today. In 2026, the "Reserves" Ecocenter—the very one that launched all our projects and initiatives—will turn 30. We now have a large team and a whole host of organizations, but we've been working towards this point for a long time. We've made a significant contribution to the development of environmental education in protected areas, pioneered environmental volunteering, and created the only non-profit, licensed training center for specialists in the conservation industry."

Key achievements for 2025 confirm that the Nature Embassy continues to set a high bar for the development of nature conservation, environmental education, and nature volunteering. Over the past year, 24 specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) received assistance in preserving 10 endangered species—from the bison and Pallas's cat to the Black Sea dolphin and Atlantic puffin. Reforestation projects planted over 20 hectares of forest in the Buzuluksky Bor, Smolenskoye Poozerye, and Ugra National Parks. More than 2,500 corporate volunteers (from Norilsk Nickel, MTS, Sibur, Rosatom, and others), as well as 283 Potanin Foundation School scholarship recipients, participated in volunteer expeditions and events. The Nature Embassy represented Russia at international venues (the IUCN World Congress in Abu Dhabi, UN conferences, and others) with guests from over 80 countries. Bilingual collections of best practices were published. 230 employees of specially protected natural areas were trained, and seven new interactive nature conservation lessons were created. The amount of the first environmental endowment in Russia, created by the Nature Embassy Foundation, increased by 2.89 million rubles.

"Our formula for love of nature is: 'learn, love, preserve.' It's important to us that people develop a personal relationship with the protected area; and only through personal affection does the desire to preserve nature emerge. This is the formula we live by and build our entire work upon, and the achievements we've presented contribute to this chain," emphasized Ksenia Gasparyan, Development Director of the Nature Embassy Foundation.

A key feature of the Zapovednoye Polostvo Foundation's work is its transition to large-scale, multi-year, comprehensive initiatives in protected areas, in collaboration with environmentally responsible businesses. Natalya Romanovna Danilina, for example, mentioned a recently completed project in Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park: "This is what I've dreamed of doing all these years of our organization's existence. To implement a comprehensive, large-scale project for the development of a protected area from scratch, from analysis, strategy development, planning, to infrastructure construction, animal rescue, reforestation, and even the creation of a visitor center. And we were incredibly lucky to have found a business partner who helped us realize this dream project."

The Foundation recently launched a new comprehensive project to develop the cooperation area between Meshchera National Park and the village of Urshelsky in the Vladimir Region.

Alexander Myaskov, Trustee of the Nature Embassy Foundation, Director of the Mining Institute at MISIS University, Chairman of the Union of Wildlife Photographers, and Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, summarized: “I’ve known and loved this team for a long time. I’m pleased to serve as a Trustee and to see how dedicated and professional they are. They continue to learn every day to become better, more proactive, kinder, and, in a good way, more aggressive in their work. Wishing them every success!”

The "Protected Nature Embassy" Day brought together up to 300 guests—representatives of government agencies, businesses, NGOs, teachers, and volunteers. Special events immersing students in the world of protected nature were held for dozens of schoolchildren and students. The program included discussions on "Building Interaction between Natural Areas and Moscow Universities" and "Tools for Engaging Youth in the Implementation of the International Conservation Agenda," a meeting of the Protected Nature Volunteers Club, a presentation of the new lesson "Keeper of the Taiga: The Essentials of the Brown Bear," developed jointly with the company Polyus, and a protected nature playroom.

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), for 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 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.