Category: Russian Language

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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The fourth season of one of the largest volunteer projects in the country, the Potanin Foundation's "Preserving Heritage" School, concluded in Kenozersky National Park.

Students and teachers participating in the Vladimir Potanin Scholarship Program, selected through a competitive process, became volunteers for the School. They had the opportunity to help preserve the unique historical and natural heritage, and as a bonus, they were given the opportunity to travel to the most amazing corners of the country, experience ancient crafts and modern technologies, learn more about Russia's nature reserve system, and gain unforgettable experiences. The Foundation School is an initiative of the Potanin Foundation, with the "Reserve Embassy" Foundation serving as its partner.

In 2025, 283 Foundation scholarship recipients and grantee teachers participated in the Foundation's School. School volunteers attended eight cultural heritage sites (museum-reserves), 12 national parks, 13 nature reserves, and one natural monument—34 territories total. These ranged from popular sites of crucial importance to Russian history and culture, such as Tsarskoye Selo and Yasnaya Polyana, to the hidden, hard-to-reach, and incredibly beautiful Sailyugemsky National Park and Katunsky Nature Reserve. In each area, volunteers performed both physical work (landscape improvements, tourist infrastructure repairs, housekeeping, etc.) and intellectual tasks (visitor surveys, data processing and cataloging, scientific research, content creation, etc.). There were also unique tasks: for example, in Kenozersky National Park, volunteers from the Foundation School verified over 1,000 books in the memorial library of folklorist Yuri Smirnov, and in the Orenburg Nature Reserves, they participated in the collection and study of biomaterial from the endangered Przewalski's horses.

Oksana Oracheva, CEO of the Potanin Foundation: "This year, 34 volunteer programs were held in 25 regions across the country. This is 1.5 times more than the previous year. We are especially pleased that the School's 100th session is taking place in Kenozerye, the territory of our long-standing partner and repeated beneficiary. I would like to point out that the opportunity to explore protected areas in this format and personally contribute to their development is a starting point for many to further their immersion in environmental issues. For example, during our pilot sessions in 2022, the camp leaders were individuals who had long-standing professional involvement in the environmental movement, and this year, 26 of the 34 camp leaders were Foundation scholarship recipients from various years. We are delighted that we are creating such an inspiring project, even a movement, that creates opportunities not only for the areas we work with but also transforms people, demonstrating how interconnected culture, nature, and heritage are today."

The Foundation School 2025 was held under the motto "Lighting the Beacons." The organizers imbued this phrase with several meanings. It represented the beacons of help that lit up across the country. It also represented the fact that the Foundation School highlighted each region, making it more widely known and visible on the map of Russia. Finally, each lit beacon represented each participant, as the organizers made an effort to fully develop and showcase the talents of each scholarship volunteer.

Natalia Danilina, President of the Nature Embassy Foundation: "The Foundation School's volunteer season concluded with a symbolic 100th volunteer shift since the project's launch in 2022. Yes, the Potanin Foundation and the Nature Embassy Foundation have already organized 100 volunteer camps. The project has become large-scale, encompassing many regions, but most importantly, it is expanding not only in breadth but also in depth! Volunteers are gaining experience, and their work is becoming increasingly diverse and complex, requiring their professional skills and even revealing their talents! The training of camp leaders and volunteer organizers from nature reserves and parks has become more thorough. We see that the project is beginning to contribute not only to the promotion of volunteerism but also to the development of the nature reserve system as a whole, as well as to the interaction between protected areas and nature reserve museums, custodians of natural and cultural heritage. We believe in the value of this project and are interested in its further development."

The Foundation's School is the Potanin Foundation's largest environmental and volunteer initiative, combining education, practical training, and contributions to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. It creates a unique environment for participants' professional and personal growth, engaging them in real-world projects in the country's specially protected areas. The Zapovednoye Posledstvo (Protected Embassy) Charitable Educational Foundation is the School's partner. Since the start of the volunteer program in 2022, 560 scholarship recipients and teachers have participated in the Foundation's School. In 2025, an additional 283 volunteers joined their ranks.

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.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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A new visitor center is being built as part of the three-year development program for the Smolenskoye Poozerie National Center, implemented by the Zapovednoye Polosstvo Foundation with the support of JTI Russia. Natalia Danilina, President of the Zapovednoye Polosstvo Foundation and Director of the Zapovedniki Ecocenter, discusses the opportunities this new space will open for visitors to the protected area and local residents.

– When did the idea of creating a visitor center arise?

The idea for a visitor center emerged during a lengthy discussion with our partner, JTI, which supported the Smolenskoye Poozerie development project. We agreed to develop a comprehensive project, the likes of which had never been seen before. This comprehensive approach implies that the project will evolve from a vision of the future and a tourism development strategy for the national park to its practical implementation. This includes entrance and exit points, pedestrian and vehicle navigation, a network of eco-trails, and the development of the most significant tourist attractions. The visitor center is the central part of the visitor infrastructure.

According to the strategy we've developed, tourist flows to the park will increase. Smolenskoye Poozerie is located near major cities and the state border, offering significant potential for tourism development. To attract large numbers of tourists, we need to provide them with the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the area: explain the history, biology, and geology of the national park, and introduce them to the park's facilities and sites dedicated to the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The visitor center, currently being completed, will serve as a focal point for visitors to learn about the park, as well as a venue for local events and a kind of club space for all the park's friends.

This is the most financially demanding project. I am very grateful to our partners, JTI Russia, for supporting my idea. All protected natural areas that welcome tourists and lack a visitor center dream of one. The park's management and staff are, of course, delighted that their long-held dream of a visitor center is coming true. After all, they had previously invited experts, prepared proposals, selected a site, and, crucially, secured the land rights for its construction. And finally, this dream is coming true through the project of the Nature Embassy Foundation and JTI Russia.

– What are the main functions of the visitor center?

The visitor center is a space for learning about the specially protected natural area and choosing routes to visit it. Here, tourists can relax after a long journey and plan their next trip.

Smolenskoye Poozerie National Park is located in a densely populated rural area and, in addition to its visitors, needs to interact with the local population. Therefore, the visitor center should become a space for collaboration, education, and leisure. For residents of surrounding villages, the visitor center will become a community space where celebrations and meetings dedicated to nature and local cultural traditions will be held. We hope that the visitor center will foster a community of local residents and friends with whom the park will work.

How long has the tradition of creating visitor centers been around in Russia? Or has it evolved from somewhere?

Until the 1990s, nature museums were established in some nature reserves in Russia. This was a different structure—exhibitions, museum storage facilities, and scientific collections. They also had a certain informational element. Such museums were few in number; they mostly existed in the largest nature reserves with long-standing scientific traditions and the best-funded ones. When the national park system began to take shape, starting in 1983, the need arose for visitor centers where communication with visitors and local residents would be paramount. Informational content would become the primary focus. Interaction with guests is built through exhibits, events, and a comfortable reception space.

The process in our country was very slow, and it wasn't until the 2000s that the first visitor centers began to be established. This began to accelerate after 2011, when the first targeted government funds were allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure. It was then that visitor centers began to be created with a purposeful approach, taking into account the concept of a visitor center as a space for communication with tourists and local residents.

– Who creates visitor centers in Russia?

National parks and nature reserves are creating visitor centers in partnership with expert organizations. One of these is our Ecocenter "Zapovedniki," which, since the early 2000s, has primarily designed visitor centers outside of Russia. We initially designed exhibitions in friendly Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Then, when the design of one of the visitor centers in the Kurgaldzhinsky Nature Reserve in Kazakhstan attracted considerable interest from international specialists, we were invited to North Macedonia to create two visitor centers in that country's national park. Thus, we gained experience working with national parks and nature reserves abroad. And since 2012, we have begun designing visitor centers in Russia as well.

– Are visitor centers in protected areas all roughly the same? By what criteria should one evaluate such a facility: size, features?

"Of course, they're not the same. And you can't say that a 400-square-meter visitor center is good and a 100-square-meter one is bad. What's important is how well it integrates into the overall concept of the area, how much and what kind of information it provides to visitors, and how vividly it lingers in their memory. We have extensive experience designing and creating such facilities. But we could talk for hours about what the Smolenskoye Poozerye visitor center will contain, and our team—the professionals working on the project—and, of course, the Smolenskoye Poozerye management team—will be the best ones to tell you."

Read on to learn how the dream of "Smolenskoye Poozerie" came true, what interpretation is, and how it takes protected tourism infrastructure to the next level—and much more!

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.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Save Nature Foundation

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The CURAPROX brand, in partnership with the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, is implementing an important project called "Life Scenario." We're already receiving positive feedback, which highlights the quality of our toothbrushes and the real opportunity to help nature!

We've teamed up to present a limited-edition toothbrush set designed to raise awareness for the conservation of five rare Russian animal species:

Przewalski's horse, European bison, European snow leopard, gray whale, polar bear

Each packaging in the collection is adorned with an image of a specific animal, whose image and character have been skillfully and meticulously captured by young artist Marta Zorina. Her expressive illustrations help us feel a closeness and connection with the characters in the "Life Script" project.

A unique feature of the collection is that by choosing any set from the "Life Scenario" collection, you help protect Russia's natural environment: 30 rubles from the sale of each package goes to the "Revival of Nature" Charitable Foundation for programs to preserve rare animal species.

As part of the project, we created educational videos for children and adults about five rare Russian animal species, which we invite you to watch. Each cartoon is a touching story that makes you reflect on the fragility and vulnerability of these graceful, majestic animals.

By supporting the Life Scenario project, you are taking an important step, demonstrating your commitment to protecting the environment and preserving our country's biodiversity.

You can learn more about the project and select kits here: HTTPS: //redibuk.kuproks.ru/

With our choices today, we can write a happy “Life Script” for these beautiful animals.

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.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Save Nature Foundation

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We are pleased to announce the completion of the autumn expedition by a team of herpetologists led by Maxim Konstantinovich Ryzhov, PhD in Biology and an experienced herpetologist and researcher. The expedition was organized with the support of the Foundation and was a significant milestone in the study of Dagestan's fauna.

The expedition routes covered almost all planned points, but achieving all the objectives proved challenging. Thick morning fog initially concealed the rare inhabitants from the researchers' eyes, and later other circumstances intervened. Most of the Dagestan fauna that were planned for study were out of sight, likely for the following reasons:

The new habitats require re-examination to fully understand the situation. Hot weather, with temperatures reaching 37°C, forced the animals to seek shelter in deep shelters, escaping the scorching sun.

Nevertheless, even in the face of such obstacles, the expedition made a significant contribution to the study of the local fauna.

This autumn expedition was notable not only for its choice of a new season for research, but also for the fact that scientists managed to solve two important research problems at once:

1. Discovery of new species

During the expedition, two new species to the region were discovered: the olive snake and the Asia Minor frog. These findings expand our knowledge of Dagestan's biodiversity and confirm the importance of further research.

2. Collection of scientific data

The expedition members carried out measurements and collected data on several species of local reptiles and amphibians:

Caucasian agama: About 30 individuals were studied. Snakehead: Morphological analysis was conducted on approximately 20 specimens. Long-legged skink: Data were obtained on six individuals.

These data are especially valuable since previously there was no information about the morphological characteristics of the latter species in Russia.

The participation of professional herpetologists in the expedition significantly expanded the scientific knowledge base about Dagestan's wildlife. The scientists' work helps identify vulnerable species and develop conservation measures.

The Nature Revival Charitable Foundation expresses its deep gratitude to the team of herpetologists whose dedication and professionalism made this important scientific mission possible. Without your efforts, it would be impossible to advance environmental protection and maintain ecological balance in the region.

A special thank you to all the benefactors and friends of the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, whose support allows us to fund projects like these and raise awareness of environmental issues. Thanks to your efforts and participation, we can continue our mission to protect nature and foster environmental awareness among young people.

We invite everyone to join our movement. By supporting the new projects of the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, you are making a tangible contribution to the preservation of Russia's natural heritage. Your active participation, assistance, and support help preserve ecosystems and increase the populations of rare animal species.

Be part of a great cause! Together, we will preserve nature for our children and grandchildren.

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.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Save Nature Foundation

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We share important news with you!

The Arctic Dossier "National Report on the Russian Federation's Contribution to the Restoration of Arctic Ecosystems" was recently published as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

The non-profit sector makes a significant contribution to environmental protection activities in the region.

The Dossier notes the active participation of the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation in the restoration of the Arctic ecosystem, specifically its long-term collaboration with the Beringia National Park to implement a large-scale project to preserve and study marine ecosystems, monitor cetacean populations, and study their food supply.

On behalf of the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, we thank the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation and the National Committee of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2020 for their high recognition of our efforts, as reflected in this document! We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supports our work with their passion, assistance, and participation. Thanks to your donations, we can continue important environmental initiatives aimed at preserving the unique natural environment of the Arctic region and other protected areas of our country.

Together we can do more!

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.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Save Nature Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Beringia National Park staff, with the support of the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, have made significant progress in studying cetaceans in the Senyavin Strait. This was made possible by the Foundation's long-standing collaboration with the national park. Their combined efforts were aimed at organizing scientific research and preserving the biodiversity of Chukotka's unique ecosystems. Beringia National Park specialists conducted extensive research into the behavior and habitat of local cetacean species, including gray whales. Thanks to financial assistance from the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, modern equipment necessary for field observations and the collection of unique data was purchased. A special recreation and scientific observation center (the "House of Science") was also built, equipped with laboratories and living quarters for scientists. As part of these projects, Beringia National Park received a motorboat for patrolling the waters, cameras with powerful optical systems for high-quality footage of animals from afar, waterproof storage cases for equipment, professional wetsuits for scuba diving, and drones for photo and video recording of hard-to-reach coastal areas. All these measures have significantly expanded knowledge about the state of cetacean populations and allowed the development of effective strategies for their conservation and protection. And here are the visible results of this joint work.

Recently, during a new field season, researchers at Beringia National Park were able to document for the first time a truly unique feeding habit of gray whales using modern aerial filming technology. Until now, scientists knew that gray whales are experts at filtering small bottom-dwelling organisms, but the precise mechanisms of this process remained unknown. Now, thanks to drone footage, specialists have obtained visual evidence of the unusual feeding habits of these majestic creatures.

The gray whale is the only baleen whale that actively feeds directly on the seafloor. While hunting, the animal performs a series of sequential actions: it slowly descends to the bottom, carefully lying on its right side. This behavior is due to the whale's unique anatomy—like humans, many are right-handed. The giant then performs a sharp head-first maneuver, opening its massive lower jaw wide and extending its long, muscular tongue. The tongue acts as a pump, helping to capture vast volumes of soft sediment along with the small invertebrates that live there. After filling its mouth with sand and sediment, the whale rapidly ascends, simultaneously rotating counterclockwise. This rapid rotation creates a powerful vortex that effectively separates solid particles of sand and mud from food sources, leaving the food in the animal's mouth. Having finished cleaning its mouth, the whale again submerges, leaving behind a trail of turbid yellowish-brown sediment. These tracks remain visible for a long time after the animal has left, allowing researchers to track the locations of the whale's recent meals.

Gray whales have adapted to a specific feeding pattern—extracting food directly from the seabed. Their diet consists primarily of small crustaceans called amphipods, as well as other bottom-dwelling creatures such as mysid shrimp, marine worms and mollusks, crab larvae, and herring eggs. To extract the necessary food, whales use 130-180 specialized baleen plates on each side of their upper jaw, which act as a kind of sieve.

Gray whales frequently appear in shallow waters near shorelines due to the presence of abundant nutrient reserves concentrated near coastal areas. This feature attracts these enormous marine mammals to areas where favorable conditions exist for the rapid growth and reproduction of a variety of invertebrates, which serve as their primary food source. Shallow waters provide an ideal habitat for gray whales, allowing them to combine rest and feeding. They provide a comfortable depth, facilitating movement and access to food resources, and allow the animals to rest and recuperate in calm conditions. Furthermore, the water is warmer and clearer, improving visibility and facilitating prey hunting. Thus, the presence of abundant nutrient resources close to shore becomes a key factor in determining the habitat selection of these unique marine inhabitants.

This discovery about gray whale behavior underscores the importance of collaboration and the combined efforts of science and compassionate individuals. Only by joining forces can researchers, ecologists, and charities achieve significant results that go far beyond the capabilities of any individual participant. Such discoveries enrich our knowledge of rare species and open new perspectives for developing effective conservation measures not only for populations but for entire ecosystems. Understanding the specific feeding habits and habitats of these large mammals allows scientists to more accurately assess the threats they face and develop effective strategies for protecting and restoring species. After all, every new discovery brings us closer to our ultimate goal—preserving planet Earth's unique natural heritage for future generations.

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.

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