The first Russian Geographical Society Festival, held from October 31 to November 6 at the Central House of Artists came to an end. During a week the event was attended by dozens of thousands of people - only during the first two days the number of visitors exceeded 20 thousand! The most encouraging was the fact that there were many children and teenagers among the guests - kids gladly listened to lectures and participated in masterclasses.
The main objective of the Festival was to show all facets of the Russian Geographical Society activities. The Society has branches in 85 regions of the Russian Federation. Each branch is involved in projects dedicated to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage of the region, organizes a variety of expeditions and research and popularizes respect for the nature. During 7 days, the guests of the event communicated directly with representatives of all regional branches, watched documentary and popular science films about the work in the regions.
Visitors of the Festival were able to make a trip around our country - to try dishes from the peoples of Russia and even learn how to cook them, to see pictures of wildlife from all over the motherland and the dizzying AirPano panoramas, to feel themselves as archaeologists working on excavations, to see artifacts raised from the bottom of the Black Sea or extracted from the ground of the islands of the Gulf of Finland, where fierce fightings took place during World War II.
Educational program of the Festival was also rich and vibrant - lectures on biology and geography, meetings with teachers and travelers, bloggers and photographers. Accidentally getting to the lecture hall, guests often stayed there until the end of the meeting, interested in fascinating stories.
During the Festival, agreements were signed with the Geographical Societies of 10 countries. In addition, agreements were signed with the governments of Moscow region and the Republic of Khakassia, and on the final day of the Festival - a cooperation agreement was signed with the Republic of Komi. First Vice President of the Society Artur Chilingarov signed the document on the part of the Russian Geographical Society, on the part of the Republic of Komi - Head of the Republic - Vyacheslav Gaiser.
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"I’ve been acquainted with the Republic of Komi for a long time, I visited it many times. Wonderful, hospitable people, wonderful nature - said Chilingarov. - So we are very pleased that we have signed an agreement. We will do everything to support your projects."
Next Festival of the Russian Geographical Society will take place soon enough - just in two years you will see the most vivid pictures, learn about the latest discoveries made in expeditions, visit the most interesting lectures and whirl in national dances.
Photo: Ilya Melnikov