On September 10, a delegation from the Marine and Coastal Research Center of Guinea (CEREMAC-G) and the federal research center "A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of the Russian Academy of Sciences" (FITZ InBYUM) visited the headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society in Moscow. The meeting discussed the potential of joint research, the organization of scientific and educational projects, as well as the opening of the RGS Center in Guinea.
During the conversation, Svetlana Vorobyova, Deputy Director of the Expert Analytics and International Affairs Department of the RGS, spoke about the projects of the Russian Geographical Society for the preservation of the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Russia and the world. The topic of intensification of cooperation between the RGS and African countries in recent years was also touched upon.
Professor Alpha Issaga Pallé Diallo, representing CEREMAC-G, confirmed his willingness to develop cooperation with the Russian Geographical Society. He particularly noted the great potential of joint research in the territory of the Republic of Guinea.
“Guinea is a small country. At the same time, there are as many as four geographical zones on an area of 245,857 km2, which differ in their natural characteristics and climate. We will be glad to host Russian specialists to conduct joint scientific observations," said Alpha Issaga Pallé Diallo.
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The participants of the meeting. Photo: Andrey Faerman
Roman Gorbunov, Director of FITZ InBYUM, also noted the significant interest of Russian science in exploring the African continent during the conversation.
"Many regions of Africa remain unexplored and conceal a huge potential for scientific discoveries,” Roman Gorbunov stressed.
The parties expressed interest in opening the Center of the Russian Geographical Society in Guinea, as well as in implementing joint research and educational projects. The meeting was organized on the initiative of the Sevastopol Branch of the RGS.
Expeditions of members of the Russian Geographical Society in different years have made a significant contribution to the study of nature, economy, and population of the African continent. The research covered the Nile basin, the Sahara, and many areas of North, East, and Central Africa. Major discoveries were made in these vast territories, and materials were collected that contributed to solving problems in various fields of geographical science.
In 2020, with the opening of a "cell" of the RGS Youth Movement in Egypt, the Russian Geographical Society became represented on the African continent for the first time in history.
Currently, the RGS holds exhibitions, film screenings, and educational events here.