Charter

Subscribe to RSS - Charter

Approved by the XIV Conference of

the All-Russian nongovernment organization

“Russian Geographical Society”

December 11, 2010

Part I. General Provisions

Article 1. Legal Status of the Society

1. The All-Russian Public Organization “Russian Geographical Society”, hereafter referred to as “the Society” is a Russian national public association based on membership, founded on the grounds of joint activities aimed at pursuing the Goal and reaching the Objectives of the Society.

2. The Society is a legal entity under the laws of the Russian Federation.

3. The Society has the single corporate style, seal, stamp, letterheads, symbolic, approved according to proceedings, specified in the current legislation of the RF and the Charter.

4. Full official name of the Society in Russian: Всероссийская общественная организация «Русское географическое общество».

5. Short name of the Society in Russian: «ВОО «Русское географическое общество» or «Русское географическое общество». Any of the aforementioned names can be used.

6. Full name of the Society in English: «All-Russian nongovernment organization «Russian Geographical society».

7. Short name of the Society in English: «Russian Geographical Society».

Article 2. History of the Society

1. Russian Geographical Society was founded in 1845. The Society was founded by К.I. Arseniev, F.F. Berg, К.М. Bar, F.P. Vrangel, М.P. Vronchenko, G.P. Gelmersen, V.I. Dal, P.I. Keppen, I.F. Kruzenshtern, А.I. Levshin, F.P. Litke, М.N. Muraviev, V.F. Odoyevsky, V.А. Perovski, P.I. Rikord, V.Ya. Struve, P.А. Chikhachev.

2. In 1849 the Society was named «Imperial Russian Geographical Society ». In 1917 the name “Russian Geographic Society” was returned upon the resolution of the Council. In 1925 it was named “State Russian Geographic Society”. In 1932 the name was changed to “State Geographic Society of the RSFSR”.

In 1938 the Society was named “Geographic Society of the USSR”. In 1945 and 1965 it adopted Charters in new edition. In 1992 a decision was taken on return to the historical name “Russian Geographic Society”. In 1995 a decision was taken to rename the Society to “All-Russian nongovernment organization “Russian Geographic Society”.

3. Despite the repeated changes of the name, Russian Geographic Society always existed as a legal entity, preserved its traditions and succession.

Article 3. Information on the Society

1. The governing body of the Society is located at the address: 10/A Grivtsova Lane, Saint Petersburg, 190000.

2. E-mail address of the Society: rgoatrgo.ru.

3. The Society has its own website: www.rgo.ru (hereinafter referred to as the website of the Society).

4. The website of the Society contains all the information on the activities of the Society, its structural subdivisions, internal acts of the Society and other information.

5. The websites of regional and local subdivisions of the Society are made within the rgo.ru domain.

Part II. Goals, objectives and trends in the activities of the Society

Article 4. The Society’sgoal

The goal of the Society (hereafter referred to as the Goal) consists in consolidation of forces and ambitions of the Russian society in the field of study and promotion of national geography for realization of the potential of the country and its citizens.

Article 5. The Society’s objectives

In order to reach its Goal, the Society has the following objectives (hereafter referred to as the Objectives):

1. Creating, supporting and directing public initiative on comprehensive research and deep understanding of geographical, ethnic and cultural and historical uniqueness of Russia.

2. Stimulating and arranging active participation of the Society in environmental activities, creating ethics of the responsible position regarding the environment.

3. Promoting geographical, historical and cultural heritage of Russia as an object of national pride.

4. Collecting, processing and spreading trustworthy global and national geographic, ecological, ethnographical and statistical data in Russia and abroad.

5. Assistance in scientific creativity, development of geographical and related natural and social sciences, large scale development and implementation of the best achievements of domestic science.

6. Drawing attention of Russian and international public to unique historical and cultural and geographical objects of our country for intensive development of tourism in Russia.

Article 6. Trends in activities of the Society

In order to achieve the Goal and the Objectives, the Society in accordance with the current law performs activities in the following fields:

1. Researchactivities;

2. Activities in collecting, keeping and distribution of geographical information;

3. Educational and outreach activities;

4. Nature protection activities;

5. Expeditionary activities;

6. Publishing activities;

7. Grantingactivities;

8. Activities on arrangement and holding public events;

9. International activities;

10. Activities aimed at regional development of the Society;

11. Activities aimed at support of youth initiative;

12. Activities aimed at cooperation with partner organizations;

13. Business activities including foreign economic activities.

Part III. Principles of activities of the Society

Article 7. Legislative principles

In its activities the Society follows the principles of respect for human rights and main fundamental rights, non-discrimination, environmental protection, legality, priority of reaching of non-commercial objectives, voluntariness, equality, autonomy, publicity, general availability of information on statutory and program documents, impermissibility of conflict of interests.

Article 8. Ethical principles

The Society’s activities are based on the following principles:

1. The principle of pursuing interests of the Russian society – carrying out activities of the Russian geographical society in accordance with the national interests of Russia;

2. The principle of devotion to mission and the glorious name of the Russian Geographical Society – accepting of the system of values of the Society and performing actions aimed at the reputation improvement;

3. The principle of conscious participation – understanding of the Goal and Objectives of the Society and active participation in their implementation;

4. The principle of promotion of the potential of each member of the Society - creation of favorable environment for unlocking and development of each member of Society;

5. The principle of commitment to tradition and continuity of generations - respect for historical experience (Heritage) of the Society and its transferring from generation to generation;

6. The principle of careful attitude to nature - awareness of the uniqueness and exhaustibility of natural resources;

7. The principle of commitment to a comprehensive learning the world - encouragement of initiative, creativity and innovation;

8. The principle of responsible attitude to information – the Society’s activities are based upon reliable data obtained taking into account all available sources;

9. The principle of transparency – constructive cooperation and exchange of opinions inside the Society and with other organizations;

10. The principle of unity of the organization – adhering to the principles of the Society by all its members, employees, management, managing bodies, councils, committees and structural divisions.

Part IV. Membership

Article 9. General provisions on membership

1. Membership in the Society is voluntary.

2. Members of the Society can be:

– individuals (adult capable citizens, foreigners and stateless persons, regardless of nationality, religion and place of residence), sharing the Society’s Goal;

- legal entities - public associations recognizing these Charter and contributing to achievement of the Society’s Goal.

3. The Society’s members have equal rights and equal responsibilities.

4. The Society maintains the Society Members Register.

5. Participation in the activities of the Society does not impede membership in other public associations, provided that their activities do not contradict the goals and objectives of the Society.

6. Issues not covered in this section are specified in Regulations on the Society membership.

Article 10. Procedure for joining the Society

1. Persons willing to become members of the Society can submit an application:

– to a regional division;

– through the website of the Society (www.rgo.ru).

2. A person willing to join the Society, takes his/her own decision on the choice of the regional office in activities of which he/she is going to participate.

3. Starting from the date of the application, the person becomes a candidate to a member of the Society.

4. Status of a member can be obtained not earlier than six (6) months from the date of application.

5. Provision stated in paragraph 4 shall not apply to candidates whose applications are accompanied with recommendations of two members of the Society.

6. The decision on admission to membership of the Society is taken by the Governing Council.

7. The status of a member is confirmed by the Society’s membership card.

Article 11. Rights and obligations of the Society members

1. The Society members have the right to:

1.1 participate in the Society management, to elect and be elected to its elective management and audit bodies;

1.2 obtain necessary information about the activities of the Society;

1.3 participate in activities organized by the Society members, including proceedings, scientific conferences, sessions, councils, expeditions, scientific travels and scientific research;

1.4 use according to the established procedure library, archive and museum fund of the Society;

1.5 publish their scientific, educational, and other works in the Society’s papers;

1.6 withdraw voluntarily from the Society.

2. The Society members commit themselves to:

2.1 participate actively in the Society’s activities;

2.2 contribute to achieving the goal and objectives of the Society, strengthening of its authority;

2.3 comply with the provisions of the Charter and internal acts of the Society; execute resolutions of the governing, executive and supervisory bodies of the Society, passed within their competence;

2.4 pay membership fees, procedure for payment and the amounts of which are approved by the Governing Board;

2.5 comply with the Society’s Code of Ethics.

Article 12. Termination of membership in the Society

1. Members of the Society have the right to terminate membership in the Society voluntarily upon written notice to the regional office.

2. Membership in the Society is terminated after submission of corresponding application.

3. Members of the Society, whose activities discredit the Society and cause damage to it, who do not perform their duties systematically, who ignore the requirements of this Charter and internal regulations of the Society, may be excluded upon the decision of the Council of Elders of the Society.

4. Member of the Society, voluntarily terminating membership in the Society, may be re-admitted to the Society, but not earlier than one year after the termination.

Article 13. Membersof the Society

1. Individuals and public associations supporting the Society’s Goal, can participate in the activities and individual events of the Society without admitting to membership.

2. Participation in the activities of the Society allows membership or participation in activities of other public organizations.

Part V. Management of the Society

Chapter 1. General provisions on the Society bodies

Article14. Structure of the Society

1. The structure of the Society bodies includes the Congress, Board of Trustees, Media Council, Managing Council, Scientific Board, Council of Elders, Council of Regions, Society President, Executive directorate of Revision Commission.

2. For the purpose of carrying out the activities, the Academic Board, Council of Elders, and the Council of Regions can form in their structure a Presidium or Bureau.

3. The Society bodies can form temporary and permanent commissions and committees.

Article 15. Organizational fundamentals

1. Members of elected bodies of the Society, as well as delegates of the Congress are involved in the Society management on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration for the performance of their duties, except for reimbursement of expenses directly related to participation in the work of the relevant body.

2. Members of the Society may participate in the meetings, both personally and using telecommunication means (teleconference, etc.).

3. The Society bodies, as well as the Society officials, may delegate execution of certain powers to other Society body or official with the consent of the body or official, except for the powers expressly established by federal laws.

4. Issues not covered by this section shall be governed by the Regulations on the bodies of the Society.

Chapter 2. Society Congress

Article 16. General provisions on the Congress

1. The Supreme governing body is the Congress of the Society.

2. Decisions of the Congress shall be final and not subject to revision or amendment by other governing bodies of the Society.

3. The Society holds regular Congress once (1) in five (5) years. The Society also has the right to convene an extraordinary congress. The arrangement and conduct is of the Congress is governed by the Regulations on the bodies of the Society.

4. Delegates elected by regional offices of the Society can participate in the Congress. Moreover, members of the Governing Council, delegates from the Academic Council, the Council of Elders and the Council of Regions participate in the Congress as voting members. Each of the bodies can have not more than fifteen (15) delegates.

Article 17. Competence of the Congress

The Congress competence includes the following issues:

1.1 Approval of the Society’s Charter, making additions and amendments to it;

1.2 Determination of priorities, approving of policies and programs of the Society, ways and methods of their implementation, defining of the basic principles of formation and use of the Society’s property;

1.3 Election and dismissal of the President of the Society;

1.4 Election and early termination of powers of the Governing Council of the Society;

1.5 Election and early termination of the powers of the Audit Commission of the Society;

1.6 Approval of the reports of the Society, envisaged by the Charter;

1.7 Awarding honorary titles of the Society;

1.8 Taking decision on reorganization or liquidation of the Society;

1.9 solving other issues stipulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation, including the Federal Law as of December 30, 2006 № 275 -FZ "On the formation and use of endowment of non-profit organizations", the Charter and the Provisions of the Society bodies.

Article 18. Making decisions by the Congress

1. Delegates vote at the Congress in the form of meeting based on the principle of "one delegate - one vote".

2. Decisions on the matters specified in paragraphs 1.1-1.4, 1.8 of Art. 17 hereof shall be made by a qualified majority of two thirds of the delegates present at the Congress, unless otherwise provided by legislation of the Russian Federation or the Charter.

3. To make decisions on other issues of the agenda of the Congress, a simple majority of votes is necessary, unless otherwise provided by law of the Russian Federation or the Charter.

4. The agenda and the Organization Committee of the Congress are formed by the Governing Council of the Society, unless otherwise provided herein.

5. Regional offices and control authorities of the Society, Organizing Committee of the Congress and the President of the Board of Trustees of the Society can submit proposals on the agenda, as well as on candidates for election to the Society Bodies.

6. The Congress is authorized to resolve issues related to its competence, if at least a half of the elected delegates participate in it.

7. According to the results of voting, the Counting Board shall prepare a protocol on the voting results, signed by members of the commission.

 

Chapter 3. Board of Trustees and Media Council of the Society

Article 19. Board of Trustees

1. The Board of Trustees has been formed and acts to facilitate successful implementation of the Goal and Objectives.

2. The procedure for forming and functioning of the Board of Trustees is defined in the Regulations on the Board of Trustees.

3. The Board of Trustees operates on a voluntary basis.

4. The Society President is a member of the Board of Trustees.

Article 20. Media Council

1. The Media Council has been formed for information support of implementation of the Goal and Objectives.

2. The Media Council works at the Board of Trustees of the Society and is included into its structure.

3. The Media Council acts on the grounds of the Provisions on the Media Council.

Chapter 4. Managing Council of the Society

Article 21. General provisions on the Managing Council

1. The Managing Council acts in the periods between Congresses as the permanent elected collegial management body of the Society, exercising the rights of a legal entity. Members of the Managing Council are elected by the Congress for the period of five (5) years.

2. Members of the Managing Council shall be elected from among members of the Congress. The maximum number of members is 9. The composition of the Managing Council includes the President of the Society, the Honorary President of the Society and the Executive Director of the Society.

3. The Governing Council meets when necessary, but at least two (2) times a year. Meeting of the Governing Council is chaired by the President or other member of the Managing Council authorized by him. Meetings of the Managing Council are documented in minutes.

Article 22. Competence of the Managing Council

The competence of the Managing Council includes the following issues:

1.1 Approval of annual reports and annual accounting balance sheet of the Society;

1.2 Approval of the annual financial plan of the Society and costs estimations;

1.3 Decisions on the establishing and termination of activities of regional offices;

1.4 Decisions on establishing and termination of the activities of branches and representative offices of the Society;

1.5 Decisions on establishing of business partnerships and companies and other business organizations, as well as the Society membership in other associations, unions and public associations and withdrawal from them;

1.6 Decision on establishment of mass media, including mass media created by regional offices of the Society;

1.7 Performance with an initiative to hold Congresses of the Society;

1.8 Approval of annual reports on the results of their activities;

1.9 Approval of decisions on establishing and termination of activities of commissions, committees and other sectoral divisions of the Society;

1.10 Approval of the Regulations taking into account offers of the Society Councils;

1.11 Approval of candidates for honorary titles, rewards and prizes;

1.12 Approval of uniform corporate style, seals, stamps, forms, symbols of the Society and order of their usage;

1.13 Other issues in accordance with the Charter and internal documents of the Society.

Article 23. Taking decisions by the Managing Council

1. The Society Managing Council is authorized to make decisions within its competence, in the presence of a quorum - at least half of the members.

2. Decisions of the Managing Council of the Society on the matters specified in paragraphs. 1.1, 1.2, 1.8, and 1.12 of Art. 22 hereof shall be made by a qualified majority (at least 2/3) of the present members of the Governing Council of the Society. Decisions on other issues are taken by a simple majority of votes of the Managing Council of the Society.

Chapter 5. President of the Society

Article 24. General Provisions on the Society President

The Society President is elected by the Congress of the Society. The President is elected for the period of 5 (five) years. The President acts on behalf of the Society without Power of Attorney.

Article 25. Competence of the President

1. The President of the Society:

1.1 chairs the Congress of the Society, the Managing Council of the Society, preside at their meetings, has the right to convey and organize their work, if the votes of the members of the Governing Council divide equally, he/she has a casting vote;

1.2 between meetings of the Managing Council the Society he/she manages the Society, issues binding orders and instructions;

1.3 signs the Regulations and is entitled to reject them reasonably;

1.4 has the right to suspend the powers of governing and executive bodies of regional offices in the event of non-performance by the said persons and bodies of decisions of the Society and committing acts discrediting the Society and its members, violating the Charter of the Society and internal acts of the Society;

1.5 submits to the Congress a report on the activities of the Society;

1.6 arranges implementation of decisions of the Congress and the Managing Council of the Society;

1.7 exercises overall control over the activities of the executive office of the Society, the activity of structural divisions of the Society;

1.8 chairs the Organizing Committee of the Congress;

1.9 appoints the Executive Director of the Society;

1.10 exercises other powers not related to the competence of the Governing Council, the Council of Regions of the Society, the Academic Council of the Society and the Council of Elders of the Society.

2. The President of the Society has the right to delegate some powers to Vice-Presidents and Executive director of the Society.

3. The President has the right to resign voluntarily, by sending a corresponding statement to the Managing Council of the Society.

Article 26. Vice Presidents of the Society

1. To assist in the execution of powers, the President is entitled to appoint not more than six (6) Vice-Presidents.

2. The Society President assigns to each Vice President a separate field of business. Vice Presidents acts within the terms set by the President; Presidential instructions are mandatory for Vice Presidents.

3. In absence of the President his functions are performed by a designated Vice President.

 

Chapter 6. Academic Council of the Society

Article 27. General Provisions on the Academic Council

1. The Academic Council of the Society is formed to promote implementation by the Society of scientific, research, educational and outreach activities, scientific assessments, and preparation of thematic reports on behalf of the Society.

2. The Academic Council of the Society includes Vice-Presidents of the Society in accordance with their activities within the Society.

3. A Chairman of the Academic Council is elected from among the Vice-Presidents of the Society.

Article 28. Competence of the Academic Council

1. Competence of the Academic Council includes solving of the following issues:

1.1 performing scientific expertise;

1.2 control over the outreach and educational activities of the Society;

1.3 managing research activities of the Society;

1.4 expert examination of projects of the Society;

1.5 other issues in the framework of its competence.

Article 29. Taking decisions by the Academic Council

1. The Academic Council meetings are chaired by the President of the Academic Council of the Society.

2. The Academic Council has the right to solve issues within its competence, in the presence of a quorum - at least a half of the members.

3. Decisions of the Academic Council of the Society shall be taken by a simple majority at an open vote.

4. Meetings of the Academic Council of the Society are documented in minutes.

Chapter 7. Council of Elders of the Society

Article 30. General Provisions on the Council of Elders

1. The Council of Elders is formed in order to preserve traditions and heritage of the Society, the succession of generations and the resolution of disputes between members and offices of the Society.

2. The Council of Elders may include Honorary Members of the Society, who has been participating in the activities for at least thirty (30) years. The Honorary President and Vice President are included to the Council of Elders in accordance with the fields of expertise.

3. The Council of Elders of the Society is headed by the Chairman of the Council – the Honorary President of the Society, elected by the Congress from the most outstanding members of the Society, who have been holding senior positions in the Society at the suggestion of the Council of Elders.

4. The Honorary President is a member of the Management Council and the Council of Elders, has the right to their extraordinary convocation.

Article 31. Competence of the Council of Elders

1. The Competence of the Council of Elders includes the following issues:

1.1 resolution of disputes between members and offices of the Society;

1.2 defining procedures for the use of libraries, archives, museums, assemblage of maps, collections and laboratories of the Society;

1.3 submission of proposals for publication of scientific, pedagogical and other works in the Society’s editions;

1.4 offering of candidates to be elected in commissions and committees of the Society;

1.5 other issues within its competence.

Article32. Taking decisions by the Council of Elders

1. Meetings of the Council of Elders Society are chaired by the President of the Council of Elders.

2. The Council of Elders of the Society takes decisions on the matters within its competence, in the presence of a quorum - at least a half of the members.

3. Decisions of the Council of Elders of the Society are taken at an open vote by a simple majority.

4. Meetings of the Council of Elders of the Society are documented in minutes.

Chapter 8. Council of Regions of the Society

Article 33. General provisions on the Council of Regions

1. The Council of Regions is formed in order to ensure regional development of the Society, coordination of regional and local offices in the structure of the Society.

2. The Council of Regions is comprised of Presidents of regional offices of the Society.

3. The Council of Regions of the Society is headed by the Chairman of the Council – a Vice President of the Society in the corresponding field of activities.

Article 34. Competence of the Council of Regions

1. The competence of the Council of Regions of the Society includes the following matters:

1.1 Submitting recommendations to the Managing Council on the establishment and termination of activities of the regional offices in coordination with the Academic Council of the Society and the Council of Elders of the Society;

1.2 Coordination of Regional development and regional policy in accordance with the Charter and the Regulations on the Society offices;

1.3 promotion of expeditions and travels;

1.4 arranging and holding public events in the subjects of the Russian Federation;

1.5 support of environmental activities and environmental measures of interregional and national importance;

1.6 solution of other issues within its competence.

Article 35. Taking decisions by the Council of Regions

1. Meetings of the Council of Regions are chaired by the Chairman of the Council of Regions of the Society.

2. The Council of Regions of the Society has the right to decide matters within its competence, in the presence of a quorum - at least a half of the members.

3. Decisions of the Council of Regions are taken at open voting by a simple majority.

4. Meetings of the Council of Regions Society are documented in minutes.

Minutes of the Council of Regions are signed by the Chairman of the meeting.

Chapter 9. Executive Directorate of the Society

Article 36. ExecutivedirectorateoftheSociety

1. The Executive Directorate is formed in order to support the activities of the Society and its bodies.

2. The Executive Director supervises the work of the Executive Directorate.

3. The Executive Directorate of the Society:

3.1 performs organizational and technical preparatory work for the Congress, meetings of the Governing Board;

3.2 keeps track of branches and members of the Society;

3.3 manages the site of the Society;

3.4 exercises other powers.

Article 37. Executive Director of the Society

1. The Executive Director is appointed by the President of the Society for a period of five (5) years and operates under a contract with the Society. A contract with the Executive Director on behalf of the Society is signed by the President of the Society.

2. Executive Director of the Society:

2.1 Provides execution of decisions of the Society, adopted in the framework of their competence;

2.2 Directly supports the operations of the President of the Society;

2.3 Operates without a power of attorney on behalf of the Society, signs financial documents, makes transactions, concludes economic and employment contracts, grants powers of attorney, represents the Society in court;

2.4 Disposes the Society funds and property within its jurisdiction;

2.5 Opens and closes accounts of the Society in banking institutions;

2.6 Prepares draft internal regulations of the Society for approval by the bodies of the Society;

2.7 Makes decisions and issues orders concerning the activities of the Society within its competence as defined in the Charter and internal documents of the Society;

2.8 Forms the Executive Directorate of the Society, approves staffing, job descriptions of employees;

2.9 Certifies copies of minutes of the Society’s bodies and documents stored in the Society, as well as extracts from them;

2.10 Carries out other functions within the competence.

3. Authority of the Executive Director of the Society shall be terminated in connection with the expiration of the contract and may be terminated earlier by the President of the Society.

Chapter 10. Revision Commission and Auditor of the Society

Article 38. Audit Commission of the Society

1. Supervisory bodies of the Society is the Audit Commission which is elected by the Congress in the quantity of five (5) persons from among the Society members for the period of five (5) years and consists of the Chairman and the members of the Audit Commission.

2. The Audit Commission may not include members of the managing and executive bodies of the Society.

3. A Chairman of the Audit Commission shall be elected by open vote at the first meeting of the Audit Commission .

4. According to the results of an audit of financial and economic activities of the Society, the Audit Commission issues a report.

Article 39. Auditor of the Society

1. An Auditor may be involved to exercise control over financial and economic activity on the grounds of contract concluded.

2. An Auditor of the Society and conditions of the contract concluded with him, are approved by the Governing Council of the Society.

3. Unscheduled Audit of the Society or its structural unit can be carried out at the request of the Congress, the Governing Board, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the President of the Society or the Executive Director.

Part VI. Territorial organization of the Society

Article 40. Territorial structure of the Society

1. Territorial structure of the Society is comprised of regional and local offices in Russia and abroad. The Society is also entitled to establish branches and representative offices, details of which are subject to inclusion into the Charter.

2. The Society has structural divisions on the territory of more than a half of the subjects of the Russian Federation and has a national status.

3. To coordinate the activities of regional and local offices, the Society can form coordination centers of the Society, headed by the heads of local points.

4. The Society has the right to create development centers and offices abroad in foreign countries. The Society offices in foreign countries are formed in the manner provided for the establishment of a regional office.

Article 41. RegionaldepartmentsoftheSociety

1. A Regional Department is a subdivision of the Society, which represents its interests and performs activities under this Charter in the territory of the Russian Federation. One territorial unit can have only one regional office of the Society.

2. A Regional Department of the Society operates on the basis of the unified Charter of the Society and is governed by the decisions of the central governing bodies of the Society.

3. A Regional Department operates independently within the limits determined by the Provisions on the branches of the Society.

Decision on practicability of obtaining the rights of a legal entity by a Regional Department is taken by the Managing Council of the Society.

4. A Regional Department plans its activities according to the current plans and programs of the Society, defines its priorities in accordance with the peculiarities of regional conditions.

5. A Regional Department uses in its activities nationwide corporate style and symbols of the Society, approved in the Charter.

6. A Regional Department individually arranges the procurement and logistics for their own activities.

7. Regional Department keep records of local Society members.

8. Full name of the regional branch of the Society includes the full name of the organization and the territorial unit of the Russian Federation, where it works.

9. Regional Departments provide to the Society annual report on their activities and plans of development of the regional branch for the next year.

10. Structure of regional offices includes a Meeting of Regional Department, a Council of Regional Department and a President of Regional Department. Supervisory body of a Regional Department is Regional Audit Commission (Auditor).

11. The supreme governing body of a Regional Department is the Meeting of a Regional Department. It is called when necessary, but at least once every five (5) years.

Meeting of a Regional Department is valid if attended by more than a half of the members of the Society, entitled to take part in it.

Meeting of a Regional Department:

11.1 defines priority fields and programs of activities of the regional offices on implementation of statutory goals of the Society in the corresponding region of the Russian Federation, defines the principles of the formation and use of property of regional offices (in consultation with the Board and the Executive Directorate of the Society);

11.2 elects a Chairman, determines the number of members and elects a Council of a Regional Department, Audit Commission (Inspector) of a department, hears and approves their reports, takes decisions on early termination of their powers;

11.3 elects delegates to the Congress of the Society.

The Meeting takes decisions on the matters within its competence by not less than 2/3 of votes present at the meeting.

12. During the period between meetings a collegial elected executive body acts in the department – a Council of the Department, members of which are elected by the Meeting from among the members of the Department for the period of five (5) years.

The Council is called by the Chairman of the Department or other person in accordance with the internal regulations of the Society, as necessary, but at least two (2) times a year.

The Council has the following competence:

12.1 calling of the Meeting, defining of place and time of the meeting, preparing documents and materials for discussion during the meeting, execution of provisional agenda of the Meeting;

12.2 approving an annual report and annual balance sheet of regional offices;

12.3 approving a financial plan of the regional offices and amendments to it, approving a report of activities performed and development plan for the following year;

12.4 defining the procedure for forming of the executive instrument of regional department, approval of its structure and staffing;

12.5 solving other issues in the cases specified by the Charter of the Society and the internal regulations of the Society.

The Council is legally competent if more than a half of members are present at the meeting.

Issues specified in paragraph 12.2 of this article of the Charter, fall under the competence of the Department Council if a regional department receives the rights of a legal entity. Decisions of the Department Council on the issues specified in paragraph 12.2 of this article of the Charter are taken by a 2/3 of votes of the members present at the meeting. All the other items of the agenda are taken by a simple majority of votes of the members present.

13. A Chairman of the department is elected by the Meeting from among the members of a Regional Department for the period of five (5) years. The Chairman of the department:

13.1 chairs the Department Meeting, heads the Council of a Department, organizes its work, has the right to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Council;

13.2 during the period between meetings of the Council performs operational management of the regional department within its competence, represents a regional department in Russian and foreign organizations, as well as the governing bodies of the Society;

13.3 acts on behalf of a regional department in a manner prescribed by applicable laws and internal regulations Society;

13.4 arranges implementation of decisions of the Meeting, Council, the governing authorities of the Society, is personally responsible for the performance of its functions;

13.5 administers funds and property of the regional branch within its competence, opens and closes accounts of the regional office in banking institutions;

13.6 approves the structure, staffing and job descriptions of employees, regional offices in coordination with the Executive Director of the Society;

13.7 performs any other actions, exercises other powers to administer the activities of a regional department, except those which are within the competence of the Meeting, Council and offices or governing bodies of the Society.

14. The supervisory body of regional branches is the Audit Commission; it is elected by the Meeting from among the members of the department for a period of five (5) years. It consists of a Chairman and members of the Commission. By the decision of the Meeting, an audit body of a regional department may be an Auditor. Members of the audit commission (auditor) of the department cannot act as members of the governing and executive bodies of the Society or regional department. Audit of financial and economic activities of a Regional department is carried out at least once every 2 (two) years.

15. Activities of regional offices, powers of members of their official bodies may be terminated by a decision of the Governing Council of the Society on the grounds of opinions of the regions and also in cases stipulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation, the Charter.

16. Other issues that are not covered by this section shall be governed by the Regulations on the Society Departments.

Article 42. LocaldepartmentsoftheSociety

1. Regional departments can be formed within the territory of municipal territorial units of the Russian Federation, local departments, and are structural subdivisions of regional departments.

2. A local department cannot have the rights of a legal entity.

3. One municipal territorial unit can have only one local department.

Article 43. Branches and representative offices of the Society

1. The Society can establish branches and representative offices in the territory of the Russian Federation in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.

2. Branches and representative offices are headed by director of a branch or a representative office, respectively.

3. Activities of a branch and a representative office are terminated by a decision of the Governing Council of the Society or in case of the event of the Society liquidation.

4. A Director of a branch and a representative office shall be appointed by the Executive Director of the Society and acts on the basis of power of attorney issued by the Executive Director of the Society.

Part VII. Property of the Society

Article 44. Sources of the Society’s property

1. The Society’s property is formed from the following sources:

1.1 membership fees;

1.2 voluntarily contributions and donations;

1.3 income received from charitable activities, including concerts, lectures, exhibitions, raffles, auctions and other events carried out in accordance with the Charter and other;

1.4 income from business and foreign trade activities, including income from business partnerships, companies and other economic organizations carried out by the Society in accordance with the law ;

1.5 income from civil transactions;

1.6 income from property and securities;

1.7 Other types of funds not prohibited by the applicable law.

2. Departments of the Society which are legal entities have the right for operative management of property assigned to them by the Society.

3. The Society keeps the Register of property owned by the Society.

Article 45. Business activities of the Society

1. The Society can carry our business and other income-generating activities, including foreign economic activities in order to fulfill the Goal and Objectives.

2. Regional departments of the Society that have the status of a legal entity may not be engaged in business activities without proper authorization of the Governing Council of the Society.

3. Income from business activities of the Society, its regional and local offices is not subject to distribution among the members of the Society but is used solely for achieving the Goal and objectives of the Society.

4. The Society can carry out charitable activities.

Article 46. Endowment of the Society

1. The Society’s endowment is s part of property formed by means of donations in the form of monetary funds, transferred by the Society to trust management to the managing company to generate income to be used for financing statutory activities of the Society and its subdivisions, in accordance with the law of the Russian Federation.

2. If the Society forms the endowment and uses it, it should appoint a special Council for controlling thereof.

Part VIII. Awards, titles and grants of the Society

Article 47. Awards of the Society

1. The Society has the right to give awards for outstanding achievements in the field of geography and related sciences, for great contribution to the promotion of historical, cultural and geographical heritage of Russia, for active environmental protection activities, for implementation of the best achievements of Russian science.

2. The Society has the right to nominate and support candidates for awarding honorary degrees, awards, awarded by the Russian Federation, the Russian Academy of Sciences and other organizations and institutions, as well as governments and organizations of foreign countries; to nominate members of the Society as candidates for election as members of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other academies.

Article 48. Honorable titles of the Society

1. The Society awards the following titles:

– Honorary member of the Society;

– Honorary President of the Society.

2. The proceedure for promotion of candidates for the title of Honorary Members of the Society and Honorary President of the Society is defined with the Regulations on awards.

3. Upon the decision of the Governing Council of the Society other honorary titles can be established.

Article 49. Types of awards of the Society

1. The Society can grant the following awards:

- Medals;

- Prizes;

- Honorary Diplomas.

- Honorary certificates

2. Procedure and conditions for giving awards is defined by the Regulations on the awards of the Society.

Article 50. Grants of the Society

1. Grants of the Society are targeted monetary and other funds provided to individuals and legal entities to implement socially beneficial programs aimed at achieving the Goal and Objectives of the Society.

2. Grants are provided upon the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Society.

3. Grantees submit quarterly reports to the Executive Directorate on the use of grants. Financial and legal control over the use of grants is performed by the Executive Directorate.

4. Other issues of the grant activities are defined in the Regulations on grants .

Part IX. Final and transitional provisions

Article 51. Reorganization and liquidation of the Society

1. Reorganization of the Society (merger, accession, division, separation, transformation) is carried out by the decision of the Congress and involves the transfer of all property rights and obligations to its successors in accordance with the act of transfer or separation of balance sheets in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.

2. The Society’s activities are ceased by the decision of the Congress or by court decision or in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.

3. Liquidation of the Society is carried out in accordance with the procedure specified in the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and other legislative acts.

Article 52. Making amendments and additions to the Charter

1. A decision on amendments and additions to the Charter is taken by the Congress in the manner specified by the current law of the Russian Federation and the Charter. The decision on making amendments to Art. 1-8, 19-20 and 24-26 hereof is taken according to the decision of the Congress, taken by a qualified majority of three-quarters of the votes of the delegates who participated in the Congress of the Society.

2. Amendments to the Charter become valid after state registration.

Article 53. Commencement of the Charter

1. The Charter becomes valid after state registration.

2. In order to carry out operational management of the Society, the Governing Council is elected at the Congress which approved the present Charter.

3. Except for Governing Council of the Society, before the Charter becomes valid, other managing, executive and supervisory bodies are elected according to the rules established by the Charter, approved on 18.11.2009 by the Extraordinary Congress of the All-Russian nongovernment organization “Russian Geographic Society”. Formation of managing, executive and audit bodies in accordance with the requirements of the Charter shall be completed by 31.12.2011. Before the first meeting of the Council of Regions and the Council of Elders their functions shall be performed by the Governing Council of the Society.

4. Subdivisions of the Society, included to its structure as of the date of state registration of the Charter, within the period specified in paragraph 3 of this Article shall bring their registration documents and activities in compliance with the Charter.

5. In the context of development of the Charter the following provisions shall be adopted:

– on the Society’s bodies;

– on membership in the Society;

– on divisions of the Society;

– on grants;

– on awards;

– CodeofEthics.

6. For the development of provisions specified in p. 5 art. 53, a Commission should be formed which is headed by the President of the Society and consists of Vice-presidents, Honorary Presidents, members of the Charter Committee, 5 (five) members of the Academic Council, and also as advised by the Academic Council, of 5 (five) Chairmen of regional divisions and 5 (five) Honorary Members.

Names of Provisions specified in p. 5 of this Art. are subject to discussion by the Commission.