In the year of the 180th anniversary of the founding of the Russian Geographical Society, Dmitry Shiller spoke about the work of the Tatarstan branch of the Russian Geographical Society
Dmitry Augustovich Shiller, Chairman of the Tatarstan branch of the Russian Geographical Society, spoke about the work and achievements. At the beginning of his speech, he congratulated all the participants on the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society and especially thanked Alexander Valeryevich Shadrikov, Minister of Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan, for working together on many environmental projects:
"The success of any significant enterprise is possible only through the combined efforts of many organizations and people. Alexander Valerievich, thank you for your active support of our projects and initiatives."
Dmitry Shiller recalled that the Russian Geographical Society was founded on August 18, 1845, by scientists and researchers who sought to join forces to promote geography and the study of nature. Today, the Russian Geographical Society continues to engage in relevant projects in the field of environmental protection, environmental education of young people and the formulation of ambitious tasks for the future.
We are particularly proud of the achievements of Tatarstan scuba divers, who have set six diving-related world records. The records include diving 111 meters in the Barents Sea and staying under the ice of Lake Izumrudnoye in Kazan for 10 hours at a temperature of +3°C.
An important area of cooperation between the Tatarstan Branch of the Russian Geographical Society and the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan is the environmental protection project "Free Current", implemented with the support of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov. In 2022, as part of the pilot phase, geographical surveys of the Kazanka River were conducted, a sampling schedule was adjusted, and coastal expeditions were organized.
"In two years of work, 55 tree blockages in the Kazanka riverbed with a total mass of about 5,000 cubic meters were cleared as part of the project. In support of the national project "Ecological well-being", the use of machinery for crushing wood continues, which is then transferred to the Kazan Zoo. It is planned to clear another 1,500 cubic meters of rubble this year," Dmitry Shiller emphasized.
He also spoke about the project "Cartography, topography, orientation", which is aimed at teaching schoolchildren and members of scientific, military-patriotic organizations how to make maps and navigate the terrain. More than 4,500 students have already acquired the skills of real researchers and specialists.
At the end of his speech, Dmitry Shiller noted the importance of the movement of young naturalists, created with the support of the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2018. Currently, there are over 80 detachments and more than 2,000 young people in Tatarstan, who have been actively protecting the natural resources of the region since childhood.
The Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan highly appreciates the partnership with the Russian Geographical Society and will continue to support important environmental initiatives and educational projects.