President of Russia: Vladimir Putin noted key role of Russian Geographical Society in Russia’s public life

As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the national public organisation Russian Geographical Society, Vladimir Putin answered questions from the organisation’s magazine Vokrug Sveta [Around the World].

“The full-fledged revival of the Russian Geographical Society is a key event in Russia’s public life. The Society’s experience, great traditions, extensive research and intellectual potential can impress anyone who loves their country and wants to know and understand the various stages of its development. Geography is actually a very broad, multifaceted notion. It is linked inseparably with national history and with the lives of many generations. It is, of course, linked with nature and the environment, with the ethnic and cultural heritage and local studies, with scientific discoveries and creative initiatives.

In these past five years, the Russian Geographical Society team has managed a great deal. Primarily this is because they are focussed on reviving the Society’s traditions, which is their main objective. One of these traditions is the involvement in its activities of the public across the nation: young people, the academic and media communities and philanthropists. Historically one of the main priorities of the RGS has always been opening up new branches in remote parts of Russia. Today our Society is becoming the centre of attention for many active, passionate, creative and ambitious people. We now have an entire network of regional branches. Thus, if in 2009 there were only 16 branches, now there are 85, including the recently revived ones in Crimea and Sevastopol. The Society currently has over 14,000 members.

There is also a youth section called RGS Pathfinders. I would like to stress that we attach special significance to involving young people in practically all of the Society’s projects. This is obvious: when you have the organisation’s future in mind you need to share responsibility for tackling the current tasks with the younger generation and support their initiatives. In a word, you need to work hand in hand, and RGS is doing just that.

Over 150 expeditions and research projects have been carried out under the aegis and with the support of the Society. Among them is the largest in the past decades archaeological and geographical expedition to Kyzyl-Kuragino, the Arctic expeditions, including those to the Novosibirsk Islands; and environmental ones, like Fukushima. There were also underwater expeditions to the ships Oleg and Lefort in the Baltic Sea, and military history projects.

We attach special importance to educational work. Our regional branches regularly hold educational expeditions for schools focussing on learning about their local areas, cooperate with school geography teachers, and arrange science workshops for young scholars. I consider these activities as important as major research. I would like to single out the book-publishing programme called the Great Russian Travellers and a TV series on national television called Geography Class. We expect the RGS’ educational, media and book-publishing projects to be used extensively as study support materials.

We have completely restored the Society’s St Petersburg headquarters, both the historical façade and the interior. A lot has been done to save its unique library, archives and map collection. Through the efforts of the Board of Trustees, the Society now has its headquarters in Moscow, complete with a lecture hall, a media studio, an exhibition hall and a library. We are planning to open up headquarters in Sevastopol in the Constantine Ravelin.

As for our strategic goals, we will continue providing every assistance to the development of geography and complementary sciences and bringing together people who initiate various projects in this area. We find it important to take part in nature conservation measures and to strengthen partnerships with organisations that support our agenda. I am certain that soon the RGS will be among the leading geographic societies of the world,” – Vladimir Putin said.

He also said that “one of the main events this autumn will be the Russian Geographical Society festival in Moscow. This event is being held for the first time in the society’s history. For one week, starting on October 31, the Central House of Artists will be showcasing everything the Society is doing, including each of its 85 regional offices. We would very much like for as many people as possible to strive to join this work, to share our values and aspirations.”

Vladimir Putin added that the historical ties between the Russian Geographical Society and its members with scholars in Crimea and Sevastopol were never severed. The Crimean branch was founded in 1945. And from the very start of its work, it participated actively in the work of what was then the All-Soviet Union Geographical Society.

First and foremost, these were comprehensive expeditions that studied the peninsula’s mountainous areas, coves, shoreline, and marine area. This was important for economic activities and for developing scientific research.

President of Russia said: “The Russian Geographical Society has a lofty, important mission, which was defined by its organisers more than a century ago: cultivating Russia’s geography. It cannot be said better or more clearly. Geography – both as a science and a practical activity – always aims for creation and promotes a humane, careful attitude toward the environment. And hundreds of examples of selfless service to the Fatherland that are preserved in the history of the Russian Geographical Society are an inspiring symbol for today’s active participation in the life of the country, for building its successful future.”