Berezinsky Nature Reserve to join pilot international project

Belarus has become one of the pilot countries of the unusual international integrated project – Sacred Meanings. Science – with the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve to play an important role in its implementation

The reserve’s representative for tourism, Yelena Olshevskaya, who co-ordinates the initiative, noted, “This is not a commercial, but an educational project developed by the Friends of the Protected Areas interregional public movement of Russia with the grant support from the Movement of the First organisation. It is aimed at popularising environmental issues among young people and includes field expeditions, animated videos and video podcasts for exploring nature, a gamified marathon and many other exciting activities.”

The geography of the participating countries covers Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The goal of the project – lasting until November 2024 and involving over 700 young enthusiasts – is to revive and promote the ideas of ‘field ecology’ and culture, organise scientific research expeditions, useful outdoor activities with the participation of children and youth, competent interaction with wildlife and scientific environmental volunteering.

Most of the botanical and ornithological research competitions for children will be held on the site of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve.