The first shift of Conservationists School was launched in Kamchatka on November 28 for eco-volunteers and on November 30, the second shift for rangers started.
Both shifts were greeted by the Governor of the Kamchatsky Krai Vladimir Solodov, the initiator of the Conservationists School, whose work is aimed at training a personnel reserve for nature conservation organizations in Kamchatka, strengthening the protection of natural areas, raising the level of ecological culture and involving the public in solving environmental problems. The project was supported by Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Yuri Trutnev. In his welcoming speech to the students, the head of the region noted that he pins great hopes on its graduates in terms of changing the thinking of guests and residents of the region towards environmental friendliness.
Governor of Kamchatsky Krai Vladimir Solodov greeted the participants of Conservationists School.
Photo - Marina Sokolova
The first shift of the eco-volonter program is designed for residents of Kamchatsky Krai, whose life is closely connected with the protected areas. A resident of the village of Nikolskoye, Mikhail Oprishko, also passed the competitive selection for participation in the program. “It is unusual to communicate with people whom I have never met in person, and to do common tasks with them via the Internet, to create environmental projects. I think I'll get used to it. But listening to professionals in the field of nature conservation, learning how to develop tourism without harming nature, getting answers to your questions and questions from other listeners that arose during the lecture is very interesting and useful. I was especially inspired by the theme of ecotourism. Now it is actively developing on the Commander Islands, and I would like to participate in projects in this direction,” said Mikhail Oprishko.
A resident of the village of Nikolskoye, Mikhail Oprishko, took part in the eco-volunteer shift. Photo - from the personal archive
Classes for local residents are held online and last three weeks. During this time, they will learn how to jointly implement environmental projects, what ecotourism is, and gain new knowledge about the wild nature of Kamchatka.
The ranger session is held in full-time format. 15 people will be trained in several disciplines. The program includes both theoretical and practical lessons. The shift is designed for 118 hours and will last until December 18. Vsevolod Yakovlev, deputy director for protection of the CINBR reserve, will be one of the teachers in the shift.
