Vladimir Putin’s introductory remarks:

Good afternoon,

First of all, I would like to wholeheartedly welcome all the participants and guests to this meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Geographical Society. I would like to thank Lomonosov Moscow State University for giving us the opportunity to gather in this magnificent hall.

As is known, our board of trustees was established almost a year ago, symbolising the reinstatement of the traditions of this wonderful organisation. I have repeatedly noted that the Russian Geographical Society has been called on to tackle a broad range of problems, not just confined to the science of geography. This involves the all-out exploration and study of Russian lands, natural resources and ethnographic heritage. Most importantly, this included the formulation of a policy for the cost-effective use of this country’s economic and human resources. All this significant long-term activity was largely facilitated by a cohesive group of like-minded people with advanced views and with a clear vision of the prospects that can be provided to this country by the work of the Russian Geographical Society’s followers.

I’m happy to note that this respected organisation, which has already won worldwide acclaim, now receives substantial support from trustees. Such support enables it to take a direct part in tackling the strategic objectives of sustained development and in harnessing the country’s cultural and economic potential to the fullest, which will enhance the nation’s overall competitiveness.

The Russian Geographical Society has already opened branches in 75 Russian regions. I believe that they must become a pillar of Russian society and its main driving force. Consequently, we must prioritise this area. Hopefully, a network of regional boards of trustees will be established and will expand accordingly. Eleven boards have been established to date. I would like to point out the active work of our colleagues from the Republic of Khakassia, the Republic of Buryatia, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area, and the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The Kaluga Region is to establish its own board of trustees in the next few days. Similar boards will soon be established in the Krasnodar Territory, the Trans-Baikal Territory and the Ivanovo Region.

I would like to stress once again that the regional dimension of the Russian Geographical Society’s development must become more pronounced. This is particularly important in the context of implementing the Society’s current projects and those due to be launched today. In this connection, I would like to mention an outstanding initiative facilitated by a 2010 grant. We have launched the Russian Geographical Navigator system for collecting important data on the Society’s website. Such data is provided by people living all over Russia.

In an effort to expand this project, we have decided to single out two independent areas and to provide them with grants. First of all, this entails plans to establish the large-scale Environmental Monitoring online programme, which will accumulate information on the state of the environment nationwide. There are plans to collect such information from environmental organisations, scientists and ordinary people. An extensive network of regional divisions will make it possible to promptly respond to situations, to contact the local authorities, to send volunteer teams and to involve the media.

Second, the Russian Geographical Society will establish its own online social network. This online format is very popular today, especially among young people. Doubtless, it will become very popular, involving new active members in the Society’s activities and supporting the implementation of initiatives launched by the Russian Geographical Society and its partners. The Society will continue to preserve rare and vanishing species of animals. Its specialists and researchers are doing their best to study the polar bear, the Amur tiger, the grey whale, the Far Eastern leopard, and the white whale. They draft and implement programmes that make it possible to stabilise the populations of these vanishing species.

This year, the project to track the snow leopard will receive a grant from the Russian Geographical Society. This is one of the least studied animal species in Russia, and we hope to eliminate this gap in knowledge by conducting research as part of the Society’s efforts.

Speaking of 2011 grants, I would like to note a comprehensive expedition to assess the consequences of the combined natural and industrial disaster at the Fukushima I nuclear power station. As you know, Russia has already sent rescue teams to Japan. And now we will utilise our substantial scientific and practical experience. Russian specialists will specify the parameters of radioactive contamination in the Sea of Japan, and will also monitor the environment and seismic processes. I would like to add that the seismology issue is also linked with another grant, issued by the Society to the 900-day Fire Ring of the Earth expedition. Its members are expected to scale major volcanoes located along the Pacific Rim, to study them and to compile a map of volcanic activity.

Moreover, I would like to mention a major archaeological expedition, scheduled for 2011. The expedition will go to Tuva in order to study and preserve its unique natural and ethno-cultural heritage. This is particularly important today because we are on the threshold of implementing ambitious large-scale plans guiding this region’s economic development. Before launching such work, we must know what territories we are working on, as well as their value.

On the whole, I believe that the involvement of scientists, including historians, environmentalists and archaeologists, in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects must become the rule. This approach forms the basis of cost-effective management of resources, guaranteeing the well-balanced and sustained development of nature, the economy, and society. I truly hope that the ethics of respect for the environment, wildlife and the country’s cultural and historical heritage will eventually become a fundamental part of our national identity. We have a lot to be proud of, a lot to preserve and, most importantly, something to pass on to future generations. Naturally, this is not measured in terms of money. Of course, projects being implemented by the Russian Geographical Society require funding and financial support. At the same time, we need the personal interest of dedicated people who respect and love their homeland to a far greater extent.

I think you will agree that the Russian Geographical Society has special, if not to say symbolic, significance for such a huge and diverse country as Russia. Naturally, we will succeed if the Society manages to unite all those who love Russia, who believe in it and who feel personally responsible for the country.

Thank you very much for your attention.

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s closing remarks:

Good afternoon, colleagues. I’d like to congratulate once again all those who received grants from the Russian Geographical Society this year.

Let me emphasise that it wasn’t easy for the expert council to select the best 11 projects. This time there were more than 400 applications, compared with 50 last year. The decision-making process was difficult not because there were so many applications but because all the projects were interesting and it was very hard to select the winning 11. This is the first point.

Second, apart from the 11 grants that have been awarded here today, which we think have national significance, another several dozen grants should go to regional organisations in the near future, before the end of May.

I’d also like to draw your attention to the following. I think that apart from developing the regional branches of the Russian Geographical Society, it is necessary to pay attention to the restructuring of all of its activities. Thus, last year we revived one of the areas linked with environmental protection. There is a proposal to restore one more area – ethnographic studies and establish a relevant commission. Credit for collecting, systematising and preserving folklore traditions and unique pieces of music, spoken language and applied arts goes to the Geographical Society and this commission. This field seems to be particularly important and interesting for Russia, a multi-ethnic and dynamic country. This work will popularise the ways of life, traditions and arts of Russia’s different ethnic groups and help promote tolerance, mutual respect and patriotism in the country. I’d like to hope that the Board of Trustees, media councils and representatives of government bodies will continue actively assisting the Russian Geographical Society.

I’d like to make one more point in conclusion. The activities of the Society and the grants we awarded last year and today are paid for not by the government but by the trustees. I think it would be fair to know their names. The Society should list on its site the titles of all organisations investing in its noble activities and the names of private individuals who donate money to it. I’d like to express my gratitude to them. Thank you very much.