VTB and the Foundation for Defenders of Nature will allocate a grant at the Ecosystem Forum. Reserved land”
VTB together with the Foundation for Defenders of Nature in the framework of the Ecosystem Forum. Zapovedny Krai will hold a grant competition to support the best initiatives to solve urgent environmental problems on the peninsula, Kamchatka.Today reports.
The grant is intended for young ecologists who have visited specially protected natural areas of the region together with scientists and conservation specialists who have presented their environmental initiatives. The total amount is 1.6 million rubles. The funds will be distributed among the winners.
“When we say Kamchatka, we mean the most beautiful, valuable, and popular natural attractions. VTB has been supporting the conservation of the peninsula’s wildlife for many years and is involved in the creation of a nature-saving tourism infrastructure in the region. In 2023, we released the film “The Fiery Fox”, which allowed us to bring the beauty and power of the local nature to the big screen. As part of the forum’s support, VTB and the Nature Conservationists Foundation have developed a grant system for young scientists. We hope that the new project will increase interest in professional activities in nature conservation and help us find promising ideas,” said Petr Shpilenok, Advisor to the President and Chairman of the VTB Board, Director of the Foundation for Nature Defenders.
“One of the projects last year was aimed at educating the population of the region about the negative effects of mercury on human health and ways to regulate its intake. It is really important to support such initiatives so that in the future forum participants can gain experience and implement even more ambitious eco–projects,” said the director of the All-Russian Ecological Forum “Ecosystem. The Reserved Land” by Peter Skripnik.
The 2025 grant themes address the most important aspects of nature conservation and sustainable development in the region.:
1. Minimization of anthropogenic load on the territory of the future Volcanoes of Kamchatka National Park, including assessment of recreational load and development of priority infrastructure.
2. To study the issues of conflict between humans and wild animals, including marine animals, in order to develop ecological tourism in the Kamchatka Territory and create a communication program for working with the local population.
3. Modern approaches to the management of specially protected natural areas, including the attraction of extra-budgetary funds applicable to the future Volcanoes of Kamchatka National Park.
4. “Discovering Kamchatka” is an open nomination for projects aimed at preserving the nature of the peninsula. The nomination is aimed at finding new methods of field research, unlocking tourism potential and involving citizens in environmental initiatives.
The All-Russian Ecological Forum “Ecosystem. Zapovedny Krai” will be held from August 4 to 18 and will bring together 600 of the most active and talented young environmentalists, scientists, entrepreneurs and public figures from all over the country. VTB is the official sponsor of the event.
It is organized by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) and the Government of the Kamchatka Territory represented by the NGO “Ecosystem”.
Photo: press service of the All-Russian Ecological Forum “Ecosystem. A protected area.”