On February 16, 2015, Saratov State University hosted the first meeting of the Russian Geographic Society Board of Trustees, Saratov Branch chaired by Gov. V.V. Radaev. The meeting was attended by the Director of the RGS Administrative Office Regional Development Department A.L. Khatskevich, members of the regional administration, businesses and NGOs, SSU Rector A.N. Chumachenko, SSU President L.Yu. Kossovich, Chair of the RGS Saratov branch, the Faculty of Geography Dean V.Z. Makarov.
Before the meeting the arty saw poster presentations of the Russian Geographical Society Saratov Branch. Together with the Faculty of Geography RGS members carry out important research projects including “Saratov Region Natural History Atlas”, “Volga Panorama”, “Volga – the main street of Russia”. Gov. V.V. Radaev is well acquainted with SSU projects. For instance, he found the city geoinformation system project developed by SSU scientists very important for the regional development.
After a short excursion the participants started the meeting to discuss the goals and working directions of the new structure. Board of Trustees Chair, Gov. V.V. Radaev welcomed the guests and congratulated them on the 170th Anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society.
The Saratov Region Board of Trustees includes industry leaders, business and bank representatives, famous countrymen. They will help the Saratov branch in solving important tasks such as developing inner tourism, opening new tourist destinations, creating a city image, keeping the Volga as the largest waterway. “Our sphere is infinite. It is important to choose main prospective areas of work”, said V.V. Radaev.
SSU Rector A.N. Chumachenko thanked the Governor and all the trustees. “Supporting the Russian Geographical Society is a state matter. Russian identity is defined by the Russian language, national history and the territory we live on. Knowledge of geography helps to raise patriotism. The Russian Geographical Society does its best to show the beauty of our country”, said the Rector. He also stressed the positive changes of the last five years when the RGS is chaired by the Russian Defence Minister S.K. Shoygu and the Board of Trustees is governed by the Russian President V.V. Putin. “Interest in geography grows, the existing and new regional branches have started their work. Research and field trips happen again”.
Mostly, the Saratov Branch of the Russian Geographical Society consists of Faculty of Geography staff.
Director of the RGS Administrative Office Regional Development Department A.L. Khatskevich talked about the history and importance of the Russian Geographical Society. Today the Society works across the country and is open for every person over 18 years of age who is keen on environment and loves their country. The Board of Trustees supports SSU projects including the making of Saratov Region Natural History Atlas. “These initiatives are very important for the region. I hope the trustees would help to bring these projects to life”, said A.L. Khatskevich.
RGS Saratov branch is constantly moving forward. In the 1990s, the University started developing geoinformation technologies. The results of this long hard work became the basis for the city general plan. Together with the RGS, the University implemented over 500 projects, among them the Green Book of Saratov Region that tells about conservation areas of the region. V.Z. Makarov told about another unique project: developing methodology and methods of recreating the urban environment of the lost cities. Using it the scientists plan to create a 3D image of Ukek and describe it fully so that everyone could learn about this unusual place.
“Creating a 3D image of Ukek is a part of museumification project of the medieval city and its excavations”, said SSU President L.Yu. Kossovich. “Ukek is a gem of world culture. World biggest museum have artifacts from there. We have to try and preserve the value that Saratov land is slowly losing”.
SSU Rector A.N. Chumachenko defined the main areas of work of the Board of Trustees. He suggested holding a geography competition in the Saratov Region, to organize a natural history textbook tender among teachers. “The Board of Trustees could assist in every school student getting a copy of the Saratov Region natural History Atlas”, thinks the Rector. He also suggested many other competitive events like the best project for inner tourism, a “green” journalist competition, a photo competition.
Closing the meeting V.V., Radaev said we should foster love for motherland from a very early age.
The Russian Geographical Society Board of Trustees was founded in 2010. The organization renewed the traditions of patronship and established several grant programs. The Board of Trustees works on voluntary basis.
