The Honoured Geographer of the Russian Federation honourary title has been awarded to Dean of the Faculty of Geography, SSU, Chair of the Department of Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology, Chair of the Saratov Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society Vladimir Makarov. The decree on awarding was signed by President Vladimir Putin on November 8.

Vladimir Makarov is a specialist in urban ecology, GIS-technologies, medical geography, recreational geography, and environmental protection. In 1994, he established the Research laboratory of Urban Ecology and Regional Analysis at Saratov State University. Due to it, urban-to-ecology studies using GIS-technologies are conducted, geoecological risks in oil and gas fields and inter-field and trunk pipelines are assessed.

Under his leadership, there have been carried out more than a hundred projects related to the assessment of the urban-to-ecology, medical and ecological situation of Saratov Region, the development of environmental protection measures, and the eco-oriented projects for the development of Saratov and the Saratov agglomeration.

Vladimir Makarov is the author of more than 200 research papers, scientific editor and one of the authors of the first “green” book of the region entitled Protected Natural Territories of Saratov Region and the monography Khvalynsk National Park: Landscape Characteristics and Geographical Information System. He has the Excellent Student of Higher Education badge of honour and the Honoured Worker of Higher Education of the Russian Federation title.

Nowadays, he is developing a concept for the development of protected natural territories in Saratov Region, taking an active part in the social and public life of the city and the region on issues of urban ecology, conservation, and creation of new environmental facilities.

At the Faculty of Geography, SSU, Vladimir Makarov teaches basic and specialised courses, supervises postgraduates taking the course in geoecology. Under his leadership, expeditionary research is conducted in Saratov Volga Region on global climate change.

He skilfully combines leadership of the projects significant for the region with the of students. Many graduates still fondly recall the wonderful years spent at the Faculty of Geography and their wise, patient, and respected mentor.