Russian Convention of Public Inspectors of the Ecosystem Movement

The main theme of the ‘Environmental Education’ track was the role that volunteers play during natural emergencies and the importance of environmental education in preventing such events. In addition to discussions and debates, participants in this track acquired practical skills as well.

The participants visited the Centre for Civil Defence, Emergency Situations, and Fire Safety in the Kamchatka Territory to observe a fire crew in action, navigated a smoke chamber, tried on rescue gear weighing over 20 kg, and learned how technology assists emergency services in responding to natural disasters. They were also shown a drone demonstration and a temporary shelter facility for the public.

During a field practicum at Khalaktyrsky Beach, participants learned about methods for cleaning up oil spills and took part in a master class led by Vladimir Kalyaev, a tech developer and director of a development project group at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology. The participants examined the working principles of Kalyaev nets, which were first deployed during emergency response efforts to clean up spills in Anapa, and practiced installing them in a real-world field environment. They also learned how to contain pollution, organize the collection of petroleum products, and utilize modern solutions for environmental protection.

Upon completing the training programme, the participants received certificates for the supplementary professional education programme ‘Organizing Volunteer Activities in Emergency Situations’.

The ‘Environmental Education’ track culminated in two key initiatives: a working model for environmental volunteers responding to ecological emergencies that covers everything from preparation to monitoring and patrolling, as well as a response map for Khalaktyrsky Beach that features clear, step-by-step protocols for such scenarios as tsunamis, fires, heavy smoke, or the discovery of wildlife.

These best practices for developing ‘eco-special forces’ (nature conservation brigades) will serve as the foundation for rolling out a supplementary volunteer training programme during regional forums of the Ecosystem Movement that are scheduled to take place in four federal districts of Russia.