The International Steppe Forum of the Russian Geographical Society started in Orenburg on June 7. The goal of the large-scale event is to highlight the tremendous role of the unique landscape of the Eurasian Steppe in the historical, cultural, spiritual, economic and environmental development of the Eurasian space, including Russia. The initiators were the Russian Geographical Society and the Steppe Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The forum will be held for four days at Orenburg State University with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Government of Orenburg Oblast, the Orenburg Branch of the Russian Geographical Society and the Joint Directorate of the “Orenburg” and “Shaytan-Tau” State Nature Reserves. The program includes two parallel events: the IX International Symposium "Steppes of Northern Eurasia" and the Strategic session "Expeditionary and research activities of the regional branches of the Russian Geographical Society".
Leading scientists from ten countries and 18 regions of Russia, landscape scientists, geographers, ecologists, botanists, zoologists, soil scientists, historians, archaeologists, teachers and young specialists of higher education institutions, representatives of state authorities, local government and non-governmental organizations will take part in the symposium. They will discuss topical problems of modern natural resource management of the steppe and preservation of natural, historical and cultural heritage; genesis, natural evolution and modern structure of steppe landscapes; the consequences of climate change and many other issues. One of the most important topics will be the assessment of the socio-economic, natural resource and tourist-recreational potential of the steppe regions, problems and prospects for sustainable development of border areas.
jlzx2zc4ka4.jpg
Academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Chibilev, Vladimir Bolshakov, Konstantin Kulik, Corresponding Members of the Russian Academy of Sciences Arkady Tishkov, Gennady Rosenberg and others will take part in the Scientific Program of the Symposium. The honorary guests will be giving speeches at the event – Governor of Orenburg Oblast Denis Pasler, members of the Government of Orenburg Oblast, heads and employees of environmental and ecological organizations.
On June 10, the symposium participants will take part in an excursion to the main attractions of Saraktash District. The guests will visit the historical museum and memorial of Viktor Chernomyrdin, the village of Cherny Otrog and the natural monument "Andreevka cones".
ihi4we_czho.jpg
On June 8-11, Orenburg will host the Strategic Session of the Russian Geographical Society on Regional Development on the topic: "Expeditionary and research activities of the regional branches of the Russian Geographical Society."
During the Strategic Session, the participants – representatives of 26 regions – will exchange experience and discuss topical issues of organizing expeditions and research activities in order to develop the constituent entities of the Russian Federation within the competence of the Russian Geographical Society.
On June 9, the grand opening of the Strategic Session will take place with the participation of guests of honor. The Governor of Orenburg Oblast Denis Pasler will deliver a welcoming speech.
The main speakers are Academician of RAS, Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society, Chairman of the Orenburg Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society Alexander Chibilev (Orenburg) and Deputy Executive Director of the Russian Geographical Society, Director of the Department of Regional Development of the Russian Geographical Society Sergey Korlykhanov (Moscow). The chairmen of the regional branches – public and state figures, representatives of the business community and rectors of the country's leading universities – of the Russian Geographical Society Mikhail Malakhov (Ryazan), Igor Pantyushov (Penza), Roman Ryabintsev (Kostroma), Svetlana Minyurova (Yekaterinburg), Irina Sannikova (Abakan), Svetlana Sotkina (Nizhny Novgorod) will present their reports as well.
As part of the second day, at the site of the V.S. Chernomyrdin museum and memorial, the Strategic Session will be attended by invited speakers of the Steppe Forum – prominent scientists and academic figures.