Ecotourism and Protection of Wildlife are on the Agenda in Sochi.
29.08.18
Ecotourism and Protection of Wildlife are on the Agenda in Sochi.
Two environmental events will take place at Rosa Khutor in October
The Standing Committee of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) will hold its 70th meeting from the 1st to the 5th of October. The Convention – an international intergovernmental agreement – was signed in 1973. Russia has been a party to CITES since 1992. Some 800 delegates from 120 countries are expected to attend the anniversary session.
Expocenter Nature Reserves of Russia affiliated to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Russian Federation is the summit’s organizer. Current research on and measures to save rare animal and plant species will be discussed during the meeting. The participants will examine what tools are most effective in countering illegal trade in endangered plant and animal species globally.
From the 17th to the 20th of October Rosa Khutor will host another important event, an international conference «Sustainable Tourism: Global Challenges and Discovering Russia». Subject-matter experts, business people, and political leaders from throughout the world will gather to discuss opportunities and challenges on the path towards the sustainable development of ecotourism in Russia, and to agree on further cooperation.
Being active in nature, either through ecotourism or other outdoor activities, is a key component of travelers’ experiences. The number of those who prefer this kind of travel is increasing by dozens of percentage points every year. In Russia, the market for quality affordable ecotourism services is making its first steps, reviving old traditions of adventure travel. Challenges facing the industry for outdoor activities touch upon a number of sectors: government regulation, services for tourists, environmental protection, infrastructure development, technology, education, and training of young people in the relevant competencies.
The presentations will cover global best practices and their applicability in Russia, where the market potential remains largely untapped. The conference is being organized by UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Arctic Viacheslav Fetisov’s Slava Foundation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Russian Federation, the Federal Agency for Tourism, the Federation of Adventure Tourism of Russia, the business publication Vedomosti, and the Interros Group.
“I note with great pleasure that our resort will host two global summits. We strive to contribute, to the greatest extent possible, towards maintaining the populations of rare animal species in the mountainous regions of the Black Sea coastal area and to develop ecotourism. These two areas are inexorably linked. While growing as a tourism site, we need to make sure we do so with great care, diligently protecting the environment and the fragile balance of the ecosystem”, – stated Dmitry Kolosov, Director of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of Rosa Khutor resort.
In 1996, he graduated from Perm State Technical University with the specialization in
'Environmental Protection and Resource Management'.
In 2007, he was a graduate of the Presidential Programme on Training Managers, MIRBIS.
Professional experience
He has a diverse experience in research and production activities in the field of ecology and nature
management, including forecasting, minimizing, and preventing negative impacts on specially
protected natural reservations.
He participated in the implementation of major infrastructure projects, engaged in the
implementation of environmentally efficient innovative solutions and technologies of Green
Building.
He specializes in the field of sustainable development, internationally agreed environmental
standards, and conformity assessment systems, environmental education.
He led the development of an integrated system for managing the design of Olympic facilities,
integrated into the environmental management system which received the Grand Prix in 2014 for its
contribution to sustainable development in preparation for the 2014 XXII Winter Olympics and the
2014 XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi.
About the organization
The mission of Roszapovedcenter of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation is
to promote the development of a system of specially protected natural reservations of federal
significance. The Center participates in the implementation of priority projects and programs,
including the 'Tourism Development and Biodiversity Conservation' federal project as part of the
'Ecology' national project.
Mahir Aliyev
Education
1996 – Azerbaijan State Institute of Languages (English and French Literature).
Receiving his Master’s degree in Environmental Resource Management from Western University in Baku.
Completing his postgraduate studies in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva.
Professional experience
For over 20 years he has been serving in the United Nations, working in the field of environmental resource management and international environmental governance.
2000 – 2009 – he managed a number of large projects under the Montreal Protocol programme, Climate Change and International Waters.
He has led UN missions and coordinated implementation of large environmental projects in over 30 countries of Eastern Europe, Africa, and Middle East.
As Portfolio Manager with the United Nations Office for Project Services he supervised the implementation of a large portfolio of International Waters projects, such as: Lake Chad Basin, Niger River Basin, Agulhas and Somali Large Marine Ecosystem, Caspian Sea, Dnieper River Basin and others.
Since 2009 he has been serving as Coordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the Europe Office in Geneva, Switzerland where, among other duties, he represents UNEP in interagency cooperation.
He heads the UNEP-run interim Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), as well as the Coordination Unit of the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative.
Sergey Bachin
Education
In 1987 he graduated from the Faculty of Physics Lomonosov Moscow State University on a speciality in physics.
He has MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 'Corporate Finance', University of Hardford (USA).
He has certificates on audit, taxes and financial accounting – CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Professional experience
He worked at the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Since 1992 to 1998 he has been studying and working in the USA.
He worked as a financial manager in Pratt & Whitney company. Since 1998 he has started his work at 'Interros' Holding company system. In 1998 he worked at 'ONEXIM-bank' company. From 1998 to 2003 he worked at 'Interros Development' company. From 2003 to 2009 he was a Director General of the 'Open Investments' (OPIN) development company. Since 2009 till now he is a Director General of 'Rosa Khutor' company. Since 2009 till now he has been a Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Pavlovo Gymnasium. Since 2012 till now he has been a Chairman of the Board of Directors of 'Agranta' group of companies.
In 2014 he was awarded a commemorative medal 'The 22nd Olympic Winter Games and the 11th Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 in the City of Sochi'.
Rafiliya Bakirova
Education
She graduated from Orenburg State Agrarian University with a degree in Science of Law.
She has a degree of the Candidate of Science of Law.
Professional experience
In 2010 she acted as a Regional Director of steppe project implemented by UNDP/Global Ecological Foundation/ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation (Minprirody of Russia).
In 2013 she became a Director of 'Orenburgsky' State Natural Reserve.
In 2014 she headed Federal State Budgetary Institution (FSBI) 'United Directorate of 'Orenburg 'and 'Shaitan-Tau' State Natural Reserves'.
From 2014 to 2017 she was a secretary of Secretary of the Board at the Association of Directors of Nature Reserves and National Parks of the Russian Federation 'Preserved Russia'.
From 2017 to the present she has held the position of Director of the Association of Directors of Nature Reserves and National Parks of the Russian Federation 'Preserved Russia'
About the organization
Federal State Budgetary Institution 'United Directorate of 'Orenburg' and 'Shaitan-Tau' State Natural Reserves' (FSBI 'Natural Reserves of the Orenburg Region') is a nature protection, research and development, ecological and educational institution.
The main objective of the Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Reserves of Orenburg region' is the preservation and study of the natural processes and phenomena, the genetic heritage of flora and fauna, certain species and communities of plants and animals, typical and unique ecological systems.
Ekaterina Bolotova
Education
She graduated from Moscow Architectural Institute.
Professional experience
In 2009, she founded the Art Project Cranberry Landscape Bureau.
She was engaged in dozens of projects in Moscow, Moscow region, Rostov-on-Don, Great Britain.
She is a gold medalist of Malvern Spring Festival (Great Britain) and Moscow Flower Show (Russia).
Paulo Castro
Education
Engineer degree in Agronomy by the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa.
Professional experience
1984 – 1990 – Head of Agrarian Zone at the Entre Douro e Minho Regional Services of the Ministry of Agriculture.
1993 – 1996 – Valorization of the Rural World.
1996 – 2000 – Director of the Peneda Gerês National Park and President of the Association for the Development of National Park Regions.
2002 – 2003 – Director of Planning Services for Agro-Environmental Policies.
2003 – 2006 – General Secretary of Institute for Agrarian Development of the North Region.
2007 – 2010 – Technician responsible for a project in Forest Fire Protection Network Planning in the National Forest Authority.
Co-founder and manager of a travel agency Moebius EcoTravel Lda.
Founder, single associate and manager of Ponto Natura.
Vice President, treasurer and elected member of the Council of Europarc – European Federation of National and Nature Parks.
Jerome Caviglia
Education
Master of Tourism, Territories and Heritage.
PhD of Heritage Valorization and Sustainable Development.
Professional experience
He worked as an Audit in a Visitor Center of Mont-Blanc region.
Also he worked as a Manager of a communication firm specialized in marketing and tourism, Research professor in the University.
2005 – he founded Atemia.
He’s daily involved in strategic studies direction in eco tourism and manage Atemia and its susidiaries (Atemia Immobilier et Atemia equipements).
He is also specialist of outdoor sports and an experienced ultra trail runner.
His field of intervention is eco interpretation and valorization of natural and cultural heritage, tourism strategy and master planning (specialized in mountain areas).
About the organization
Since its inception, Atemia company has implemented more than 160 projects in the field of sustainable tourism development in various regions of France.
Oksana Chkhebelia
Professional experience
Director General, Managing Partner of Residence Sareevo Resort (Moscow region).
Currently, she holds position of Director of Lodge Hotel 'Baikal Residence'.
Member of the Tourism Council under the Head of the Republic of Buryatia.
Elena Chubakova
Education
Graduated from Irkutsk State University, Faculty of Biology and Soil Science, with a degree in Biology.
Completed training courses at Irkutsk State University, Faculty of Public Professions, with a degree in Lecturing in the field of Ecology and Nature Protection.
Professional experience
1997–2005: junior researcher of laboratory of entomopathology of woody plants, Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Participated in the development of physiological and ecological problems of biodiversity of Baikal Siberia, took part in the inter-institutional project 'Rare and endangered plants of the Selenginsk Baikal Region'. Also participated in expeditions in the Irkutsk Region and the Republic of Buryatia.
From 2005 to present: President of Association of Supporters of Eco-education, Leadership, and Construction of Trails Development 'Great Baikal Trail'.
She has broad practical experience in the development of eco-tourism, construction and reconstruction of trails, educational projects, and voluntary work.
Developed the rights and responsibilities of participants for GBT projects.
She is the creator and lecturer in the courses for specialists in the construction of trails.
About the organization
The Great Baikal Trail Association of Supporters of Eco-education, Leadership, and Construction of Trails Development (GBT Assosiation) has conducted 240 international summer projects for the arrangement and reconstruction of trails involving more than 5,500 volunteers over the past 16 years. The total length of the constructed and reconstructed trails is about 550 km. The project geography covers all the reserves and national parks of the Baikal Region, as well as the territories of districts and forestries. The transfer of experience to other regions was performed: to Kamchatka, Altai, and the Far East.
Natalya Danilina
Professional experience
From 1988 to 1996, held positions starting with the Leading Specialist and ending with the Head of the Main Reserve Management Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation (Minprirody).
In 1996, founded Zapovedniki Environmental Education Center, and currently holds the position of a Director.
From 1993 to 2008 – Vice Chairman of the World Commission on Protected Areas of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (WCPA/IUCN), since 2009 to present: an Honorary member of the WCPA Executive Committee.
From 2005 to 2015 – Member of the Public Environmental Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
Since 2011 – Deputy Chairman of the Expert Council for Specially Protected Natural Reservations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
From 2011 to 2014 – Member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Since 2016 – Member of the Joint Expert Council, the Presidential Grants Foundation.
For contribution to the development of SPNR was awarded several times with diplomas of honor of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, the High Ecological Council of the State Duma, the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Has the title of an 'Honored Worker of Nature Protection of the Russian Federation'.
Made a big contribution to the development of environmental education and educational tourism at SPNR, to the development of scientific justification of these activity areas, and also to the implementation of the practice of working with volunteers in state nature reserves and national parks of the country.
About the organization
Zapovedniki Environmental Education Center was founded in 1996 for the purpose of efficiency improvement of the Specially Protected Natural Reservations of Russia and formation of public understanding of SPNR significance for the present and future of Russia.
Main programs of the organization: SPNR Educational Center (trainings, seminars, internships in Russia and abroad); Tourism at SPNR and rural tourism at areas contiguous with SPNR; Environmental Education at SPNR: strategy, educational programs; Coordination of the All-Russian movement 'Friends of Protected Islands'; Social project management and development of citizen initiatives in favor of SPNR; International Volunteer Center 'Burunduk': youth and corporate volunteering for SPNR; Design of ecological trails and visitor centers.
Jan Dusík
Education
He graduated from the Law School of Charles University in Prague (Master of Law 1998, Doctor of Law 2001). In 2002, he received a Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford.
Professional experience
Between 1998-2009, he worked in the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic, where he was appointed Minister in 2009. Jan also served as the Vice-President of the Bureau of the UN Environment Governing Council in 2007-2009. He joined UN Environment in 2011, where he has headed the Europe Office until present. Since January 2018, he serves as UN Environment’s Principal Adviser on Strategic Engagement for the Arctic and Antarctic.
Paul Eagles
Education
B.Sc. M.Sc., PhD.
Professional experience
His primary appointment was to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, with cross appointment to the School of Planning.
He specializes in environmental, recreation and tourism planning, with 45 years of planning experience.
1996 – 2008: World Commission on Protected Areas of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
2013 – 2016: distinguished visiting professor in the School of Environmental Science at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.
He has undertaken planning and research in this field in over 30 countries and has 397 publications, of which 141 are refereed. He was Chair of the Global Task Force on Tourism and Parks for the
He has been a consultant on tourism for numerous agencies and corporations in Canada, and internationally for the World Bank, the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Environment Program, the Forestry and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the Southern Africa Development Community, as well as the Nature Conservation Agencies of Sweden, Norway, and Finland
Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo (Canada).
About the organization
The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s preeminent universities. It has been a national and international leader is mathematics, engineering, and national park management for decades.
Vyacheslav Fetisov
Professional experience
He is a legendary Soviet ice hockey player, one of the best defensemen in the history of the world ice hockey.
In 1975 through 1989 – he played in CSKA Red Army hockey club. Overall, he played 479 games and scored 153 goals in the USSR championship.
From 1989 through 1994 – he played in the USA for the New Jersey Devils, and from 1994 – 1998 for the Detroit Red Wings.
From 2002 through 2008 – he served as the Chairman of Goskomsport (State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of the Russian Federation, then Federal Agency for Physical Culture and Sport).
From 2008 through 2016 – he represented the Primorsky region in the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation upper chamber of the Russian Parliament and was the first deputy chairman of the Senate Committee for Social Policy as well as the head of the Russian Senate delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
In 2016 – he was elected the Deputy of the State Duma and holds the position of the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs.
In October 2017 – he was appointed as the State Duma Special Envoy Interparliamentary and International Public organizations on the Development of Sport.
He used to be the Chairman of the WADA Athlete’s Committee and a member of the WADA Executive Committee for several years.
Member of the Board of Directors of the Continental Hockey League.
UNESCO Champion for Sport, awarded with Silver Olympic Order.
Dmitry Gorshkov
Education
Candidate of Biological Sciences.
Professional experience
From 1999 to 2004, a researcher in FSBI (Federal State Budgetary Institution) Volzhsko Kamsky State Nature Reserve.
From 2004 to 2010, a Senior Researcher in FSBI Volzhsko Kamsky State Nature Reserve.
From 2010 to 2013, a Deputy Director for General Affairs, researcher in FSBI Volzhsko Kamsky State Nature Reserve.
From 2013 to 2018, a Director of FSBI Sikhote-Alin State Reserve.
From 2018 to the present, Director of the World Wildlife Fund Biodiversity Program.
He was awarded a Certificate of Honor of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation 'For long-term and conscientious work, a great personal contribution to the development of the reserve business and the system of specially protected natural territories' and the 'For Service in the Reserve' sign.
About the organization
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the largest independent international environmental organizations, uniting about 5 million permanent employees and operating in more than 100 countries.
WWF's mission is to prevent the growing degradation of the planet's natural environment and to achieve harmony between man and nature. The main goal is to preserve the biological diversity of the Earth.
Marina Gritsun
Professional experience
Has more than ten years of experience in the field of active tourism.
The founder and director of the children's camp 'Island of Heroes' ('Ostrov Geroev').
The creator and leader of the youth movement 'A-Z leader'.
The developer of programs for active children's recreation, including for children with disabilities in a tent camp.
Chairman of the Council of the Union of Organizers of Children's Active Tourism.
Anna Khvostova
Education
She has got a degree of Candidate of Economic Science (PhD in Economics).
She has undergone professional retraining in the specialty 'Physical Culture and Sport' and
currently is a category 'A' instructor of the National League of Instructors (NLI/ISIA) in Alpine skiing.
Professional experience
From 2009 to 2011 she worked as the instructor (trainer) in Alpine skiing schools and snowboard in Andorra and Austria.
From 2011 to 2014 she was a Deputy Head of Alpine skiing competitions at the Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 'Sochi-2014'.
From 2014 to 2016 she headed the Alpine skiing and snowboard school 'Riders School'.
Since 2014 she has been the volunteer of the program of therapeutic sports for people with disabilities 'Ski of Dream'.
From 2015 to the present she holds the position of the Head of the Krasnopolyansky Mountain Club.
Teacher, National League of Instructors (NLI/ISIA).
About the organization
Krasnopolyansky Mountain Club was established in 2015 in Krasnaya Polyana. Its main activities are: organizing tourist activities, accompanying tourist groups along the routes of the Caucasian reserve, organizing mountain campgrounds, providing tourist equipment, organizing schools for freeride and skitour.
Alexander Kirilov
Education
In 2004, he graduated from Pomor State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, with a degree in Geography and Biology teaching.
Professional experience
In 2008, he worked in the State Environmental Inspection (Arkhangelsk Region).
In 2008: Head of the Directorate for specially protected natural areas (Arkhangelsk Region).
In 2011: Deputy Director for Protection, Russian Arctic National Park. Organized and headed expeditions to the Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos, coordinated the work on elimination of environmental damages.
From 2017 to present: Director of the Russian Arctic National Park.
Participated in the TACIS international project 'Improvement of Drinking Water Quality in North-West Russia'.
He is a participant of the Polar Bear Programme (research, reserving and restoration of the polar bear population in the Russian Arctic).
About the organization
The Russian Arctic National Park is the northernmost and the first-largest protected natural area in Russia. The park is located on two polar archipelagos in the Arkhangelsk Region: Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land, which can rightfully be called 'the utmost point of the earth'. The area of the National park is 8.8 mln. hectares.
Vladimir Kuznetsov
Education
He graduated from the Kirov Agrarian Institute with a degree in Biology.
He has also graduted from the Bashkir Academy of Public Administration and Management under the Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan with a degree in State and Municipal Administration.
Professional experience
From 1995 to 1998 ha was a Chairman of the District Committee, Ministry of Environment and Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
From 1998 to 2008 - Deputy Head of the Meleuz Territorial Department for the Control of Environmental Safety Standards, Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
From 2008 to 2015 – Chairman of the Meleuz Territorial Committee, Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
From 2015 to the present he holds the position of Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Bashkiria' National Park of Minprirody of Russia.
From 2017 to the present he occupies the position of Deputy Chairman of the Coordination Council of the Complex Biosphere Reserve 'Bashkir Ural'.
He was awarded diplomas of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
About the organization
The 'Bashkiria' National Park was created on September 11, 1986 with the aim of preserving the unique nature of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Under the protection of the park are: Kutuk-Sumgan natural boundary with numerous caves, Muynak-Tash rock, karst bridge and Kuperlya waterfall.
Cyril Laily
Education
Graduated from the faculty of sports management at the Ecole superior de commerce.
Holds a master's degree with honors in public management and communications of the Universite Aix Marseille IMPGT.
Professional lifeguard on the waters.
Professional experience
He worked as a teacher of sports management at the universities of Grenoble and Lyon.
Moved to the position of Director of sports, animation and public life of Massey.
In 2004, he joined the Department of Sports of Grenoble, where he was engaged in the development of strategies for the urban sports activities. He was also responsible for finance and organization of entertainment and educational activities.
Since 2016, he has been the Director of the state tourist association Grand Alpes Chambery Tourisme. In this capacity, he supervises the development of tourism in the agglomeration Grand Chambery, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, including the development of strategic directions of state policy in the field of planning and activities in the sectors of sports, culture, recreation and tourism
Ilya Likhov
Professional experience
Held the position of Marketing Director in Hilton Hotel.
Managed corporate sales in Renaissance Insurance company.
For more than 4 years, he has been engaged in organization of marketing and sales for Chinese manufacturers.
From 2015 till present, he has occupied the position of CEO in Neosun Energy company.
An expert in alternative energy and international marketing.
Neоsun Energy is an international hi-tech company, the manufacturer of the most advanced solar PVs, the developer of self-contained power systems and solar power plants for commercial and operating companies, for hotels and farm businesses, telecommunication and other self-contained objects.
About the organization
The company solutions and products are already installed and operated in 16 countries of the world. Neоsun Energy provides design and construction of solar power plants of capacity from 20 kW to 4 MW, develops smart systems for production management and use of electricity for both independent enterprises and within the local power grid, microgrid.
Vadim Mamontov
Education
He graduated from the Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University.
He got the Executive MBA degree at the Institute of Business Studies of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation.
Professional experience
He was engaged in IT projects implementation.
He established RussiaDiscovery company and at present he holds the position of Director General at RussiaDiscovery.
About the organization
RussiaDiscovery is a tour operator for active leisure in Russia.
Victor Matasov
Education
He graduated from Krasnoyarsk State University with a specialization in Biology (field ichthyology).
Professional experience
In 2000, a hunting specialist of an operational special unit in the Department for the Protection, Control and Regulation of the Use of Game Animals of the Krasnoyarsk Region.
From 2005 to 2010, the head of the Department for Environmental Education in the Tsentralnosibirsky Nature Reserve.
In 2010, a Director of Natural Park Ergaki Directorate Regional State Budgetary Institution.
In 2011, a Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Krasnoyarsk Region.
From 2013 to the present, he holds the post of Director of the FSBI United Directorate of Reserves of Taymyr.
About the organization
FSBI Taymyr Nature Reserve was organized as a result of the unification of three reserves of Taymyr ('Putoransky', 'Bolshoy Arctic', 'Taymyrsky') and two reserves of federal significance ('Purinsky', 'Severozemelsky').
Boris Menshchikov
Education
In 2002 he graduated from the Sochi Polytechnic College on a speciality in law and with a qualification 'lawyer'. In 2005 he graduated from the North-Western Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation on a speciality in jurisprudence and with a qualification 'lawyer'. In 2005 he was enrolled in graduate school at the Black Sea Academy of Humanities, a non-state educational institution of higher professional education. He defended two candidate minimums in such subjects as 'history and philosophy of science' and 'English language'.
Professional experience
From 2006 to 2008 he was Deputy Head of Personnel and Legal Work, Sochi National Park.
In 2008 he was legal advisor, 'Mining Engineering and Construction Company'.
In 2008 he was Deputy Head of the Department of Personnel and Legal Work, Sochi National Park.
From 2009 to 2018 he was head of the legal department, Sochi National Park.
From 2013 to 2014 he was Head of the Department of Legal Work and Land and Property Relations, Sochi National Park.
From 2014 to 2018 he was Head of the Department of Legal Work in the Department of Legal and Personnel Work, Sochi National Park.
From 2018 to the present, he holds the position of Acting Director of the Sochi National Park.
Sergey Mironov
Education
In 1980, he graduated from the G. V. Plekhanov Leningrad Mining Institute with a specialization Mining Engineer-Geophysicist.
In 1997, he received education in management, the Russian Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation.
In 1998, he graduated from St. Petersburg State University (the Economics and Law Faculties).
In 2004, he graduated from St. Petersburg State University (Philosophy Faculty).
Professional experience
In 1994, a Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg.
In 1995, the first Deputy Chairman of the City Parliament.
In 2000, the head of The Will of Petersburg, St. Petersburg Regional Public Movement for the Promotion of the Social Sphere.
From 2001 to 2010, he headed the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly.
In 2011, he moved to the State Duma.
In 2013, he was elected President of the Federation of Sport Tourism of Russia.
In 2017, he was reelected President of the Federation of Sport Tourism of Russia for a second term.
He is a Chairman of the political party A Just Russia, the head of A Just Russia faction in the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
About the organization
The Federation of Sport Tourism of Russia (FSTR) is accredited in the Ministry of Sport of Russia and unites 76 regional federations and branches of the FSTR in the regions of the Russian Federation. Currently, the Federation develops 10 types of sport tourism: pedestrian, ski, mountain, water, speleo-, bicycle, auto-, motorcycle, sailing, horse riding, and combined tourism.
Grant Moir
Education
Aberdeen University.
Professional experience
He worked in the Rural Affairs Department of the Scottish Executive.
Also he worked with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority for seven years where he held the post of Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience.
2013 – Present – Chief Executive, Cairngorms National Park Authority.
About the organization
The Cairngorms National Park is an iconic landscape, home to 18 000 people and visited by millions of people every year. It is the UK's largest National Park and is the premier area in the UK for nature conservation, with 50% of the area recognised through Natura 2000 designation. It is also home to 25% of the UK's threatened species and habitats.
It is the duty of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) along with many others to look after and enhance this special place. The CNPA deliver services across conservation, visitor experience and rural development and we work in partnership with a range of organisations, communities, land managers, businesses and others to deliver change on the ground and ensure the Park is a real model of sustainable development.
Jordi Palau
Education
University of Lleida (Forest Engineer).
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (MSc Protected Areas).
Professional experience
As a civil servant, he has been director of the largest natural park in Catalonia – High Pyrenees, 70000 hectares – for ten years, dealing with issues such as the reintroduced population of brown bear and the «greening» of neighbouring ski resorts.
Since 2014 he is the manager of three national game reserves in the Pyrenees, where he deals with big game management, rewilding and ecotourism.
He has travelled around the world visiting protected areas in Africa, Asia and the Americas, getting to know them first-hand.
He lived for many years in the Pyrenean country of Andorra, where he contributed actively to the creation of the three protected areas currently existing there.
In 1996 co-authored the book «Nature and Ecotourism in Andorra: an option for the future».
About the organization
Generalitat de Catalunya is the regional government of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, in NE Spain. Following the Spanish Constitution, all the responsabilities in nature management and conservation are hold by this body. National Game Reserves depend on the General Direction of Forest Ecosystems and Environment Management, which is placed in the Department of Agriculture.
Maria Ximena Patino Ocampo
Education
1974 – 1978 – USA University of Georgia State (Psychology).
1978 – 1981 – USA New School for Social Research (Master Economics).
Professional experience
1999 – Present – Business development manager, Servinformación S.A (Colombia).
2012 – Present – President and founder, Saving The Amazon Foundation (Colombia).
She is committed in creating a platform that unites the entire planet for the reforestation of the Amazon, planting trees with the indigenous communities in their shelters, and creating a model of sustainable development for the conservation of the Amazon.
Vladimir Omelchenko
Education
He graduated from Ol'minsky Belgorod State Pedagogical University and Orlov Regional Academy for Public Administration
Professional experience
From 2008 to 2013 he was in charge of the issues related to the formation of a healthy lifestyle among students at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
Since 2013 he has been working at the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Further Education 'Federal Center for Children and Youth Tourism and Local History'.
At the moment he holds the position of Deputy Director of the Federal Center for Children nd Youth Tourism and Local History.
In 2018 he was elected to the public council of the Federal Agency for Tourism.
About the organization
The Federal Center for Children and Youth Tourism and Local History (FCCYTLH) is an organization subordinated to the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and provides program-methodical and organizational support for the development of children and youth tourism in the education system of the Russian Federation.
FCCYTLH coordinates the activities of more than 200 regional and municipal centers for children and youth tourism in the regions of the Russian Federation, forms and implements the All-Russian Calendar of Mass Events with students studying in the field of tourism, participates in the development of regulatory support for children's active tourism.
Inna Pehova
Education
He has a higher education in the field of 'Financial Management in Tourism' and 'Management'.
Professional experience
From 1999 to 2015 she occupied positions of Head of the Department of Inbound Tourism in Aurora Intour company, Sales Director for Russia and CIS in Libra International company, Head of Sales Division in the Ukraine and Metropol hotels.
Currently, she is the General Manager of the Petrovsky Travel Palace Hotel and the commercial consultant of Azimut Hotels.
Chairwomen of Sectoral Committee on Hospitality and Tourism of the Russian Managers Association.
About the organization
Russian Managers Association is one of the leading business associations in Russia, whose activities are focused on professional development of the management community, transition to Good Corporate Citizen business standards and integration into the global economy.
Olga Pegova
Education
Graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named after K. I. Scriabin, Major – Veterinarian biochemist.
Professional experience
2007 to 2016: worked at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Russia).
2014 to 2016: Supervisor, WWF Panda Business Club.
2016 to 2018: worked as an expert in environmental marketing and PR in EcoBureau Greens; as an expert at the environmental education center 'Zapovedniki'; and as a lecturer in Environmental PR at MSIIR.
Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Director for Environmental Education at the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve named after H. G. Shaposhnikov.
The introducer and coordinator of the international movement 'Earth Hour' in Russia. Developed and implemented the media campaign entitled 'A Tiger Year'.
Project Initiator of international conferences entitled Green Offices 2014 and Sustainable Business Forum 2015.
About the organization
The Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve named after H. G. Shaposhnikov has been established on May 12, 1924, and is the largest (covering the largest area) and the oldest specially protected natural reservation in the North Caucasus. The total area of the Reserve is over 280,000 ha, it is inscribed in the World Heritage List as 'Western Caucasus'.
The Reserve harbors 89 species of mammals and 248 – of birds, including 112 nesting, 15 species of reptiles, 9 – of amphibians, 21 – of fishes, 1 – of cyclostomes, more than 100 species of mollusks, and about 10,000 insect species. Among large mammals, the Reserve is home to the bison, red deer, brown bear, Persian leopard, West Caucasian wild ox, chamois, lynx, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar. The Reserve flora includes 3 thousand known species, among which more than half are vascular plants. More than 720 species of fungi are known in the Reserve. Every fifth plant is endemic or relict.
Several tourist trails pass through the territory of the Reserve, including one which is popular since the Soviet era, tour No. 30, which today is called 'Eco Tourist Route No. 1'.
Alexander Pestryakov
Professional experience
He has been conducting active social and political activities for more than
15 years.
In 2007, he opened a territorial branch of the Russian Union of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Norilsk and Taimyr. He twice was
elected as chairman.
He headed the Zapolyarny Representative Office of the Agency for Small
and Medium Business Support of the Krasnoyarsk Region Government.
In 2014, he took part in the process of creating a tourist and recreational
cluster on the basis of FSBI Taymyr Reserves.
Norilsk Development Agency Board Member.
He is a laureate and diploma winner of several All-Russian competitions.
He was awarded the medal 'For the Development of Local Self-Government'
for the socio-economic development of Norilsk.
At present, a Chairman of Norilsk City Council of Deputies.
About the organization
The main activity is connected with the solution of strategic issues of
development of the city of Norilsk and the north of the Krasnoyarsk Region:
creating new workplaces, improving business conditions and supporting
entrepreneurship, investment attractiveness of territories, infrastructure
projects. One of the initiators of the field 'Arctic tourism' in the Russian
Tourism Development Strategy.
Nykolay Polyakov
Education
A degree in Sports and Tourism.
Professional experience
Professional experience since 1996 as a guide.
In 1999, he founded Adventures Studio.
Worked as an EMERCOM rescuer of Russia, on the specialization 'rescue works in the mountains and on water areas, works with the use of helicopter'.
Mountain skiing and freeride instructor.
Heliski guide.
Candidate Master of Sports in Rock Climbing.
Engaged in Mountaineering and Skiing. Knows speleotravel techniques and has an experience in сave diving.
At present, he is a Board Member in Russian Mountain Guide Association.
Peter Prokosch
Education
Biologist, PhD.
Professional experience
In the 1970s and 80s he played a pioneering role in the conservation development of the International Wadden Sea and became Head of the WWF Wadden Sea office in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
As a researcher at the University of Kiel, Peter studied biology and marine sciences.
He has extensive experience working with the establishment and development of national parks in the Wadden Sea, the Baltic coast of Germany, Svalbard and Iceland as well as in nature reserves in Siberia and other parts of the circumpolar Arctic, often in close cooperation with tourism.
2002 – 2006 he served as CEO of WWF-Germany in Frankfurt, 1992 – 2002 as director of the Arctic Programme of WWF International in Oslo.
Until 2014 he was the managing director of GRID-Arendal.
Present – Founder and Chairman of the Board, Linking Tourism & Conservation (LT&C).
About the organization
LT&C is a Norwegian registered NGO with members from all continents, which profiles examples (LT&C-Examples) for replication, where tourism is supporting the establishment or development of national parks or other types of protected areas. LT&C is a support organization for the CBD Aichi target 11 and the SDGs 14 & 15.
Clara Restrepo
Education
2005 – Degree in ethno education and social project (Universidad de la Guajira).
2005 – Course on human rights and the environment (Education center of studies for human, cultural, social and environmental rights).
2011 – Postgraduate Management Specialist (Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana).
Professional experience
1993 – 2005 – Primary elementary classroom teacher, Ministry of Education of Vaupes.
2005 – Regional census coordinator, DANE.
2006 – 2008 – Social and environmental manager, GEMSA.
2008 – 2013 – Techno-pedagogical unit director, Ministry of Education of Vaupes.
2014 – 2017 – Secretary of departmental education, Governorate of the department of Vaupes.
An indigenous and professional leader of the Wanano people from the Timbó-Rio Vaupés indigenous community, of the AATICAM society.
This association owns and manages the Waracapuri Hotel, an indigenous wellness hotel where it is possible to stay when visiting tree planting with the Saving The Amazon Foundation.
She is recognized as a cacique (indigenous chief) in different towns, due to the leadership she has played in the representation of the indigenous communities in different scenarios of the country.
As a professional in ethno-education and social project, she has managed different projects such as indigenous housing plans, educational projects and pedagogical models.
An advocate for the rights of indigenous, environment, social and cultural matters.
Carol Ritchie
Education
1981 – 1985 – BSc (Geography and Biology), University of Strathclyde.
1985 – 1986 – MSc (Ecology), University of Aberdeen.
1986 – 1987 – Postgraduate Award in Secondary Education (Geography), Jordanhill College of Education.
Professional experience
1987 – 1997 – ranger posts and probationary teaching positions, City of Edinburgh Council.
1997 – 2001 – Senior Ranger, City of Edinburgh Council.
2001 – 2008 – Regional Park Manager of Pentland Hill Regional Park, City of Edinburgh Council.
2008 – Present – Executive Director, Europarc Federation.
Olivier Robinet
Education
He holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Auckland and a Master 2 (M2) in Animal Production and Tropical Ecology from a French agricultural research organization CIRAD
Professional experience
Since October 2016, he is Deputy Director for international affairs in charge of bilateral relations with non-european countries for ministries in charge of sustainable development including environment, energy, climate change, sea, urbanism, habitat and transport.
Olivier Robinet is also Inspector general in public veterinary health at the French Ministry for an Ecological and Solidary Transition, and spent the first part of his career in the Pacific territories (Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia) as a veterinary officer before specializing himself in environment sciences with a PhD in ecology from the University of Auckland. He worked then in France in central administration of the Ministry of Environment, then of Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an expert in biodiversity related policies. He was then Head of cooperation and cultural service at Embassy of France in Accra (Ghana), before working as director of La Reunion national park. In 2011, he became Director of Training Institute for Environment (IFORE – Institut de formation de l’environnement), a national service depending on French Ministry of Environment, whose mission is to train civil servant executives on sustainable development issues.
Svetlana Rubashkina
Professional experience
She has over 20 years’ experience in implementing projects in social development sphere at the federal, regional and local levels.
She headed the management of charity programs of the Nornikel Polar Division.
Since 2015, she has been working in Norilsk upon the invitation of the Nornikel Company.
From 2018 to the present, she heads the Norilsk Development Agency (NDA).
About the organization
The autonomous non-profit organization Norilsk Development Agency was established by Nornickel Company, the administration of Norilsk and the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation.
The mission of the Agency is to create conditions for the rapid development of the Norilsk economy in order to improve the citizens’ life quality. The task of the NDA includes supporting specific projects to create comfortable conditions for the entrepreneurship development, tourism, urban and socio-cultural environment.
Deli Saavedra
Education
Studied Biology and holds a PhD which focused in the Eurasian Otter.
Professional experience
He is currently Regional Manager of Rewilding Europe.
He has worked as a consultant during the last twenty-five years, coordinating the reintroduction of endangered species (black vulture, Eurasian otter) and the planning and management of protected areas.
He has collaborated and researched on protected areas planning (Costa Rica, Hungary), private conservation (Venezuela, Australia) and endangered species (Poland, Morocco, Ethiopia).
He has written a book about the reintroduction of the Otter in Catalonia and another one about biodiversity of northern Ethiopia.
He is the president of Sol Solidari Foundation (environmental cooperation in Africa) and member of the Reintroductions Specialist Group of IUCN.
About the organization
Rewilding Europe aims to make Europe a wilder place, with more space for wild nature, wildlife and natural processes, showing at the same time that rewilding can generate new business opportunities, jobs and income for rural economies, which are often associated with declining economic productivity and land abandonment. Rewilding is about reconnecting our modern society with wilder nature.
Oleg Safonov
Education
In 1991, he graduated from the State Financial Academy majoring in Finance and Credit.
Candidate of Economic Sciences.
Professional experience
He worked in such banks as Unicombank, East European Investment Bank, Soyuzaviacosmos and Orgrresbank.
In 2003, he worked as a Head of Financial Department of Russian Trading System stock exchange.
From 2004 to 2007, he was a President of the NP Russian Trading System Stock Exchange.
From 2009 to 2010, he acted as a Deputy Director General in charge of Economics and Finance at Uralvagonzavod.
From 2010 to 2014, he was the Financial Director of the Center of Science-Based Technology.
In 2014, he was acting Head of Federal Agency for Tourism.
In 2015, he was appointed to serve as Head of Federal Agency for Tourism.
Enric Sala
Education
In 1996 – he obtained his PhD in Ecology from the University of Aix-Marseille, France.
Professional experience
He is a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence dedicated to restoring the health and productivity of the ocean.
His more than 120 scientific publications are widely recognized and used for real-world conservation efforts such as the creation of marine reserves.
He is currently working to help protect the last pristine marine ecosystems worldwide, and to develop new business models for marine conservation.
He founded and leads National Geographic’s Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 18 marine reserves – some of which are the largest on the planet –covering an area of more than 5 million square km.
He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. His experience and scientific expertise contribute to his service on advisory boards of international organizations and governments.
About the organization
Pristine Seas is an exploration, research, and media project founded and led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Enric Sala. Since its beginning in 2008, Pristine Seas has carried out expeditions in 26 places, 18 of which have since been protected, covering a total area of more than 5 million square kilometers – more than ten times the area of California. Over the next two years, Pristine Seas will target up to six more locations, aiming to inspire the protection of a total of 20 of the wildest places in the ocean by 2020.
As an impact-driven global nonprofit organization, the National Geographic Society invests in bold people and transformative ideas with one audacious goal: to create a planet in balance – one that provides for humanity and the multitude of other species with which we share the Earth. We fund hundreds of research and conservation projects around the world each year and inspire new generations through our education initiatives and resources.
Kamal Salmanov
Education
Kamal Salmanov studied at the International Dagestan-Turkish Lyceum.
He graduated from the Dagestan State University with a degree in Oriental linguistics.
Professional experience
From 2004 to 2011, he worked in the Middle East (Dubai).
From 2004 to 2011, he worked in South-East Asia (Hong Kong).
In recent years, Kamal Salmanov has been developing and promoting his own project of eco- and rural tourism of the family format: Salmanovs Neskuchny Garden Villa Persica.
About the organization
The peach garden was set out in 1987. Several varieties of apricots, a dozen varieties of peaches and about thirty varieties of grapes are grown in the garden, on the territory of seven ha (Sulak canyon).
Last year, the sale of products via live broadcasts began.
At present, guests are invited to agricultural tours, harvesting and tasting. As part of daily one-day tours, in addition to visiting the garden, guests may go to the Chirkey Reservoir and the observation site of Sulak canyon; if desired, they may also visit the trout farm and go on a boat. The program also includes national dishes in the apricot grove and fresh fruit.
One of the main goals of the project is to move away from stereotypes about the region and attract tourists to Dagestan.
Alvaro Fernandez Salmeron
Education
2001 – First three years cycle in Physics degree, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
2005 – Electronic Engineering, University of Granada, Spain.
2010 – Masters of Maintenance Engineering, TUV Atisae, TMI Group, Spain.
Professional experience
2006 – Quality Engineer in LED (Light Emitting Diode), Valeo Lighting System, Spain.
2007 – Engineer support for Customer Service Department , Cosentino S.A., Spain.
2007 – 2013 – Ski Lift Operation Manager, Cetursa S.A., Spain.
2015 – Electrical and Timing Responsible of Winter Universiate Granada 2015, (Alpine
disciplines, Sierra Nevada).
2017 – Infrastructure Director of the FIS World Championship Freestyle Ski & Snowboard
Sierra Nevada 2017.
2013 – Present – Technical Director Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, Cetursa S.A., Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain.
About the organization
The Sierra Nevada was designated a national park in 1998. The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic, rugged and extensive mountain range, the highest in Europe after the Alps and the most significant section of the Cordillera Penibética. The protected area encompasses 86,208ha of torrential rivers, sheer-sided gorges, stony scree slopes, glacial lakes between snowy summits and, in the foothills of the Alpujarras, cultivated terraces of almond trees and vegetables. Popular activities in the region include skiing, hiking, mountain biking and summer camps. One can simply travel and discover its fauna and flora, see its lagoons and have an adventure in this vast area of land.
Elena Shatkovskaya
Professional experience
Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation.
Honorary citizen of the Arkhangelsk Region.
She is engaged in study preservation and full development of the natural historical and cultural, tangible and intangible heritage of the Arkhangelsk Region.
She achieved the establishment of units related to the study and preservation of cultural heritage interacted with the local population, in government assignments for all Russian reserves and national parks
About the organization
Kenozersky National Park is the first in Russia to follow the path of making the idea of sustainable livelihoods for the local population a reality. The Park has become a center of attraction and a platform for mutual exchange for the widest Russian and foreign audience including professional communities, authorities and administrations of all levels, civil society. Recognition of the value of Kenozero area on the international level is increasing.
Vyacheslav Shcherbakov
Education
In 1998: graduated from the Khakas State University.
In 2004: completed the Presidential Program in Management at the Krasnoyarsk State University.
Professional experience
From 1998 to 2009: held the positions of Chief Accountant, as well as Deputy for Economics and Finance at FSI SNBR 'Sayano-Shushensky'.
From 2009 to the present: has been holding the position of Director of the FSBI 'Stolby State Nature Sanctuary '.
Awarded departmental marks 'For Merits in Nature Reserve Management' and 'Honorary Worker of Nature Conservation'.
About the organization
The Stolby Nature Reserve was created in 1925 and is one of the oldest protected areas in Russia. Every year the tourist-excursion area of the nature sanctuary is visited by more than 600 thousand people.
In 2018, the nature reserve entered the top 5 best places for ecotourism in Russia, according to a special collection with best practices in the tourist sphere prepared by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.
Sergey Shevelev
Education
He has a degree of Candidate of Environmental Sciences, the Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University under name of S. M. Kirov.
Professional experience
1983 to 2002: held positions of a forest ranger, State Security Inspector, Deputy Director for Territory Protection at the FSBI 'Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve'.
2002 till present: holds the position of Director at the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve named after H. G. Shaposhnikov.
Honored Ecologist of Russia, as well as the Honored Forestry Specialist of the Kuban.
Awarded with the badge of honor 'For Services in the Natural Reserve Practices'.
About the organization
The Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve named after H. G. Shaposhnikov has been established on May 12, 1924, and is the largest (covering the largest area) and the oldest specially protected natural reservation in the North Caucasus. The total area of the Reserve is over 280,000 ha, it is inscribed in the World Heritage List as 'Western Caucasus'.
The Reserve harbors 89 species of mammals and 248 – of birds, including 112 nesting, 15 species of reptiles, 9 – of amphibians, 21 – of fishes, 1 – of cyclostomes, more than 100 species of mollusks, and about 10,000 insect species. Among large mammals, the Reserve is home to the bison, red deer, brown bear, Persian leopard, West Caucasian wild ox, chamois, lynx, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar. The Reserve flora includes 3 thousand known species, among which more than half are vascular plants. More than 720 species of fungi are known in the Reserve. Every fifth plant is endemic or relict.
Several tourist trails pass through the territory of the Reserve, including one which is popular since the Soviet era, tour No. 30, which today is called 'Eco Tourist Route No. 1'.
Sergey Shirokiy
Education
Graduated from the history department of the Pomor State University.
Holds a Master Degree in Tourism, the Arctic University (Norway).
Professional experience
Worked in the Solovki State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve, the Kenozersky National Park, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Folk Art 'Malye Korely '.
In 2011: employee, Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Russian Arctic National Park'.
From 2013 to 2017: Head of the Department of Tourism, Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Russian Arctic National Park'.
From 2017 to 2018: operational manager, Center for Arctic Tourism 'Grumant' (Barentsburg village, Spitsbergen archipelago).
From 2017 to the present: Vice-Chairman of the World Commission on Protected Areas of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in the Northern Eurasia Region.
Guide on expeditions to the Arctic.
About the organization
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) unites more than 13 thousand experts in six commissions. Members of the union are 216 states and government agencies.
The main purpose of IUCN is to support public, private, and non-profit organizations in order to protect nature, economic development, and progress.
Matvey Shparo
Education
In 1998 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics with a degree in Applied Mathematics and a qualification of Engineer-mathematician.
In 2012 he graduated from the Saint-Petersburg University of Management and Economics with a degree in Public and Municipal Management and a qualification of Manager.
Professional experience
From 1998 to 2007 he was the Deputy Director of 'Adventure Club' Charity Health Foundation.
In 2000 he founded the 'Great Adventure' camp, the main task of which is to educate and train teenagers by immersion in the real journey.
From 2000 to 2007 he acted as the Director of 'Great Adventure' Children's Health Camp in Karelia.
Since 2008 he has headed the State Budgetary Institution of Moscow City 'Center for Additional Education 'Travel Laboratory'.
Since 2012 he has been a member of the Coordination Council under the President of the Russian Federation for the implementation of the national strategy for children.
Since 2014 he has been involved in the activity of the Coordination Council for the Development of Children's Tourism under the Government of the Russian Federation as its member.
Russian polar traveller, public figure.
He made more than 30 expeditions in the Central Arctic, including a dog sledding expedition to the North Pole with the participation of Albert II, Prince of Monaco.
Cavalier of the Order of Friendship and the Order of Courage.
Twice record holder of the World Guinness Book of Records.
Alexander Stroykov
Professional experience
Curator of private construction projects
Chairman of the Russian Green Building Council.
Official representative of Polarlifehaus company in Moscow and Moscow Region.
At present, he is a Chairman of the Board in GBCRussia.
Vasily Sutula
Education
Graduated from the Irkutsk Agricultural Institute with a degree in Biology and Game Management.
Professional experience
From 1984 to 1986: Senior Game Manager, Mikhailovskoye Cooperative Animal Farm Business (Primorye Territory).
From 1986 to 1988: Director, Anuchinskoye Cooperative Animal Farm Business (Primorye Territory).
From 1988 to 1999: served as Junior Researcher and Senior Researcher at the Federal State Institution 'Baikal State Nature Biosphere Reserve' (Republic of Buryatia).
From 1999 to the present: has been holding the position of Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Baikal State Natural Biosphere Reserve'.
Awarded a diploma of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, an honorary badge 'For Merits in Nature Reserve Management', a lapel badge 'Excellent Worker of Nature Conservation', a medal 'Honorary Worker of Nature Conservation'.
Honored Worker of Nature Conservation of the Republic of Buryatia.
Denis Terebikhin
Education
He has a higher pedagogical education.
Professional experience
He worked in the business sector, was engaged in political activities.
Director of Taimyr Municipal State Educational Institution Volochanskaya secondary school no. 15.
He is engaged in a project to open a reindeer farm in the Awam Tundra, the main goals of which are tourism and the training of indigenous children in the traditional crafts. He is also a sled dog racing coach.
At present he is the co-founder of the family (clan) community 'Husky-tyal' (Husky-wind).
About the organization
Husky-tyal community is the organization of reception and assistance in accommodation of exclusive tourists, researchers, extreme sports lovers visiting central Taimyr, including photographers and world-class ethnographers.
Alexey Titovsky
Education
Graduated from Tyumen State University.
Professional experience
He held the position of the Director of the Department for Science and Innovation of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area.
Developed the regional sector of scientific research, field research, international humanitarian cooperation, and study of the Arctic.
Participated in the ' general clean-up' of the White Island (YNAO) and further formation of an international Arctic study center on the restored territory.
He is the initiator and curator of a series of ecological expeditions and projects conducted in arctic conditions in the area of potential and active industrial development, with the participation of Russian and foreign scientists and volunteers.
Director of the Department of Public Policy and Regulation in the field of environmental protection of Specially Protected Natural Reservations (SPNR) and the Baikal Natural Area of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation at present.
Alexandra Yakovleva
Education
In 2009, she graduated from the Faculty of Law with a degree National and International Law, Northern Arctic Federal University.
In 2007, she graduated from the Finnish Forest Research Institute.
She passed the International Wilderness Guide Course.
Professional experience
She is engaged in the development of tourism, environmental education, social and cultural activities, international cooperation, interaction with the local population, marketing and PR, fundraising and attracting investment.
She is the author and leader of a number of large-scale national and international projects.
Member of the Coordination Council on territorial public self-government of the Arkhangelsk Region.
Member of the Public Expert Council on Tourism at the Arkhangelsk Regional Assembly of Deputies.
Currently, she is the Deputy Director for Development at Federal State Establishment Kenozersky National Park.
Svetlana Yushkova
Education
She has a bachelor's degree in Business Informatics, Siberian Federal University.
She earned a master's degree in System Analysis and Management from Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology (RSSUST).
Currently, she is a post-graduate student of RSSUST.
Professional experience
She is heading the regional branch of Tree of Life ecological festival (Krasnoyarsk Territory).
The developer of the author's educational programs for Zapovednaya Strana ecological session in Artek International Children's Center.
Currently, she holds the position of an information technology specialist in the Department of Environmental Education of Federal State Budgetary Institution Stolby State Nature Reserve.
Vladimir Zakharov
Education
Professor, Biologist, PhD.
Professional experience
Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Currently is the head of the Center for Sustainable Development and Environmental Health of the Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Member of the interdepartmental working group of the Presidential Administration of Russia on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, President of the Center for Environmental Policy of Russia.
Member of the Board of the Earth Charter International Initiative.
Winner of the State Prize of the Russian Federation in the Field of Science and Technology for the development of the concept of environmental health.
Awarded the diploma of the President of the Russian Federation for the development of Environmental Doctrine.
Author of more than 250 scientific papers.
Lyudmila Zhdanova
Education
She graduated from Omsk State Pedagogical University with a degree in biology and ecology and got qualification as a teacher.
Professional experience
From 2001 to 2003, she was a methodist of the Department of Environmental Educationat the Federal State Budgetary Institution Ugra National Park.
From 2003 to 2004, she was Chief Specialist of the Department of Environmental Education at Ugra National Park.
From 2004 to 2014, she was Head of the Department of Environmental Education, Tourism and Recreation at the Federal State Budgetary Institution Ugra National Park.
From 2014 to the present, she holds the position of Deputy Director for Environmental Education, Tourism and Recreation of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Ugra National Park.
She was awarded a letter of appreciation from the Governor of the Kaluga Region, a letter of appreciation and a Certificate of Honor of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation, the breastplate 'For merits in nature conservation'.
Alexander Zheleznyak
Education
In 2002 he graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
Professional experience
Journalist, photographer.
He headed Russian editorial staff of National Geographic Traveler for eight years, and published a lot of reports and articles regarding travel industry.
He worked in Public Administration in Sevastopol for three recent years. He headed the Travel Department in the regional administration and the Travel Development Center. He created and launched an adventure travel project 'Greater Sevastopol Trail'.
He was responsible for amendments to the federal legislation in the field of natural and recreational activities.
He is currently the Travel Expert of the All-Russia National Front.
He heads the Association for the Development of National Pathways of Russia.
He is a member of the Russian Geographical Society.
Deli Saavedra
Education
Studied Biology and holds a PhD which focused in the Eurasian Otter.
Professional experience
He is currently Regional Manager of Rewilding Europe.
He has worked as a consultant during the last twenty-five years, coordinating the reintroduction of endangered species (black vulture, Eurasian otter) and the planning and management of protected areas.
He has collaborated and researched on protected areas planning (Costa Rica, Hungary), private conservation (Venezuela, Australia) and endangered species (Poland, Morocco, Ethiopia).
He has written a book about the reintroduction of the Otter in Catalonia and another one about biodiversity of northern Ethiopia.
He is the president of Sol Solidari Foundation (environmental cooperation in Africa) and member of the Reintroductions Specialist Group of IUCN.
Об организации
Цель фонда Rewilding Europe – восстановить и сохранить дикую природу и природные процессы в Европе и в то же время показать, что восстановление дикой природы может открывать новые возможности для бизнеса, создавать рабочие места и приносить доход в сфере сельского хозяйства, для которого часто характерно снижение экономической производительности и оставление земли.
Mahir Aliyev
Education
1996 – Azerbaijan State Institute of Languages (English and French Literature).
Receiving his Master’s degree in Environmental Resource Management from Western University in Baku.
Completing his postgraduate studies in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva.
Professional experience
For over 20 years he has been serving in the United Nations, working in the field of environmental resource management and international environmental governance.
2000 – 2009 – he managed a number of large projects under the Montreal Protocol programme, Climate Change and International Waters.
He has led UN missions and coordinated implementation of large environmental projects in over 30 countries of Eastern Europe, Africa, and Middle East.
As Portfolio Manager with the United Nations Office for Project Services he supervised the implementation of a large portfolio of International Waters projects, such as: Lake Chad Basin, Niger River Basin, Agulhas and Somali Large Marine Ecosystem, Caspian Sea, Dnieper River Basin and others.
Since 2009 he has been serving as Coordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the Europe Office in Geneva, Switzerland where, among other duties, he represents UNEP in interagency cooperation.
He heads the UNEP-run interim Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), as well as the Coordination Unit of the Environment and Security (ENVSEC) Initiative.
Jerome Caviglia
Education
Master of Tourism, Territories and Heritage.
PhD of Heritage Valorization and Sustainable Development.
Professional experience
He worked as an Audit in a Visitor Center of Mont-Blanc region.
Also he worked as a Manager of a communication firm specialized in marketing and tourism, Research professor in the University.
2005 – he founded Atemia.
He’s daily involved in strategic studies direction in eco tourism and manage Atemia and its susidiaries (Atemia Immobilier et Atemia equipements).
He is also specialist of outdoor sports and an experienced ultra trail runner.
His field of intervention is eco interpretation and valorization of natural and cultural heritage, tourism strategy and master planning (specialized in mountain areas).
About the company
Since its inception, Atemia company has implemented more than 160 projects in the field of sustainable tourism development in various regions of France.
Enric Sala
Education
In 1996 – he obtained his PhD in Ecology from the University of Aix-Marseille, France.
Professional experience
He is a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence dedicated to restoring the health and productivity of the ocean.
His more than 120 scientific publications are widely recognized and used for real-world conservation efforts such as the creation of marine reserves.
He is currently working to help protect the last pristine marine ecosystems worldwide, and to develop new business models for marine conservation.
He founded and leads National Geographic’s Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 18 marine reserves – some of which are the largest on the planet –covering an area of more than 5 million square km.
He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. His experience and scientific expertise contribute to his service on advisory boards of international organizations and governments.
About the company
Pristine Seas is an exploration, research, and media project founded and led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Enric Sala. Since its beginning in 2008, Pristine Seas has carried out expeditions in 26 places, 18 of which have since been protected, covering a total area of more than 5 million square kilometers – more than ten times the area of California. Over the next two years, Pristine Seas will target up to six more locations, aiming to inspire the protection of a total of 20 of the wildest places in the ocean by 2020.
As an impact-driven global nonprofit organization, the National Geographic Society invests in bold people and transformative ideas with one audacious goal: to create a planet in balance – one that provides for humanity and the multitude of other species with which we share the Earth. We fund hundreds of research and conservation projects around the world each year and inspire new generations through our education initiatives and resources.
Jordi Palau
Education
University of Lleida (Forest Engineer).
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (MSc Protected Areas).
Professional experience
As a civil servant, he has been director of the largest natural park in Catalonia – High Pyrenees, 70000 hectares – for ten years, dealing with issues such as the reintroduced population of brown bear and the «greening» of neighbouring ski resorts.
Since 2014 he is the manager of three national game reserves in the Pyrenees, where he deals with big game management, rewilding and ecotourism.<
He has travelled around the world visiting protected areas in Africa, Asia and the Americas, getting to know them first-hand.
He lived for many years in the Pyrenean country of Andorra, where he contributed actively to the creation of the three protected areas currently existing there.
In 1996 co-authored the book «Nature and Ecotourism in Andorra: an option for the future».
About the organization
Generalitat de Catalunya is the regional government of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, in NE Spain. Following the Spanish Constitution, all the responsabilities in nature management and conservation are hold by this body. National Game Reserves depend on the General Direction of Forest Ecosystems and Environment Management, which is placed in the Department of Agriculture.
Ximena Patino
Education
1974 – 1978 – USA University of Georgia State (Psychology).
1978 – 1981 – USA New School for Social Research (Master Economics).
Professional experience
1999 – Present – Business development manager, Servinformación S.A (Colombia).
2012 – Present – President and founder, Saving The Amazon Foundation (Colombia).
She is committed in creating a platform that unites the entire planet for the reforestation of the Amazon, planting trees with the indigenous communities in their shelters, and creating a model of sustainable development for the conservation of the Amazon.
Peter Prokosch
Education
Biologist, PhD.
Professional experience
In the 1970s and 80s he played a pioneering role in the conservation development of the International Wadden Sea and became Head of the WWF Wadden Sea office in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
As a researcher at the University of Kiel, Peter studied biology and marine sciences.
He has extensive experience working with the establishment and development of national parks in the Wadden Sea, the Baltic coast of Germany, Svalbard and Iceland as well as in nature reserves in Siberia and other parts of the circumpolar Arctic, often in close cooperation with tourism.
2002 – 2006 he served as CEO of WWF-Germany in Frankfurt, 1992 – 2002 as director of the Arctic Programme of WWF International in Oslo.
Until 2014 he was the managing director of GRID-Arendal.
Present – Founder and Chairman of the Board, Linking Tourism & Conservation (LT&C).
About the organization
LT&C is a Norwegian registered NGO with members from all continents, which profiles examples (LT&C-Examples) for replication, where tourism is supporting the establishment or development of national parks or other types of protected areas. LT&C is a support organization for the CBD Aichi target 11 and the SDGs 14 & 15.
Vyacheslav Fetisov
Professional experience
He is a legendary Soviet ice hockey player, one of the best defensemen in the history of the world ice hockey.
In 1975 through 1989 – he played in CSKA Red Army hockey club. Overall, he played 479 games and scored 153 goals in the USSR championship.
From 1989 through 1994 – he played in the USA for the New Jersey Devils, and from 1994 – 1998 for the Detroit Red Wings.
From 2002 through 2008 – he served as the Chairman of Goskomsport (State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of the Russian Federation, then Federal Agency for Physical Culture and Sport).
From 2008 through 2016 – he represented the Primorsky region in the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation upper chamber of the Russian Parliament and was the first deputy chairman of the Senate Committee for Social Policy as well as the head of the Russian Senate delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
In 2016 – he was elected the Deputy of the State Duma and holds the position of the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs.
In October 2017 – he was appointed as the State Duma Special Envoy Interparliamentary and International Public organizations on the Development of Sport.
He used to be the Chairman of the WADA Athlete’s Committee and a member of the WADA Executive Committee for several years.
Member of the Board of Directors of the Continental Hockey League.
UNESCO Champion for Sport, awarded with Silver Olympic Order.
Stanislas Henrion
Education
2000 – 2004 – Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics, France (m.eng and electives at the Lyon’s School of Architecture).
2010 – 2014 – Venice University and Paris-Est University (thesis in Town planning).
2014 – 2016 – London Business School (executive MBA degree).
Professional experience
2004 – 2007 – Office Manager of Local representative of the Ministere de l’Equipement in charge of promoting and improving national planning and housing policies on local communities, Direction Departementale de l’Equipement, Normandy, France.
2007 – 2012 – Territorial Advisor to the CEO of agency for elaborating, financing, and managing urban projects in social neighborhoods, ANRU, Paris. He was negotiated and managed conventions for 30 different urban renovated projects.
2010 – 2012 – Founder – Manager, REGAIN, start-up, France. Promoted innovating projects by creating cross-disciplines teams with economists, geographers, farmers, and sociologists.
2011 – 2015 – Senior Advisor – North-America, Russia and Central Asia of Ministere de l'Energie, de l’Ecologie et des Transports, Paris. He was negotiated 10 bilateral institutional partnerships in transport, energy, and smart cities with Russia, Kazakhstan, California, North Virginia, and Quebec governments.
2015 – Present – Counsellor – Chief of unit Infrastructures, Energy, Transport and Industry, French Embassy, Moscow. Reviewed and benchmarked competition technologies in railway, utilities, automotive vehicles, energy efficiency, breakthrough innovations and smart-cities. Launched, energized, and led bilateral cooperation between France and Russia in fields of utilities, innovating transport, green economy, and energy-efficiency.
Clara Restrepo
Education
2005, Degree in ethno education and social project
Rioacha, Guajira - Universidad de la Guajira
2011, Postgraduate Management Specialist
Medellín, Antioquia - Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
2005, Course on human rights and the environment
Ecuador - Education center of studies for human, cultural, social and environmental rights.
Professional experience
I am an indigenous and professional leader of the Wanano people from the Timbó-Rio Vaupés indigenous community, of the AATICAM society. This association owns and manages the Waracapurí Hotel, an indigenous wellness hotel where it is possible to stay when visiting tree planting with the Saving The Amazon Foundation. I am recognized as a cacique (indigenous chief) in different towns, due to the leadership I have played in the representation of the indigenous communities in different scenarios of the country. As a professional in ethno-education and social project,
I have managed different projects such as indigenous housing plans, educational projects and pedagogical models. I am an advocate for the rights of indigenous, environment, social and cultural matters.
Alexander Zheleznyak
Education
In 2002 he graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
Professional experience
Journalist, photographer.
He headed Russian editorial staff of National Geographic Traveler for eight years, and published a lot of reports and articles regarding travel industry.
He worked in Public Administration in Sevastopol for three recent years. He headed the Travel Department in the regional administration and the Travel Development Center. He created and launched an adventure travel project ‘Greater Sevastopol Trail.’
He was responsible for amendments to the federal legislation in the field of natural and recreational activities.
He is currently the Travel Expert of the All-Russia National Front.
He heads the Association for the Development of National Pathways of Russia.
He is a member of the Russian Geographical Society.
Paolo Castro
Education
Engineer degree in Agronomy by the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa.
Professional experience
1984 – 1990 – Head of Agrarian Zone at the Entre Douro e Minho Regional Services of the Ministry of Agriculture.
1993 – 1996 – Valorization of the Rural World.
1996 – 2000 – Director of the Peneda Gerês National Park and President of the Association for the Development of National Park Regions.
2002 – 2003 – Director of Planning Services for Agro-Environmental Policies.
2003 – 2006 – General Secretary of Institute for Agrarian Development of the North Region.
2007 – 2010 – Technician responsible for a project in Forest Fire Protection Network Planning in the National Forest Authority.
Co-founder and manager of a travel agency Moebius EcoTravel Lda.
Founder, single associate and manager of Ponto Natura.
Vice President, treasurer and elected member of the Council of Europarc – European Federation of National and Nature Parks.
Natalya Danilina
Professional experience
From 1988 to 1996, held positions starting with the Leading Specialist and ending with the Head of the Main Reserve Management Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation (Minprirody).
In 1996, founded Zapovedniki Environmental Education Center, and currently holds the position of a Director.
From 1993 to 2008 – Vice Chairman of the World Commission on Protected Areas of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (WCPA/IUCN), since 2009 to present: an Honorary member of the WCPA Executive Committee.
From 2005 to 2015 – Member of the Public Environmental Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
Since 2011 – Deputy Chairman of the Expert Council for Specially Protected Natural Reservations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
From 2011 to 2014 – Member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Since 2016 – Member of the Joint Expert Council, the Presidential Grants Foundation.
For contribution to the development of SPNR was awarded several times with diplomas of honor of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, the High Ecological Council of the State Duma, the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Has the title of an 'Honored Worker of Nature Protection of the Russian Federation'.
Made a big contribution to the development of environmental education and educational tourism at SPNR, to the development of scientific justification of these activity areas, and also to the implementation of the practice of working with volunteers in state nature reserves and national parks of the country.
About the organization
Zapovedniki Environmental Education Center was founded in 1996 for the purpose of efficiency improvement of the Specially Protected Natural Reservations of Russia and formation of public understanding of SPNR significance for the present and future of Russia.
Main programs of the organization: SPNR Educational Center (trainings, seminars, internships in Russia and abroad); Tourism at SPNR and rural tourism at areas contiguous with SPNR; Environmental Education at SPNR: strategy, educational programs; Coordination of the All-Russian movement 'Friends of Protected Islands'; Social project management and development of citizen initiatives in favor of SPNR; International Volunteer Center 'Burunduk': youth and corporate volunteering for SPNR; Design of ecological trails and visitor centers.
