Ecotourism Expert will act as a partner of the Small Rivers of Moscow project

STEI Institute, with the support of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow, as well as Grants of the Mayor of Moscow for socially oriented NGOs, announces the launch of the project #SmallRiversofMoscow: history and potential, a source of life and pride for Muscovites.

“The Moscow river network consists of more than a thousand watercourses, which include rivers, streams, springs and other water bodies. Their total length is estimated at more than 660 kilometers, 395 of which are open channel objects, and the rest flows underground. The valleys of some Moscow rivers were declared natural heritage. The potential of these resources, biological and ecological diversity is yet to be discovered. And this is possible with close and constructive interdepartmental cooperation between the executive authorities and experts, science and civil society,"  said Vadim Petrov, Director of the STEI Institute, Chairman of the Public Council at Roshydromet, Chairman of the Expert Council of the Ecosophy project of the presidential platform "Russia - Land of Opportunities".

The Institute of Social Theories, Ecology and Art aims at the project #SmallRiversofMoscow to reveal the Moscow studies potential of the infrastructure of small rivers of Moscow in historical, cultural, geographical and environmental terms, as well as to involve Muscovites in the process of creating a comfortable riverine urban environment.

“The natural complex of many reservoirs with an open channel is of obvious value for the development of the city's ecological capabilities. Small rivers, streams and springs of the capital have a rich landscape, recreational and ecological potential. They are an important part of the ecological framework of the metropolis. Their flora and fauna are unique in some aspects,” notes Vladimir Koptev-Dvornikov, Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Professor of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Associate Professor of Moscow State University of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the STEI Institute. - Moscow reservoirs can become an excellent recreational platform for citizens and guests of the capital. The development of a comfortable urban environment is unthinkable without water and natural areas. The small rivers of Moscow will become part of new tourist routes, contributing to the development of domestic tourism.”

A street photo exhibition on the boulevards of the Central Administrative District and the publication of an ecological guide to the small rivers of the capital will help to interest Muscovites in the small rivers flowing in the city. The 2nd scientific and practical forum "Water of Moscow" and the development of the thematic networking platform "Rivers of Moscow" will help attract the expert community and enthusiasts.

Geographically, the #SmallRiversofMoscow project covers the whole of Moscow, local history dictations will be held in every district of the city. Interested Muscovites who are not indifferent to the history and water resources of the city, as well as industry specialists such as ecologists, geographers, biologists, archivists, historians, ethnographers, local historians, urbanists, writers and simply river lovers are invited to participate in the project and visit it. Their involvement in the activities of the project #SmallRiversofMoscow will help outline the prospects for the development of the capital's water resources, replenish the scientific base and take part in the discussion of the concept of improving the city's small rivers.

The organizers of the #SmallRiversofMoscow project place special hopes on participation in the events of young people, enthusiastic students and schoolchildren who are able to take care of the Moscow ecosystem and city rivers in the future.

The participation of Muscovites is also welcomed in the formation of a historical and up-to-date database of Moscow rivers. Photos with views of Moscow rivers will be presented at the competition "Rivers of Moscow: Past, Present and Future". The development of the cultural aspect of the city's water bodies will help reduce the negative anthropogenic impact on them.

All related information and media content will be posted on the platform of the #SmallRiversofMoscow project and on social networks.

Scientific and public organizations are invited to participate in the project, as well as a collection of applications for presentations at the Second Scientific and Practical Forum "Moscow Water". Applications for participation in the forum with the obligatory indication of the direction of work, as well as materials for publication, have to be sent to the e-mail: info@instea.ru before September 15, 2023.