Glaciers, eco-trails, and sustainable development: the lecture program for the "Clean Mountain" festival has been released.
The all-Russian "Clean Mountain" cleanup day will bring together supporters of a responsible lifestyle for the ninth time. This year, in addition to the high-altitude cleanup, the festival will offer participants an extensive educational program and discussions about the past, present, and future of the legendary Elbrus resort. For the first time, the festival will last two days—September 26 and 27—and one of its main venues will be an environmental lecture program. On the second day, instead of or after the cleanup at the Mir station, attendees will be able to listen to experts in geography, ecology, and sustainable development discuss the natural features of Elbrus, the development of mountain ecosystems, and tourist areas. The event begins at 11:30 AM.
Elena Khaerdinova, science communications specialist at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory, will introduce festival participants to the unique underground observatory located near the resort. There, scientists "catch" a rare neutrino particle, which is important for research on both Earth and space.
Nelly Elagina, a glaciologist from the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, will discuss how Elbrus's glaciers are currently being studied, what can be learned about the past and future of the mountain's snow and ice cap, and how climate change will impact the Caucasus and people's lives.
Lev Shagarov, a sustainable development expert and head of the working group on ecotourism at the Public Council under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation, will focus his presentation on mountain ecosystems: their uniqueness, opportunities for economic development, and the development of tourism without harming the environment.
Rustam Tapaev, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF, will discuss plans for the development of the Elbrus resort.
The festival will open on September 26 at 10:00 AM with a general warm-up session for festival guests. Next, participants will head to a cleanup day, which can be combined with a hike along the eco-trails. On September 26 and 27, the resort is also hosting a trekking weekend in honor of World Tourism Day. Cleaning services are available on both days of the festival. Children will enjoy an entertainment program, and in the evenings, guests can enjoy a musical program. A fair of Caucasian crafts will be held at the Azau Glade.
Registered participants will receive all the necessary cleaning equipment and branded gifts from the resort. Cable car rides are free for participants during these days. Registration is open on the resort's website.