Eco-Projects Engage Russian Students, Parents and Seniors

Voronezh, Russia – UPF-Russia, together with the Movement of the First, organized an environmental quest on December 24, 2025, titled “Guardians of the Voronezh Region” for 200 students of Secondary School No. 13 in the city of Voronezh. The event was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Voronezh Governorate.

Through an engaging game format, students explored the natural wealth of their home region, learned about key environmental challenges, and discovered simple yet important steps to protect the environment. By completing the quest tasks, participants developed teamwork skills, practiced responsible decision-making, and gained a deeper understanding of each individual’s role in caring for nature.

The eco-quest was not only educational, but also inspiring, combining regional history, environmental education, and active youth participation. Such initiatives help foster environmental awareness from an early age and encourage a respectful attitude toward the natural heritage of the Voronezh region.

On December 26, Ms. Elena Knyazeva of UPF-Russia led an inspiring workshop on making Christmas decorations from recycled materials at a gerontological care center in Voronezh. Elderly residents of the center took part with great enthusiasm, creating festive ornaments and discovering simple, creative ways to give everyday materials a second life. The event was filled with conversation, smiles, and a true holiday spirit.

The workshop was actively supported by volunteers from the Youth Council under Rosprirodnadzor, Russia’s Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, a national government body responsible for environmental protection, ecological monitoring, and the enforcement of environmental legislation. Its Youth Council brings together young professionals and volunteers who promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices through educational and social initiatives.

The handmade decorations created by the participants were used to decorate the New Year’s tree at the gerontological center, becoming a symbol of care, environmental responsibility, and intergenerational connection. This event once again demonstrated that ecological thinking begins with small, practical steps, and that celebrations become truly meaningful when they are built on creativity, cooperation, and human connection.

On December 28, as part of the nationwide campaign “Feed the Birds in Winter,” students of the Palace of Children’s and Youth Creativity, together with their parents, took part in a workshop on making eco-friendly feeders for wintering birds.

During the workshop, participants created bird feeders from pine cones using natural and environmentally safe materials. The children learned which bird species remain in the region during winter, what kind of food is suitable for them, and why providing regular support is especially important during the cold season.

The joint activity of children and parents not only encouraged creativity, but also became a valuable lesson in caring for nature. Such events help foster environmental awareness, strengthen family bonds, and nurture a responsible attitude toward the natural world from an early age.

The “Feed the Birds in Winter” campaign once again reminded everyone that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful contribution to protecting wildlife and supporting birds through the challenging winter months.

By Elena Knyazeva, Coordinator of Environmental Programs, UPF-Russia December 28, 2025