Russian Children Learn to Love Nature, Care for Environment
Voronezh, Russia – Through three activities in October, UPF-Russia advanced the cause of expanding environmental awareness through youth education and community engagement in the city of Voronezh in southwest Russia.
An outdoor environmental education program titled “Autumn in the Forest” captivated children attending a local children's creative development center and their parents on October 18, 2026. The program was led by Ms. Elena Knyazeva, coordinator of environmental programs for UPF-Russia, as part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness, family involvement and responsible attitudes toward nature.
The autumn forest provided a natural classroom where children and parents could explore their surroundings, learn about the local environment and experience the beauty of nature together. By combining outdoor recreation with environmental education, the program encouraged participants to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of protecting it.
A key focus of the initiative was the role of families in environmental education. Shared outdoor learning experiences not only help children develop knowledge and awareness of environmental issues but also strengthen family relationships and encourage values of cooperation, responsibility and respect for nature.
The next day, October 19, Ms. Knyazeva represented UPF in a roundtable discussion on innovative approaches to teaching children and young people about local history, culture and environmental heritage. The event took place at Public Library No. 37 as part of the Voronezh Regional Heritage Library Forum.
The forum brought together librarians, teachers, early childhood educators, educational specialists and representatives of civil society organizations to exchange experiences and discuss effective ways to engage younger generations in learning about their local communities and regional heritage.
Participants shared practical approaches to educational activities, including interactive guided tours, educational games, thematic reading sessions, and other creative methods designed to make local history and culture more engaging and accessible to children.
Ms. Knyazeva presented her experience in environmental education and community engagement. She emphasized the importance of involving young people in environmental protection initiatives and helping them develop a sense of responsibility for their local surroundings. She also highlighted the close connection between environmental education and regional heritage studies. She noted that learning about one's hometown and region should go beyond historical events and cultural traditions to include an appreciation of local ecosystems, natural landscapes, and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
The roundtable provided a valuable platform for professional dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the exploration of new opportunities for cooperation among educational institutions, libraries and civil society organizations
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On October 21, UPF-Russia, in cooperation with volunteers from the Russian youth organization “Movement of the First” (Dvizhenie Pervykh), organized an interactive environmental education program for fourth-grade students at School No. 13 in Voronezh.
The program focused on teaching children the basic principles of waste sorting and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior in everyday life. Through educational games and interactive activities, students were introduced to the importance of separating household waste and reducing the environmental impact of human activities.
The game-based approach made environmental education both accessible and engaging. By learning through play and practical activities, children were encouraged to understand how their daily choices can contribute to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Special attention was given to developing environmentally responsible habits. Learning how to sort waste correctly helps children recognize that small individual actions can contribute to environmental protection.
UPF-Russia considers environmental education an important part of nurturing responsible future generations. By organizing educational programs in cooperation with schools and youth organizations, UPF seeks to encourage young people to develop a sense of personal responsibility for nature and society.
By Elena Knyazeva, Coordinator of Environmental Programs, UPF-Russia October 21, 2026
