Strategizing for a Sustainable Future: Plekhanov Russian University of Economics to Establish Committee for Biosphere Reserve Research

A landmark meeting was held at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics to discuss the formation of a scientific coordinating committee dedicated to the study of Russian biosphere reserves. This initiative is being implemented under the auspices of the university’s UNESCO Chair "Socio-Economic Models of Biosphere Reserves."
 

Biosphere reserves are specially protected natural areas with international conservation status recognized by UNESCO. Today, these sites are essential for the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable environmental development. 

The Role of the University in the Global Environmental Agenda

Opening the meeting, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Rector Ivan Lobanov emphasized that biosphere reserves are "living laboratories" for studying the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. He emphasized that the university’s research contributes to the development of effective territorial strategies while minimizing human impact on the environment. He also highlighted the strong interest of the UNESCO Secretariat in expanding Russia’s participation in international environmental initiatives.

 

"Our country possesses a unique diversity of ecosystems, each of which requires an individual approach. The creation of a centralized structure will allow us to accumulate knowledge and experience from many years of research. The new coordinating body will serve as a link between Russian science, bioreserves, and the global environmental movement, significantly enhancing the prestige of the Russian school on the international stage." shared Dr. Ivan Lobanov.

Dubai as a Center for International Dialogue

Dr. Svetlana Malkarova, Director of Plekhanov University in Dubai, participated in the meeting. The Dubai campus has become a key hub for the university’s international outreach, sharing the academic expertise and research achievements of the Plekhanov School across the Middle East and beyond. The expansion of UNESCO-related programs in the UAE opens new opportunities for global scientific collaboration.
 

Consolidation of the Expert Community

The discussion brought together leading experts, diplomats, and public officials. Pavel Terelyansky, Co-Director of the university’s UNESCO Chair, presented the development of a new assessment index for biosphere reserves, underscoring the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that integrates economic analysis with ecosystem protection.

The initiative received strong support from:

• Marina Yankova (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), who proposed establishing the committee in a format open to government agencies and NGOs to develop policy recommendations on resource management
• Grigory Ordzhonikidze, who emphasized the need to coordinate efforts within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme
• Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, the Vernadsky Foundation, leaders of 28 biosphere reserves across the country, and prominent environmental experts also took part in the meeting.
• Outcomes and Next Steps

In closing, Ivan Lobanov reaffirmed the university’s readiness to serve as a global platform for advancing environmental research, including through its international branches. 

Plekhanov University in Dubai will continue to promote international cooperation, strengthening the connection between high-quality education and practical solutions to global challenges in pursuit of a sustainable future.