“Training strategy and programs for raising awareness on the Lower Volga wetlands”

“Let’s save the Lower Volga wetlands together!”

The following results and outcomes have been achieved by the project. The package of informational and methodological materials on raising public awareness on the great value of the Lower Volga wetlands was developed, published and disseminated. The toolkit includes the brochure “Let’s save the Lower Volga wetlands together!”, the “Training strategy and programs for raising awareness on the Lower Volga wetlands”, as well as action plans on environmental education work for various stakeholder groups. These materials can be used for environmental education purposes by professional or non-professional educators, as well as a self-instructional material – “from children to ministers”.

2-days interactive training module on “Cross-sectoral co-operation for conservation of wetlands” has been developed. The module has been approbated at the training-workshop on “Involvement of governmental, private and public organizations in addressing the issues of conservation of the Lower Volga wetlands”, held on 26-29 September 2007 in Astrakhan and Astrakhansky State Biosphere Reserve, Russia. It can be used to conduct similar trainings for mixed group of participants (decision-makers, business, protected areas and local population) at both regional and local levels. The main focus is on resolution of conflicts between different stakeholders and on team-building for conservation goals.

As the concrete result of the project, the working group “The Union for Conservation of the Lower Volga heritage” was established. The group united representatives of Astrakhansky biosphere reserve, Astrakhan regional government, UNDP/GEF Project “Conservation of the Lower Volga wetlands”, Astrakhan state university, tourist companies, Bogdinsko-Baskunchakskiy zapovednik, educational bodies of the local and regional level etc. The first action plan of the Union was developed and the responsible members are already preparing the resolution to disseminate within decision-makers of the region.

The project fully corresponds with the last biennium (2006-2007) principal priority of the UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector “Water and associated ecosystems”, and made a special contribution to reaching the goals of the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”(2005-2015) and the UN Decade “Education for Sustainable Development” (2005-2014).