2013 - Year of the Environment in the Smolensk region
Protection of the environment is one of the priorities, both for the country as a whole and for each region. In accordance with Decree of the President of Russia № 1157 "On holding the Year of the Environmental Protection in the Russian Federation" Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy signed the Order for the Administration of the Smolensk region "On holding the Year of the Environmental Protection in 2013 in the Smolensk region".
"The aim of the Year of the Environmental Protection is merely practical, - said Alexey Ostrovskiy. - I see some of the priority areas in the work of the regional Administration. Further work is needed to decrease the negative impact on the environment, to conserve and restore the nature areas under protection, to enhance surveillance and monitoring of the environment and, of course, the rule of law in the field of environmental safety.
But our main task is to prevent violating the environmental laws. In this respect public environmental education is very important. Environmental education is recognized by the world community as one of the main mechanisms in solving environmental problems. Understanding the importance of the problem, I have decided to allocate additional funds from the Reserve Fund for the activities aimed at environmental education of the people of Smolensk.
At the same time we must not forget that efficient use and preservation of the natural resources is not only the responsibility of the state authorities, but also the duty of every citizen. In this respect, I hope for the active participation of the Smolensk people in the activities within the Year of the Environmental Protection".
The Natural Resources and Environment Department of the Smolensk region has prepared a plan of actions for holding the Year of Environmental Protection in the Smolensk region. The local authorities have been recommended to organize appropriate environmental protection activities and businesses and public associations are invited to take an active part in them.