Ecotourism instructors for specially protected natural areas are being trained in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      March 23, 2026 16:52 Culture and Recreation A comprehensive educational program has been launched in the Nizhny Novgorod region to train qualified personnel and volunteers in the field of ecological tourism. The project is being implemented at the licensed training center of the public organization "Nizhny Novgorod Regional Tourist Club" with the support of the national park "Nizhny Novgorod Volga" named after V.A. Lebedev and the Presidential Nature Fund.

      As noted by the Minister of Tourism and Industries of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Sergey Yakovlev, today ecological tourism is one of the most in-demand travel directions in the country. In addition to the growth in demand for nature-based recreation, the importance of work to preserve the unique plant and animal diversity of the territories remains high.

      "The training project aims to form a professional community of guides, tour leaders, and volunteers to work in specially protected natural areas of our region. Thoughtful design of ecological trails and organized support for tourists allow for the redistribution of pressure from vulnerable natural complexes to specially prepared routes, while simultaneously addressing the tasks of ecological education," emphasized Sergey Yakovlev.

      According to him, the development of infrastructure for ecological tourism addresses the objectives of two national projects - "Ecological Well-being" and "Tourism and Hospitality."

      Training of specialists will take place from March to October 2026. Project participants - more than 350 people - are being trained for free, with this work funded by a grant from the Presidential Nature Fund, won by the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Tourist Club.

      The director of the organization, Galina Kolchanova, stated that the educational program will prepare more than 300 volunteers and 25 ecological tourism instructors, as well as 30 guides for specially protected natural areas.

      "It is very important that the training in volunteer practices primarily involves youth. It is the schoolchildren and students who will soon take on the responsibility for our nature," said Galina Kolchanova.

      As noted by the deputy director of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Tourist Club, Alexey Pod'yachev, the foundation of the training is practice. Within the framework of the project, five expeditions are planned to scout promising routes for new eco-trails in specially protected natural areas, as well as 25 volunteer events to monitor the condition of existing ecological trails and address identified shortcomings. Additionally, the training includes the organization of two mass events aimed at popularizing the volunteer movement in the field of ecotourism.

      Upon completion of the project, instructors and guides will receive state-recognized diplomas for professional retraining. The new specialists will join the ranks of professionals in the tourism industry and contribute to the creation of a modern, safe, and educational tourist infrastructure in the specially protected natural areas of the region.

      Let us remind you that the national projects "Ecological Well-being" and "Tourism and Hospitality" were initiated by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

      The national project "Ecological Well-being" involves caring for the environment and enhancing its comfort for human life: this includes creating infrastructure for waste sorting and recycling, eliminating landfills and clearing water bodies, preserving forests, reducing emissions into the atmosphere, as well as developing ecological tourism and preserving rare animal species. The national project includes six federal projects: "General Cleanup," "Water of Russia," "Preservation of Biological Diversity and Development of Ecological Tourism," "Forest Preservation," "Closed Loop Economy," and "Clean Air."

      The national project "Tourism and Hospitality," in turn, involves developing infrastructure, manufacturing equipment, training personnel for the tourism sector, promoting travel within Russia, as well as ensuring quality service and safe, convenient trips. The national project includes five federal projects: "Creation of Accommodation Facilities, Infrastructure, and Points of Attraction," "5 Seas and Lake Baikal," "Production of Domestic Products for the Tourism Industry," "Tourist Appeal of the Country," and "Personnel for Tourism."

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