Let's Save Nature Together!

Today, people are deeply concerned with technological and industrial progress, yet few consider the environmental aspect of the issue. Our nature does not possess an infinite margin of safety.

However, to preserve and enhance natural wealth, especially in areas hosting industrial enterprises (including NPPs), safe operation alone is not enough; the general level of environmental awareness among the local population is equally vital. It is advisable to begin fostering an environmentally conscious mindset through educational and awareness-raising activities. The more accessible and engaging these are, the faster public consciousness will evolve.

A true breakthrough lies in eco-social initiatives that simultaneously promote child development and involve the elderly in active community life.

As an example, consider the initiatives of the Novovoronezh NPP, conducted in partnership with the Voronezh regional branch of the All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation (involving three generations of nuclear workers):

For over 7 years, on World Water Day (March 22), professional ecologists from Novovoronezh NPP — who also represent a regional public organization — alongside retirees from the NPP Veterans Council, have held informal play-based sessions in kindergartens across the Voronezh region. During these sessions, they demonstrate to children how to treat water and water bodies with care and explain why nature conservation is essential. They also solve environmental crosswords with schoolchildren, strengthening intergenerational bonds and passing on unique knowledge and life wisdom.

Following the sessions, children are asked to draw what they have learned. At the end of the calendar year, a Children's Drawing Contest is held in collaboration with environmental regulatory bodies and ecological funds, where the most diligent and attentive children receive certificates and valuable prizes. This project was recognized as a winner of the international competition "Environmental Culture. Peace and Harmony."

Another unique project is the "Teremok" puppet show, an environmentally themed play designed for preschool and primary school children. Remarkably, the puppets for the play were handmade by NVNPP veterans using recycled materials (wood, old clothes, yarn scraps).

Children show immense interest in this environmental fairy tale, driven by the novel plot, unusual characters, and engaging actions. Children are the most challenging yet most rewarding audience! Adults must provide maximum sincerity, dedication, and skill, as the young audience follows every word and action, tolerating no falsehood and missing no detail.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face interaction became difficult, activists found a solution: they collaborated with colleagues to produce a film based on the "Teremok" play. Today, it is in high demand and has been distributed to regions across the Russian Federation.

It is not enough to simply perform one's professional duties safely and effectively; we must understand that the environmental responsibility of the next generation depends on us. Do we want our children and grandchildren to live in a comfortable environment and enjoy the beauty of Russia's rich natural heritage?