BRICS Geographer’s Day: A Unified Holiday for Geographical Excellence
The Russian Geographical Society’s headquarters in Moscow recently hosted the inaugural celebration of BRICS Geographer’s Day on 18 August 2024. This significant event marked the beginning of a unified professional holiday for BRICS countries, aiming to establish a single day for geographers to come together and share their expertise.
Uniting Geographers Across Borders
On BRICS Geographer’s Day, experts from diverse fields converged to share their knowledge. Specialists in geography, conservation, and tourism from BRICS nations gathered enthusiastically. Subsequently, representatives from Russian agencies, foreign embassies, and media outlets joined the event. These professionals illuminated the significance of geographical sciences in their respective countries. Furthermore, they unveiled groundbreaking research findings to the assembled audience. In addition, the summit showcased cutting-edge trends in the discipline of geography. Notwithstanding, BRICS specialists outlined potential collaborative ventures. This gathering of minds underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing geographical studies.
The Future of Geography
“Geography is a truly international science because we study processes and phenomena regardless of borders. As such, geography is the future,” emphasized Nikolay Kasimov, first vice president of the Russian Geographical Society, president of the Faculty of Geography at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and an academician at the Russian Academy of Sciences.
BRICS Countries: A Hotbed of Geographical Innovation
“BRICS countries, which are located in all climatic zones, are of great scientific interest to geographers,” added Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky. “Given the expansion of BRICS, our capabilities are expanding. BRICS Geographer’s Day is not only a tribute to geography; it is a mechanism that can combine efforts for the practical implementation of joint projects.”
Showcasing Geographical Excellence
Presentations from BRICS countries showcased the diversity of geographical sciences in action. Rolfontein Nature Reserve manager Themba Mathebula spoke about protected areas based on the example of the Northern Cape province in South Africa. Ahmed Almurshidi from the United Arab Emirates University discussed the place and role of geographical sciences in the UAE. Geographer and Co-Founder of KHARTES Geoconsulting Diego Moreira Carvalho from the University of Brasilia presented on the introduction of a forest fire warning system in Brazil.
Looking Ahead to Future Collaborations
BRICS Geographer’s Day showcased diverse perspectives on geographical sciences. Yaoming Li illuminated China’s current and future trends in geography. Correspondingly, Yericho Meshesha elucidated Ethiopia’s practical application of geographical knowledge in environmental protection. Meanwhile, Saeid Soufizadeh expounded on biodiversity preservation and sustainable utilization. The symposium highlighted the multifaceted nature of geographical studies across BRICS nations. Consequently, attendees gained insights into regional approaches to environmental challenges. Moreover, the event underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing global issues. In essence, this gathering of minds fostered a deeper understanding of geographical sciences’ role in sustainable development. Notwithstanding, the conference emphasized the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
The Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development
Urban development researcher and tourism expert Mansour Abdoli from Iran discussed the role of ecotourism in achieving sustainable development based on the example of the InIranProject ecotourism agency, which he founded.
The inaugural celebration of BRICS Geographer’s Day marked a significant milestone in the history of geographical sciences. By uniting experts from BRICS countries, the event paved the way for future joint projects and collaborations, ultimately promoting the advancement of geographical sciences worldwide. As geographers from BRICS countries continue to work together, they will undoubtedly drive innovation and progress in the field, benefiting not only their own countries but also the global community as a whole.
Source: Russian Geographical Society press service