Eco-Trail at Olor Waterfall and Arctic School Win Awards for Leading Social and Environmental Projects

Arctic School was named one of Russia’s Best Social Projects of 2026, while a new eco-trail on the Putorana Plateau won in the Ecology, Energy and Resource Conservation category. The projects, developed by the PORA Expert Centre and the Friends of the Environment movement, were winners of the 14th edition of the Russia’s Best Social Projects programme, alongside initiatives by the Moscow Government, Sber, VTB Bank, the Moscow Metro, MTS and other major socially responsible organisations.

“Over the past few years, around 700 schoolchildren have attended Arctic School. Here, they learn about life in the Arctic, its unique natural environment, and opportunities for work and personal fulfilment. The Arctic is a true treasure trove for Russia: it generates a substantial share of the country’s GDP, with economic output per worker significantly higher than in most other regions. Through our classes, children learn to value the Arctic and respect its people. We very much hope that, for some, these lessons will be the first step towards a career in the Arctic,” said Pavel Sukhov, PORA’s Deputy Director General for Information Policy, at the awards ceremony.

“The importance of eco-trails is hard to overstate: they attract tourists and teach people to treat nature with care. The trail at Olor Waterfall runs through the foothills of the Putorana Plateau, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Here, on the Taimyr Peninsula, live five Indigenous peoples: the Dolgans, Nenets, Nganasans, Enets and Evenks. To honour their traditions and cultural heritage, five carved posts have been installed along the trail, one dedicated to each people. Exploring this land helps visitors appreciate both its beauty and the people who have cared for their homeland for centuries,” Sukhov added as he introduced the project to guests at the ceremony.

The PORA representative thanked all the partners whose support had enabled the Arctic Development Project Office and the Friends of the Environment movement to carry out both projects. He highlighted grant funding from the Mayor of Moscow and the Presidential Nature Fund, as well as organisational and communications support from the Norilsk City Administration, the Norilsk Tourism Development Centre and several Taimyr community organisations.