October 14 is the Day of Conservation Workers: history and traditions, how to congratulate

In Russia, the Day of Conservation Workers is celebrated in autumn. This is an annual professional holiday of specialists who preserve and restore wildlife. It is celebrated by employees of nature reserves, sanctuaries and other specially protected natural areas. By the festive date, Izvestia collected interesting facts about nature reserves and their employees, as well as tell about events dedicated to this day.

When is the Day of Conservation Workers in 2025

The date of the holiday is fixed and does not change from year to year. Every year, the Day of Conservation Workers is celebrated on October 14. This day is significant for everyone involved in nature conservation. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday.

What do the reserve staff do?

Reserve workers are specialists whose activities are aimed at nature conservation, scientific research and ecosystem restoration. These include government inspectors, researchers (botanists, ornithologists, and theriologists), game wardens, as well as environmental education specialists and volunteers. Their work consists of many important tasks.:

• protection of natural objects — prevention of poaching, illegal logging and other threats;
• scientific research — studying the flora and fauna of nature reserves, conducting environmental experiments and monitoring changes in ecosystems;
• educational activities — conducting excursions and lectures for schoolchildren, students and other categories of citizens;
• Ecosystem restoration — participation in projects to restore destroyed ecosystems and protect rare species.

Thanks to their daily selfless work, it was possible to preserve not only the green areas, but also the populations of sable, European beaver, Amur tiger, bison, wild spotted deer and many other rare species of animals, some of which exist today only in nature reserves.

The history of the professional holiday on October 14th

Nature reserves and national parks are the main objects of nature protection, and the holiday helps to draw attention to their conservation and importance to the ecosystem. It appeared on the calendar in 1999. It was proposed to be celebrated by the heads of state reserves during the All-Russian seminar-meeting of directors of state reserves "The role and place of state nature reserves in the regions of Russia", which was held in Vladivostok.

The holiday has not yet received an official status. Meanwhile, for more than 20 years, it has been customary on this day to celebrate the merits of people who work daily to preserve and enhance the natural resources of our country, as well as to conduct educational events designed to draw attention to the nature reserve.

In addition, Russia has another holiday dedicated to specially protected natural areas (protected areas), the Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks. It is celebrated annually on January 11.

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Traditions of the Day of Conservation Workers

Various events dedicated to nature conservation are traditionally held on the festive date. Exhibitions, lectures, seminars and conferences are organized at the regional and federal levels. The best employees of nature reserves are also awarded, highlighting their contribution to nature conservation and the development of environmental programs. Environmental actions aimed at drawing attention to the conservation of rare species of animals and plants are organized in different cities.

Many thematic events are planned for 2025. In Moscow, one of the venues of the celebration will be the Atom Museum at VDNH. A master class "Animals of the Arctic" will be held here and they will introduce you to the Russian Arctic nature reserves, Wrangel Island, Onega Pomorie and others. All of them are located along the northern coast of our country, near which runs the Northern Sea Route, 500 years since the beginning of the development of which is celebrated this year.

Thematic lectures were held in the Losiny Ostrov National Park, which lies on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow Region, on the eve of the Day of Conservation Workers. Environmental education specialists told the guests about the specifics of working in the national park, areas of environmental protection, popularization of environmental knowledge, and measures to protect rare species of animals and plants.

Similar events will be held in other regions. This year, it is planned to hold a large series of online webinars dedicated to ecotourism and the sustainable development of nature reserves. Meetings with researchers and environmentalists will also be organized to discuss topical issues of nature protection and the protection of rare species.

Interesting facts about nature reserves in Russia

Currently, Russia has created the largest nature reserve system in the world: there are over 100 state nature reserves and 50 national parks in our country. The total area is more than 240 million hectares, or about 12% of the country's area. Previously, specially protected areas were administered by the Russian State Committee for Environmental Protection. Then its functions were transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources, today it is the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation.

One of the oldest in Russia is the Kronotsky Nature Reserve in the Kamchatka Territory. It was established in 1934 on the site of the Sable Reserve, which existed since 1882. It is here that the Valley of Geysers is located, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The largest nature reserve in our country and in the whole of Eurasia is the Great Arctic Nature Reserve in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Its area exceeds 41.6 thousand square kilometers, which is comparable to the size of Switzerland.

The conservation of unique ecosystems and biological diversity is carried out within the framework of the national Ecology project, which has been operating in Russia since 2018. In addition to scientific and security activities, the most important areas of work in specially protected natural areas are the development of ecological tourism and environmental education. This makes it possible to attract as many supporters as possible to the cause of nature protection, foster an ecological culture and form a careful attitude towards the outside world.

How to wish a happy October 14th holiday

Reserve workers often celebrate their professional holidays at their workplace or on expeditions. To celebrate their work and wish them a happy holiday, you can send congratulations in messengers or social networks. Here are some examples of congratulations:

"Dear conservation workers! On this day, we would like to express our gratitude to you for your invaluable work aimed at preserving the natural wealth of our country. Your efforts in protecting unique ecosystems, protecting rare species of animals and plants help preserve the harmony of nature for years to come. Thanks to your dedication and love of work, we can be proud of the largest nature reserve system in the world. May every day bring you joy, and may nature give you strength for further achievements!"

"Happy holidays to you, dear conservationists! Your work is not always visible, but it is extremely important for maintaining balance in nature. Thanks to your diligence and knowledge, millions of people can enjoy the beauty and riches of our native nature. We wish you good health, strength and inspiration! May your efforts bear fruit, and may the world around you delight with its colors and diversity!"

"Congratulations from the bottom of our hearts on the holiday of conservation workers! Your dedicated work to preserve natural resources and unique ecosystems deserves the deepest respect. Thanks to your hard work, protected areas remain a bastion of biodiversity and ecological balance. We wish you good health and inexhaustible energy. May your efforts always be rewarded with the well-being and prosperity of the protected areas!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on Forest Worker's Day, which was celebrated in Russia at the end of September.