The Moscow Region government and the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources agreed to deepen their cooperation on environmental matters. This understanding was reached by the Moscow region governor Andrey Vorobyov and the head of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov during a meeting held in the Malevich park in Odintsovo.
The press service for the Moscow region governor and government reported that the two leaders reviewed the green agenda for the region, focusing on the development and thoughtful implementation of forest parks and their sanitary and recreational roles.
Vorobyov highlighted that forests cover almost half of the Moscow region and are dispersed throughout the urban landscape. The plan is to make these woods more accessible to residents while preserving nature. He stressed that fifty forest parks would be created or upgraded within five years.
We know how crucial it is to keep forests clean and well maintained. Ecology is invaluable, especially in a big city. This is a priority that is widely recognized and supported, Vorobyov said.
He noted that a new program called Parks in the Forest was launched in the Moscow region last year. Areas that users previously accessed mainly in the wild are becoming well tended and comfortable spaces for rest.
To meet resident demand, there must be spaces for walking and enjoying time with family and friends. The district president emphasized this need.
Since the program began, nine forest parks have been established across the Moscow region, in Krasnogorsk, Odintsovo, Domodedovo, Leninsky, Mozhaisk, Kotelniki, and Balashikha.
From restrooms to cafes and rental homes, basic amenities are essential. The popularity of these parks is rising rapidly, and this is a factual observation, Vorobyev noted.
This year will see the completion of forest park upgrades in Lobnya, Elektrostal, and Balashikha, with further upgrades planned in 2023 for Leninsky district, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Fryazino, and Khimki.
The governor remarked that the appearance of the Moscow region is changing and that life there is becoming more comfortable, even with a major metropolis nearby, a factor that adds to its advantages and challenges.
The ministry official reiterated the need for tailored, region-specific solutions for forest park improvements and pledged full cooperation and support to local authorities.
Kozlov stated that the shared mission is to enhance the living environment for residents in the area.
As the meeting concluded, Vorobyov described forest park improvements as a cost-effective endeavor that requires strong conservation of natural assets.
Ecology in a metropolitan setting is priceless, the governor concluded.