On Volga Day, celebrated on May 20, the company’s press service reported that Sber organized a sequence of events focused on safeguarding the Volga river and its delicate ecosystem while elevating ecological awareness among residents of Volga region cities. The activities were designed to reinforce environmental stewardship and community engagement, aligning with broader efforts to protect one of Russia’s most vital waterways. This year, the program attracted a large turnout and demonstrated ongoing commitment to river conservation across multiple communities. (Source: Sber press service)
Across the day, more than 30,000 people participated in Sberbank’s initiatives. The flagship action, “Respect the Volga on Volga Day,” created in collaboration with the nonprofit foundation “No River, No Hand,” stood out as the central event. Water samples were concurrently collected in 15 cities spanning the entire Volga corridor, from Tver to Astrakhan. The sampling regime enabled researchers to assess how various factors influence Volga water quality and to pinpoint potential pollution sources. The regular collection and analysis of data provide a clear view of the river’s ecological trajectory over time. (Source: Sber press service)
Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Board at Sberbank, framed green project development and ESG initiatives as core elements of the organization’s strategic priorities. He underscored that safeguarding water resources, monitoring water quality, and protecting aquatic ecosystems constitute essential objectives within the country’s environmental policy, with Sberbank actively contributing to these efforts. (Source: Sber press service)
Vedyakhin elaborated that the Volga is not only Russia’s principal transport artery but also a living natural monument and a reservoir of cultural heritage. Maintaining its health is crucial to minimizing human impact on water quality. He highlighted that the Volga Day action has scientific value, practical applications, and educational benefits, aiming to heighten nationwide awareness about water bodies and the importance of environmental care. (Source: Sber press service)
Activities for younger participants complemented the main program. In cities such as Nizhny Novgorod, Naberezhnye Chelny, Cheboksary, and Yoshkar-Ola, as well as in Dubna, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Tver, and Yaroslavl, a children’s eco-quiz was conducted. Schools hosted lessons and thematic drawing competitions, while Astrakhan, Volgograd, and Saratov offered master classes, tutorials, and eco-games. In Samara, the Volga embankment served as the venue for an eco-festival hosted by the Sberbank Community Center, where attendees explored topics ranging from the river’s history to organizing environmentally friendly picnics by the shore. (Source: Sber press service)
The campaign traces its roots to 2021, when 15 water samples were collected. In 2022, the scope expanded to 30 samples to deliver a more thorough analysis of the hydrochemical parameters of the Volga. This year also saw 30 samples gathered along the entire water body and sent to a private accredited laboratory for comprehensive study. Environmental experts identified sampling locations, and trained Sber volunteers carried out the collection with precision, ensuring data integrity and reliability for ongoing monitoring of the river’s state. (Source: Sber press service)