The best environmental defenders were honored at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On December 10, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a solemn award ceremony for the winners of the Green Award — the largest national competition for projects and achievements in environmental protection and proper waste management. The event is supported by the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia. The organizer of the project is the public law company "Russian Environmental Operator" (REO), established in 2019 to develop a new waste management system in the country.

The "Green Award" competition began in 2021 as part of a large-scale environmental awareness campaign and is held annually. Its mission is to recognize those who protect the environment, raise awareness about the importance of caring for the planet, implement effective eco-practices, and show leadership in ecological matters. Participating in this initiative offers an opportunity to gain nationwide recognition for individuals, companies, and projects, meet like-minded people, receive professional feedback on projects, and obtain valuable insights from top industry experts. 

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev sent a welcoming address to the participants of the ceremony. He highlighted that over the years, the award has become a reliable platform for showcasing significant projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the country's residents.

"Each year, the number of participants in the award steadily increases, demonstrating growing public engagement with environmental issues. This aligns with the goals of the federal project 'Comprehensive System for Solid Municipal Waste Management.' Over five years of its implementation, 280 new enterprises have been established in this sector across our country. Today, these facilities process nearly 55% of the total volume of solid household waste, with more than 13% being recycled using the most advanced technologies. Your contributions to promoting conscious consumption have significantly contributed to this achievement. I am confident that the Green Award ceremony will raise interest in environmental issues, offer bright impressions to attendees and participants, and serve as an excellent example of environmental education," the address stated.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Alexander Kozlov, also delivered a welcoming speech to the ceremony's guests.

"The most important thing in this field is, of course, to overcome indifference. Because in everything related to ecology, indifference is unacceptable. Each of you, by submitting your application in a specific category, has demonstrated through your actions and behavior that you care and are ready to change the world for the better. Regardless of the awards or places you achieve today, what truly matters is your participation in this work, carrying this mission forward, and making it an essential part of our lives and the lives of our children," Alexander Kozlov emphasized. 

The Green Award continues to grow and evolve, attracting more participants each year. This year, it features thirteen categories, with a prize fund of nine million rubles. The expert jury includes prominent public and political figures, as well as specialists in waste management. Over 13,000 applications were submitted for the award — three times more than last year and 13 times more than during the project's inaugural year.

"You know, I believe it’s not just about the number of applications but about the growing number of people paying attention to environmental issues and actively participating in initiatives that our society truly needs. This indicates that enterprises, public organizations, educational institutions, and ordinary citizens have started adopting a more conscious approach to consumption. A shift in mentality is underway, and each year, believe me, evaluating the award participants becomes more challenging. The projects are diverse and profound, and their impact doesn’t end with the award ceremony. On the contrary, the award serves as a catalyst for new achievements," emphasized Denis Butsaev, Director General of the PLC REO. 

A special award from "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" for the best media project in the field of environmental, social, and corporate governance was presented by Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

"Victories in this extremely challenging field, I believe, would be impossible without media coverage. This is also tremendous work, so I want to express my gratitude to journalists. I also want to thank the Green Award team for choosing our National Centre as the venue for this ceremony. It is very important to us because the Green Award is becoming more and more significant each year," noted Natalia Virtuozova.

The award winners — creators and initiators of the most outstanding projects, ideas, and achievements — will receive administrative, informational, and financial support for their endeavors, public recognition, and the opportunity to implement their initiatives within the framework of the Russian Environmental Week.

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work.

The National Centre RUSSIA is located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day except Monday.