On March 11, 2025, Sergei Melikov, the head of the Republic of Dagestan, presided over the Supervisory Board meeting of the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society (RGS). This date coincided with the birthday of the renowned traveler and yachtsman Evgeny Gvozdev, who famously completed two solo circumnavigations; sadly, his third attempt ended tragically.
During the opening of the meeting, Melikov paid tribute to Gvozdev, describing his life as embodying courage, perseverance, and an insatiable thirst for exploring the seas. He noted, "Evgeny Gvozdev has become a true legend, being the only solo yachtsman to sail around the globe on a small cruising sailboat." Melikov pointed out Gvozdev's rare achievement of passing through the Magellan Strait on the ultra-small homemade yacht "Said," which is now displayed at the museum "Russia - My History."
Melikov also mentioned the upcoming 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society, slated for August 2025. He praised the RGS for its enduring tradition of education and enlightenment, emphasizing its successful initiatives and ability to attract passionate individuals to its endeavors.
Notably, several RGS projects have been integrated within the official program celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory. Among these initiatives is the publication of a scientific collection dedicated to the Transcaspian Route and its significance during World War II. Events focusing on young participants of the Battle for the Caucasus are slated, and there is even planning for an automobile rally across the North Caucasian Federal District (NCFD) and the development of new tourist routes through Makhachkala.
Mуслим Гиндиев, the Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Dagestan regional branch of the RGS, reported on their achievements from the past year. He highlighted the organization’s responsible approach to executing projects and competitions, which placed them among the top four regions nationwide and earned them two grants. “We have successfully organized the II All-Russian Congress of Geography Teachers, which gathered 43 teams from various regions of Russia,” Gindiev noted. The gathering allowed educators to exchange experiences, obtain new knowledge, and immerse themselves in Dagestan’s geography and culture.
One significant project, titled "No Geography Lesson," was showcased at several platforms. It offered students hands-on experience through outdoor activities, exploring both natural and historic sites near the village of Itzari, which received financial support from the RGS. There was even the organization of events commemorative of Gvozdev’s contributions, including the publication of the book "Chronicles of 'Saida': The Second Circumnavigation" based upon Gvozdev's travel logs, released earlier this June.
During the summer, the All-Russian Sports and Tourism Festival titled "Caspian – 2024" will take place to honor Gvozdev's memory, featuring major events like yachting competitions on catamarans and trimarans.
Throughout the year, the RGS regional branch also conducted several research expeditions across various regions of Dagestan, including ventures to the headwaters of the Andean Koysu River to assess the habitat and population of the bezoar goat.
Gindiev emphasized the special focus on ecological education for youth this year. Various activities include lectures, quizzes, workshops, cleanup initiatives, and tree-planting efforts. Socially inclusive events and charitable actions will also take precedence.
A highlight for the organization was the inauguration of the RGS's first Youth Center within the republic. Eldar Eldarov, Chairman of the Dagestan regional branch of the RGS, detailed plans for 2025. Melikov expressed gratitude to Gindiev and Eldarov for their exemplary work and innovative projects, proposing to broaden outreach with educational initiatives honoring maritime heroes and military geographers.
Key objectives for the current year include organizing new geographical expeditions, examining the natural environment and historical heritage of Dagestan, developing youth-oriented educational projects, safeguarding historical and cultural landmarks, and promoting seafaring and yachting—all integral to fostering patriotic education.
Melikov underscored the importance of sustaining efforts focused on studying, preserving, and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Dagestan and Russia. Specific topics discussed during the meeting included implementing directives he provided following his visit to Chechen Island and strategies for the conservation of the Caspian seal.