May 28, 2026
Preserving the heritage: the prospects of the Golden Mountains of Altai were discussed at Gorno-Altaisk State University
An educational seminar was held at Gorno-Altaisk State University on the problems of conservation and prospects for the expansion of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Golden Mountains of Altai".
An educational seminar was held at Gorno-Altaisk State University on the problems of conservation and prospects for the expansion of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Golden Mountains of Altai". The event brought together leading scientists, students and representatives of UNESCO associated schools. Its main goal was to deepen knowledge about the natural and cultural heritage of the Altai Mountains, as well as inspire participants to actively promote and protect it.
The seminar was opened by Dr. Ivan Belekov, Head of the UNESCO Chair "Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories", Chairman of the Committee for UNESCO Affairs in the Altai Republic, Candidate of Historical Sciences. Zarina Poletaeva, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of Gorno-Altaisk State University, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech, wishing all participants fruitful and constructive work and stressed that the main task of the meeting was not only to impart knowledge, but also to motivate the audience to take care of the natural and cultural heritage of the Altai Mountains.
During the eventful program, reports from the region's leading experts and students were presented. Presentations were made by:
- Dr. Ivan Belekov (Head of the UNESCO Chair "Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories");
- Igor Kalmykov (Director of the Altai State Natural Biosphere Reserve);
- Dr. Tamara Sadalova (Executive Secretary of the Committee for UNESCO Affairs in the Altai Republic, Doctor of Philology);
- A. Ivanov (student of the Psychological and Pedagogical Faculty of Gorno-Altaisk State University).
UNESCO associated schools also participated in the seminar: the Plakas Republican Gymnasium and the Republican Classical Lyceum.
An important aspect of the meeting was interregional cooperation: Dr. Irina Makarina from Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering joined the seminar in an online format. Both universities are part of an educational consortium of institutions with international UNESCO chairs, which underlines the scale and importance of the topics discussed.
One of the most striking parts of the program was the presentation of an innovative project, which was delivered by Igor Kalmykov. He presented a series of generated cartoons about character named Kai, who is the guide to Altai. This project clearly demonstrates the unique beauty and identity of the region, making it accessible and understandable to the widest audience.
In the final part of the meeting, Dr. Ivan Belekov summed up the results of the seminar and expressed gratitude to all those present at the seminar.
Based on the results of the work, further steps were identified to implement the planned plans, including holding a visiting meeting of the UNESCO chair and committee in the village of Artybash. This format will allow us to study the situation on the spot and discuss in detail practical steps to preserve the unique heritage of the region.
The event confirmed the high status of Gorno-Altaisk State University as a center of scientific thought and preservation of the cultural code of Altai.