Miss Earth 2014: Miss Russia Anastasia Trysova

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Miss Earth 2014: Miss Russia Anastasia Trysova

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose this?

Eco tourism is becoming more popular among people from my country and around the  world. Our country is considered to have one of [the most] diverse collections of eco tourism destinations.

There is a growing interest in Russian society to make our country a “greener” place. Local authorities have begun to discuss ideas for ecological projects. At the regional level, programs to protect nature and wild life are starting to be implemented.

At the moment, the administration of Vladimir region and I are preparing to implement an ecotourism project called "Suzdal ECOpark." The aim is the creation of environmentally-developed areas, which have resources for tourists to explore rural communities and the countryside.

Suzdal is an ancient Russian town in the region of Vladimir situated about 200 km away from Moscow. It's a historical and cultural site and a nature reserve. We are currently working on a fascinating travel program there which is pretty easy to understand for any tourist. We created an official brand which started to attract a lot of attention towards our region.

In our region, we have a very original environmentally-friendly holiday which is called the Festival of Cucumber. It takes place in Suzdal in July ,every year. On this day, traditionally held on a Saturday, the local farmers, agronomists, and amateur gardeners bring their produce: cucumbers grown with a lot of care and love and various fancy dishes made from them according to the ancient recipes. For example, you can even try sweet jam made of cucumber.

The passionate gardeners can buy natural seeds there (not genetically modified) and learn new recipes for original dishes. There is also a huge entertainment program which consists of musical and dance concerts, performances by movies and TV stars, various games and competitions, including the contest for the best cucumber eater and the best cucumber costume.

I think that creating and promoting traditional local environmentally-friendly events around various Russian regions with the use of modern marketing and branding technologies is a very effective tool in promoting national eco tourism in the Russian and international markets, which helps to preserve both our local customs and the local environment.

At various economic forums, my colleagues and I promote the idea of developing eco tourism  in Russia and around Suzdal. "Suzdal ECOpark" is an innovative project which fulfills the needs of locals while upholding economic sustainability. The aim is the creation of environmentally-developed areas having tourist resources for the development of eco tourism and green rural tourism where everyone will be able to either have an active vacation or to seamlessly merge with nature in harmony. More importantly, "Suzdal ECOpark"  is going  to be the largest center for organically grown produce in Russia.

I hope that our government, ecologists, and regular people promote the protection of our natural parks and natural reserves, especially for our children. Because children — as I’d like to point out — are the pride of Russia. I believe we need to do everything possible for our children’s growth and development.

What tip can you share to promote this year's theme, Eco Tourism?

“Take as much care of the place that you visit as you take of your own home.”

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(Photo courtesy of Anastasia Trysova)