Occupied territories and the Arctic are focus areas as Putin declares 2027 ‘Year of Geography’
New maps of Russia will be consolidated in the course of the year, the dictator emphasizes.
It was during last week’s Congress of the Russian Geographical Society that Putin announced that 2027 will be a so-called ‘Year of Geography’ in Russia.
Apparently, the land occupied by Russian forces during the war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as territories in the Arctic, are key motives behind the decision.
“Given the contribution made by our geographers throughout history to strengthening the state and the paramount importance of geographical science, I ask the government to consider declaring 2027 the Year of Geography,” the Russian ruler said in an address.
"This is important for us from a political point of view,” he explained, and emphasized that "the main event of the year will be consolidation of maps — new maps — of the Russian Federation.”
He highlighted the importance of the Arctic and said that the “huge experiences of the Society in difficult Polar conditions will be used when developing development programs.”
Since its establishment in 1845, the Geographical Society has been a tool used in the expansionist drive of the empire. It actively propagates patriotism and the Kremlin’s world views among young Russians.
Patriotism remains at the core of the activities, Putin explained.
“This purpose remains relevant today, as patriotism is a sense of belonging to the fate of the Motherland, and responsibility for its future arises from knowledge of its history and geography, as well as its cultural and natural heritage.”
According to the dictator, the ‘Year of Geography’ will also include the building of a Museum of Geography.
"It will be the largest, most beautiful specialized geographical museum in the world," he emphasized.
The congress of the Geographical Society included 195 delegates from 89 regions, including Ukrainian territories annexed during the war of aggression. A new charter was adopted and former defense minister Sergei Shoigu was reelected president of the society.
“Everything indicates that the Russian Geographical Society is entering a new stage in its evolution,” the organisation reported.
