Ecological education

In 2010, in secondary schools, located near the Sarykum section of the Reserve, there were created and continued successful work such ecological clubs as ‘Topolenok’ and ‘Sarykum’. Thematic stands were designed or updated. The Reserve participated in the ecological awareness and nature conservation action ‘March for Parks’. There were organized competitions of children's art, children's tours to the Reserve. TV and other media were involved in broadcasting of this event. The event also presented exhibitions of photographs and children's works. Overall, eco-educational activities, provided by the Reserve, and its Nature Museum were visited by more than 5 thousand people. In 2010, the territory of protected areas with buffer zones was visited by over 3,750 people, mostly schoolchildren from different regions of Daghestan and guests of our Republic.
In 2011, it was prepared and published a colourful booklet about Samurski Zakaznik. The booklet on the Sarykum section is forthcoming. Five colourful posters dedicated to 3 zakazniks and 2 sections of the Reserve are designed and prepared for publication. Popular scientific papers about the Reserve and subordinate zakazniks are regularly published in the most popular Daghestan magazines (‘Prodzhi’ magazine, ‘Daghestanskaya Pravda’ newspaper, and national newspapers in Avar, Lezgian, Lak, Kumyk, Dargin languages). The Reserve set a good cooperation with ‘RIA-Dagestan’ news agency, and organized several TV interviews on burning nature conservation issues. There were conducted eco-educational activities and events under such projects as ‘March for Parks’, ‘Bird’s Day’ festival, etc.
Under support of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) there were implemented a series of actions to clean up zakazniks, the Reserve and its buffer zone from garbage. In recreational sites and the most contaminated areas of the Reserve the staff and volunteers cleared the total area of 100 hectares, where it was collected and removed or disposed more than 15 tons of glass and plastic bottles, cans, bags and other garbage.
The section ‘Barchan Sarykum’ is now finishing works to restore water and electricity supply. Currently, there also launched building of a modern ecological station with expositions, laboratorial and residential units.