Save Our Cedars

In this interview, G.A. Fomenko tells about the project “Development of a Set of Measures to Preserve the Natural Monument of Regional Significance “Cedar Forest of the Tolga Monastery” that was implemented jointly by specialists from Yaroslavl and Serbia. The cedar forest was not chosen by accident — among the objects of particular importance in the Yaroslavl Oblast, it takes a special place — for centuries, the cedar forest has been an important spiritual and environmental protection symbol, increasing the monastery’s role as a sociocultural core of the regional development. The scientists’ task was to preserve this monument as a natural and cultural object that develops the traditions of patriotism, morality, environmental friendliness. Along with in-depth study of historical and literature sources, examination of the current state of green planting and the forest in general, main threats and risks were identified, a plan of actions was developed and primary measures for preserving cedars were determined.
The development and implementation of this project were essential for the Yaroslavl Oblast because sociocultural dominants of development, such as objects of special spiritual, historical and cultural importance have an incredible ability to consolidate moral efforts and financial resources towards sustainable development of territories.