The isolated Valaam Archipelago is an ideal testing site for alternative approaches since its isolation makes it absurd to implement large-scale solutions. And without a solution to its water problems, even beautiful Valaam may be unable to retain its inhabitants. The St. Petersburg Society of Naturalists is a public nonprofit organization that has been active since its founding in 1868. The main activities of the Society, which has about 300 members, are education, research, environmental protection and increasing public activity in support of science. The Society provides organizational and technical support for scientific research, advises state administrative bodies, and lobbies for environmentally friendly projects.
Special attention is given to support the involvement of students in science.
The Society launched the Valaam expedition in 1987 as a project for students, and the program was established as a division of the Society of Naturalists in 1989. The Valaam expedition was the first expedition organized by the Society after an almost 50-year break. The scientists regularly present results of their work in the form of lectures and field excursions for tour guides, and provide consultations on local forestry issues. During its eight years of existence, the expedition has provided opportunities to about 100 students from the University and several St. Petersburg colleges, and for about 30 schoolchildren. Work is in progress to arrange an international exchange of students from the Lake Ladoga and Lake Michigan regions.