On October 21, the Federation Council Committee will discuss bear hunting

On October 21, the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management will organize a round table on "Developing a Strategy for the Development of Hunting Management in the Russian Federation until 2035."

This discussion will focus on initiatives actively promoted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Recall that in 2014, the ministry launched a program for the development of sport hunting in Russia until 2030, aiming to increase the industry's financial turnover by hundreds of billions of rubles through the sale of wild animal parts (sport hunting products), direct animal shooting, and more.

In 2026, before the "bear invasion," the Ministry of Natural Resources began pushing the next phase—extending to 2035—simply labeled as "intensive development" of sport and recreational hunting. They aim to significantly increase these metrics.

The Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management will convene a round table. From personal experience—including my own attendance at similar meetings in Moscow years ago—I can say they are frankly pointless and end with "recommendations to senior officials." They provide no real mechanisms.

Real power lies only in public resonance and thousands of public open demands, scientifically substantiated and supported by decisions from relevant experts. "Quiet petitions" and formalized "round tables" without legislatively secured powers to influence problem-solving (rather than just "giving recommendations") are a sham to drain public activity and justify future actions: "We held round tables, discussed with the public."

Again, I was there personally, I know how it is structured, how it works, and whether it can provide any real levers of influence.

A few truly remarkable people tried to change this, to make such meetings fundamental and to secure the decisions made in government bodies. But these people have recently been removed from key positions, including the elimination of the Ecology Commission in the Public Chamber. It was for these people, at their request, that I flew to Moscow and participated.

However, I know that the scientific community has prepared materials for the planned round table in defense of bears. Everything we have stated, the data I have presented in analyses, is fully confirmed by scientists and experts and will be presented there.

But I also remind you that scientists have previously collectively signed documents appealing to the Government against clear-cutting in Baikal, against the destruction of Moscow's reserve system, against the destruction of the Lago-Naki plateau, against the destruction of the Losiny Ostrov National Park, and much more.

And I confirm: no one hears the scientists, nor do they plan to listen.

In any case, scientists MUST continue to promote the importance of nature protection and support scientific data with their names. All this not only creates additional pressure in the fight against environmental problems but also forms an evidentiary base for the future: decisions were made WITHOUT considering the position of the relevant scientific community.

In connection with the planned round table on this issue, instructions on the "Green Page" will be updated today. Together, by showing that there are indeed many of us and that we demand the consideration of public and academic opinion, we will send requests specifically to the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management.

They will not be able to say later that they were unaware of the public's position.

Details will be announced very soon. Your help will be needed!