A ceremonial gathering of 'friends of the snow leopard' was held at the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, timed to coincide with International Snow Leopard Day. The highlight of the celebration for the young guests was a screening of the research film 'Master of the Altai Mountains,' followed by a lively dialogue with leading specialists in the conservation of this rare predator.

The children had the opportunity to interact personally with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the 'Irbis' Association, Ali Uzdenov, who served as the general producer and creative visionary behind the film; Irina Sannikova, a member of the Russian Public Chamber; and Elena Sharoykina, Chair of the Public Chamber’s Commission on Ecology and Sustainable Development. Following the screening, the children could ask all their burning questions about the lives of snow leopards to Daria Petrova, Director of the 'Irbis' Association and the film’s scriptwriter. The event was also attended by Viktor Nepomnyashchy, Director of the 'Khakassky' Nature Reserve, and Igor Kolmykov, Director of the Altai Nature Reserve.

For the participants, this meeting was a memorable event: they not only learned a great deal about the life of the snow leopard but were also inspired by the personal encounter with the people who fight for its preservation in Russia every day.

To conclude the festive programme, all young participants received commemorative gifts from the organisers: colourful books about the adventures of Altai’s wildlife and sets of stickers featuring images of beloved wild animals.

The event, organised by the 'Irbis' Association, clearly demonstrated the importance of environmental education in fostering a responsible attitude towards nature and Russia’s rare fauna among the younger generation.

The 'Irbis' Association extends its gratitude to the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation for its assistance in organising and hosting the event. We also thank the 'Living Nature and World' foundation for its support.