The Vernadsky Foundation became the bronze medalist of the #WEARETOGETHER International Award in the Sustainable Future nomination for its contribution to the development of environmental volunteerism. The victory was a pleasant surprise for the Foundation's staff and another confirmation of the importance of the All-Russian Environmental Clean-up “Green Spring”. 
The award ceremony for the finalists took place within the framework of the 5th anniversary International Forum of Civic Engagement #WEARETOGETHER that was held from December 2 to December 5 at the “Russia” National Center. This year, a record number of applications have been submitted for the Award – 18,000, of which more than 2,000 applications were submitted by the representatives from other countries.

The competition was exceptionally high: the strongest projects, such as “Clean Arctic” and “Dolphin Headquarters. Saving the Sea”, “The Center of Clean Nature", "A Clean City is a Healthy Child" have reached the finals. The award was presented to the Vernadsky Foundation by Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the “Russia” National Center, and Steven Seagal, Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry for Humanitarian Relations between Russia and the United States.

Olga Pliamina, Director General of the Vernadsky Foundation, receiving the award, shared her emotions and the “Green Spring” Project’s philosophy: 
“Volunteering is a great idea. Moreover, eco-volunteering is an important part of it, more than just helping. It forms an ecological culture, transforms our connection with nature from an abstract one into a living, conscious, personal one. “Green Spring” is a story about people and for people. Any input of people is valuable to us, regardless of the fact whether it is a large corporation, an enterprise, a school, and a kindergarten.  It is not “how much” that matters, but it matters “how”! This award is not just for the Foundation. It belongs to 25 million participants who are doing good deeds under the flags of the “Green Spring” project.”

In her speech, Natalia Virtuozova noted, “The nomination in which we present awards is about helping our neighbor with and by teams. Sometimes it is a small matter, sometimes it is a big one. However, each of the guys has faith in his heart, faith in his country, and faith that the whole world is waiting for and creating our happy future every day. We are going do this only together. All together with everyone who has goodness in his heart. Russia has always been building a future not only for itself, but also for the whole world. People do not cry so much at any awards: from happiness, from pride, from love. I bow low to you."

Steven Seagal underscored, “The fact that we are all united today, that we are helping each other, that we are all gathered here together, is very valuable, and we need to continue working together in the same spirit, helping each other. This is exactly what reflects Russia. I am proud to be Russian, I am proud to be here with you today at this kind event.”

The “Green Spring” All-Russian Ecological Clean-up Project, launched in 2014, has become a continuation of the traditions of mass public initiatives. Today it is no longer just a clean-up action, but a large-scale movement that unites people of different ages, professions and regions. 

The #WEARETOGETHER Award was attended by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. He recalled the origins of the movement that was born during the pandemic, and stressed that the spirit of mutual assistance is a deep feature that unites everyone.

“People got up, organized themselves, and started helping those who were in particular need. Without sparing themselves, some of them gave their own lives in this struggle for people. We all have it in our blood – helping our neighbor, supporting those in needs.”

The Vernadsky Foundation would like to thank the organizers of the #WEARETOGETHER Prize, the jury and all those who support environmental initiatives. This victory inspires us further work and proves that when we are together, we change the world for the better.