Orenburg state university

Ecology Conference: Capacity, Human Health and Steppe Cat

The 7^th All-Russian Research and Practice Conference "Environmental Problems of South Ural" took place in Orenburg State University on October 22–23.

Sergey Letuta — OSU Vice-Rector for Research greeted the audience. He noticed that this traditional conference proved itself as a forum where current ecological problems are discussed. This event is carried out with financial support of Russian Foundation of Fundamental Research what says about its importance.

Elena Lucay — Head of Science and Universities Coordination Department of Orenburg regional Ministry of Education reminded that Orenburg State University solves several problems related to ecology simultaneously: prepares personnel working in this field, joins scientific community for problem solving and educates adults and children environmentally.

The subject of discussion was presented from unexpected side while public speaking of outstanding Russian scientist, RAS academician Vladimir Bolshakov, permanent participant of ecological conferences in OSU. The expert in this field told that concept "ecology" has 186 definitions. The most people know its industrial and social meaning related to environmental pollution. Other think that it is a science addresses the issues of relationship between people and environment. Even the famous writer Chingiz Aitmatov gave the most unexpected definition. He considers that leading ecologists are poets keeping soul of the nation. Vladimir Bolshakov emphasized that expression "ecology of soul" is common among people.

Besides scientists from Novosibirsk, Ufa, Orenburg made reports on the plenary meeting.