«Technologies for efficient utilization of forest resources» at SPbGLTU

The Summer Multidisciplinary University (LMU) for African students, "Technologies for Effective Use of Forest Resources," ended at the Kirov St. Petersburg State Forestry University with the solemn awarding of certificates.

The group included representatives from Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, and Togo. The summer university was held August 18-23, 2025.

The first day of the training—August 18—was held within the university walls. S.V. Tereshchenko, Director of the International Center for Business and Education (ICBE), opened the program.

The interactive seminar "What do you know about the nature of Russia?", which was held in the format of a quiz game, aroused great interest. The mediators were M. V. Kuzko, V. R. Chaplinskaya, and S. A. Merzuk.

S.N. Shibanov, Head of the Department of the Botanical Garden of SPbFTU, conducted a tour of the university park and dendrosad, where students have the opportunity to conduct research and apply their knowledge in practice.

N.V. Denisova, Head of the Laboratory of the Department of Forest Protection, Wood and Hunting Science, introduced the participants to the diversity of fauna in the museum complex of SPbFTU.

E.N. Kuznetsov, Head of the Department of Forestry, covered in detail the topic of forest resources of Russia. The first day of the LMU ended with an excursion around the city under the guidance of the teacher of Russian as a foreign language, O.V. Yushchenko. 

On August 19, students from African countries had a wonderful opportunity to visit a unique place—the state nature reserve Lindulovskaya Grove.

Created by the decree of Peter the Great in the 18th century for the construction of ships, this park has preserved for us unique trees—luxurious larches, firs, and pines. The excursion was conducted by A.A. Yakovlev and O.V. Yushchenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Soil Science.

In the evening the participants of the LMU enjoyed the views of the city from the water on an excursion along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg accompanied by M.V. Kuzko.

On August 20, students from African countries visited the branch of SPbFTU—educational and experimental forestry in Lisino—accompanied by M. V. Kuzko.

L.O. Shaulskaya, director of the museum of the Lisinsky Forest College, told about the history of forestry, which began with the Lisinsky College, and about the composition of soils, forest species, and animals of the area. The LMU participants were especially impressed by the elk's size and the weight of its antlers.

Then, under the guidance of D.A. Danilov, head of the Soil Science Department, the participants visited the trial areas, where they learned a lot about the composition of forest species and about how the students of SPbFTU are practicing.

T.I. Phillipova, an engineer of the Lisinskiy Training and Experimental Forestry Organization, conducted an excursion along the ecological trail.

On August 21, students from African countries visited the Central Park of Culture and Recreation. Yelagin Island is a popular and favorite recreation place for citizens.

О. V. Yushchenko told about the history of Yelagin Island, the park, and the Yelaginoostrovsky Palace. St. Petersburg islands—Yelagin and Krestovsky—preserve to this day many interesting stories of the time when the Tsar's residence was located here. It is a unique example of a natural protected area in the urban space.

On August 22, students from African countries walked along the ecological trail "Komarovsky Coast." The route passed through a magnificent coniferous forest along the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The eco-trail ends on a sandy beach. О. V. Yushchenko told about this protected area, which was the bottom of the ancient sea, and about the plants that met in the forest. The students learned about the history of the Komarovo settlement and the creation of the trail.

African students viewed information stands about local plants and animals. And, of course, they saw the beautiful scenery of the Baltic coast. It was a beautiful walk on a day of the passing summer.