The Land of the Lapwings:
How SIBUR Ensures Bird Safety in Its Operating Regions
The "The Land of the Lapwings" project is a comprehensive environmental initiative of the "Formula for Good Deeds" programme, aimed at preserving and protecting the biological diversity of birds in the locations of the company's enterprises. Through competitive, educational, and creative formats, the project engages residents of all ages in studying and conserving birds, turning birdwatching into an exciting hobby and an interesting science.
Significant Statistics
2019 marked the beginning of the project's implementation on the grounds of SIBUR's petrochemical complex, ZapSibNeftekhim. In 2024, a sculptural composition was installed in Tobolsk in honor of the project.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to transform scientific bird monitoring into an engaging game and a mass movement, involving residents in real research work that directly impacts biodiversity conservation and environmental safety.
Strategic Objectives:
Engaging volunteers in collecting important scientific data for studying and conserving birds: determining the species composition of birds inhabiting production sites and identifying the nests of lapwings and other bird species for their protection.
Training company employees in the skills necessary to assist birds and providing specific action algorithms in case new nests are discovered.
Making birdwatching an accessible and interesting activity for children and adults to raise the level of environmental awareness and responsibility.
The project is implemented through several complementary formats, creating a comprehensive environment for preserving bird species diversity and ensuring favourable conditions for their habitation on company grounds.
Sports Ornithology (Birding):
On-Foot Birding: Competitions in which participants, following a specific route, must spot,
photograph, and correctly identify as many bird species as possible within a set time on a
limited territory.
Host Cities: Svobodny, Tobolsk, Tomsk, Dzerzhinsk, and Kstovo.
Birding Rally: Team competitions where participants in cars must follow a specific route,
photographing and identifying the maximum number of bird species.
Participants: Open to all.
Host Cities: Tobolsk, Tomsk, Svobodny.
Creativity:
Bird Feeder Photo Contest: An annual creative contest timed to coincide with the "Day of the
Great Tit". The jury evaluates the originality of the feeders and the quality of the
photographs, popularising care for wintering birds. Winners receive prizes and the opportunity
to see their work in an online gallery.
Participants: Open to all.
"Birds of Tobolsk" Photo Exhibition: In 2022, an exhibition of works by photographer Mikhail
Podsokhin opened in the city, introducing residents to local species diversity. The photographs
are displayed at two venues: the "Sintez" House of Culture and the "My Territory"
Multifunctional Centre.
Science and Education:
Eurasian Bird Count: The project participates in an international campaign to protect migratory
birds, held annually on the first weekend of October. The main idea is to simultaneously count
migratory birds across the expanse from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean with the help of
volunteers, primarily schoolchildren and teachers. The results reflect the overall picture of
autumn migration, analysed by ornithologists. As part of "The Land of the Lapwings" project,
sports ornithology (birdwatching) competitions for schools are held during the Eurasian Bird
Count days.
The key distinguishing feature of the Eurasian Bird Count is the publication of results on the
day of submission. This is why it is necessary to submit your results questionnaire to the
organisers on time.
Educational Sessions: Ornithologists conduct lectures for SIBUR employees and volunteers on
assisting birds and anthropogenic threats. Special eco-lessons are held for schoolchildren in
Tobolsk.
SIBUR's Contribution:
Promoter of Scientific Volunteering
By supporting participation in the Eurasian Bird Count, SIBUR provides residents with the opportunity to make a real contribution to scientific research, turning their observations into valuable data for ornithologists.
Conduit of Ornithological Knowledge
The company creates conditions for forming environmental consciousness and attracting public attention to environmental protection, transferring all necessary knowledge and skills for caring about biological diversity conservation in cities.
Unifying Force for Diverse Audiences
The project creates a common ground for company employees, schoolchildren, teachers, photographers, and all citizens. Through rallies, contests, and exhibitions, a local community is formed for whom caring for nature becomes a significant part of life.
Pioneer of a New Format
The company became the organiser of the first birding rally in Tyumen Oblast, introducing a modern and exciting format of environmental leisure and sport to the region.