8th Nevsky International Ecological Congress will take place in the Tavricheskiy Palace

On 25–26 May 2017, the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS), the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will co-host the 8th Nevsky International Ecological Congress, which is dedicated to the issues of environmentally responsible behavior, the development of "green economy", the culture of production and consumption, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The cross-cutting theme of the Congress is Environmental Education — A Clean Country. The Congress will be held in the IPA CIS headquarters – the Tavricheskiy Palace.

On 24 April, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at a meeting with members of the Council of Legislators of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation noted: "2017 is the Year of Environment in our country. Moreover, there is a large-scale goal ahead – a phased transition of Russia to a model of environmentally sustainable development. In this regard, there are a number of problems on our agenda: massive reduction of hazardous emissions into the atmosphere, recycling of waste and addressing the issues of saving energy, development of cities and rural areas." "Environmental issues concern everyone and need to be solved through joint efforts", summarized Vladimir Putin.

By decrees of the President of the Russian Federation, 2017 has been declared in Russia not only the Year of the Environment in Russia, but also the Year of Natural Conservation Areas, which, therefore, will mainstream the improvement of the legislation on the development of the network of natural conservation areas.

The Congress will feature a plenary session and thematic roundtables where leaders of legislative and executive authorities, representatives of international organizations, businesses, educational and research institutions, mass media, public associations of the CIS and other countries will discuss the relevant issue on today's agenda.

The discussions will result in proposals on improving legislation aimed at further development of environmental education, strengthening regional and cross-border cooperation in the Commonwealth of Independent States, introducing environmentally friendly, resource-saving technologies, ensuring a healthy living environment and improving human living standards.