Part 5/9:
Karelia's inhabitants embody the ethos of sustainability and a strong connection to their environment. Father Oleg Chervyakov, an astrophysicist turned conservationist, founded Vodlozero National Park during the Soviet era. After realizing his comprehensive vision for ecological preservation could not be fully actualized within the constraints of governmental oversight, he chose a different path. Today, he leads a small community rooted in ethical principles, focusing on living harmoniously with nature.
Oleg's community seeks to revive traditional lifestyles as a model for sustainable living. They aim to challenge the rapid decline of cultural practices while celebrating the myriad miracles of Karelia’s rich ecosystems.