BELHYDROMET

Car-Free Day is not just an occasion to give up traveling by personal transport, but an opportunity to reflect on the contribution each of us makes to the state of the environment. This year, Belhydromet's regional branches actively supported the campaign and held a whole series of events aimed at popularizing an eco-friendly lifestyle and monitoring air quality.

In the branch "Brestoblhydromet," the emphasis was placed on education. For students of the State Educational Institution "Brest Regional Center for Tourism and Local Lore of Children and Youth," an information quest on an environmental theme was organized. In parallel, specialists conducted route surveys of the state of atmospheric air in Brest, Pinsk, and Baranovichi — these data will help assess the current environmental situation in the cities. Young employees from the branch and its separate subdivisions arrived at work by public transport or bicycle. A striking event was a joint bike ride along the eco-trail "Road of Life" together with the Brest Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, which brought employees together and reminded them of simple ways to reduce the burden on the atmosphere.

The branch "Vitebskoblhydromet" focused on direct campaigning and air quality control. In Vitebsk and Braslav, information leaflets were distributed in parking lots and at public transport stops — this way city residents could learn about the benefits of giving up a car and about how transport affects air quality. At the same time, specialists conducted surveys of the state of atmospheric air in Vitebsk, Novopolotsk, and Orsha, recording indicators and analyzing the level of pollution.

In Gomel, the opening of a new eco-trail "Chenki" took place, in which employees of the branch "Gomeloblhydromet" also took part. Now residents and guests of the city have another space for walks and getting acquainted with nature.

On the basis of the Educational Institution "Gomel State University named after F.Skorina," an exhibition of electric vehicles and interactive events took place, in which the management and employees of the branch participated. Visitors were able to see modern eco-friendly solutions in the transport sector. An important part of the events was a conference organized by the Gomel Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, in which representatives of the branch also took part. The conference was dedicated to reducing pollutant emissions: experts discussed current approaches and promising technologies that will help improve air quality in the region.

In Grodno, the main event was the bike ride "Grodno Residents for Clean Air." The management and employees of the branch "Grodnooblhydromet" not only supported the idea of reducing emissions, but also clearly demonstrated that traveling by bicycle is convenient, useful, and accessible. The campaign attracted the attention of city residents and became an occasion for discussing environmental habits in society.

The branch "Mogilevoblhydromet" combined educational and research activities. In the park "Podnikolye," a mobile laboratory for atmospheric air quality control operated: specialists demonstrated how measurements are taken and spoke about the indicators that help assess the state of the air in real time. In parallel, a thematic bike ride took place, which brought together fans of an active lifestyle and supporters of eco-friendly transport.

All these events are part of a large effort to shape environmental culture and ensure transparency of data on the state of the environment. Belhydromet employees not only conduct monitoring, but also show that caring for nature begins with simple decisions and conscious choices.

Each of us has a choice in favor of clean air and a healthy environment. And it is precisely such campaigns that remind us that even small steps — from a bike ride to a careful attitude toward one's own habits — can become an important contribution to the common cause.