Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the number of members of the Russian geographical community has reached 14 thousand people, the branches of this organization not too long ago revived in the Crimea and Sevastopol. The President expressed confidence that soon the RHS takes favorite position among geographic communities of the world. "It is at the moment created a network of regional branches. If in 2009 there were a maximum of 16, then at the moment - 85, including the recently revived in the Crimea and Sevastopol. A single member of the society exceeds the 14 thousand people", - said the President in his interview to the magazine RHS "Around the world", published on the website of the Kremlin. Putin added that under the auspices of the society has passed more than 150 expeditions and research, from which archaeological and geographical expedition "Kyzyl - Kuragino", Arctic expedition to the new Siberian Islands, environmental "Fukushima" and many other. In addition, the political leader of Russia reported that the EMG will act as the instrument for the development of domestic tourism. "Undoubtedly, the work of the RHS should promote the development of domestic tourism. In the 1-x, through the promotion of our rich historical, cultural and natural heritage. It can be not only the expedition, but also films, lectures, tours, conducting outreach events society," the President said. "Also, through the implementation of projects aimed at the study of original objects and their inclusion in the list of UNESCO world heritage. The Russians in this list is only a few percent. This variety of possibilities, which gives Russia its long and rich history, its diverse people and its culture, is only a few percent! Yes because the whole life is not enough, to see, to know, to learn. That's where I see the place for heavy, profound work of the society. There must be engaged experts in different disciplines: historians, biologists, ethnologists, landscapewide. Prospects - a Grand, very interesting, interesting", - concluded the head of state. He also said that one of the main events of autumn will be the festival of the Russian geographical society in Moscow. This event is for the first time in the history of the organization. From 31 October during the week in the Central house of artist will be showcased all, what does the society, each of 85 of its regional branches. The Russian geographical society was founded on the highest command of Governor Nicholas I in 1845 and it is considered one of the oldest geographical communities of the world. In 2010, created the Board of Trustees of the Russian geographical society, which was headed by Putin, 2009 the President of the Company is Russia's defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.