The Ecological Education House (Berezinsky Nature Reserve).

In the heart of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, among centuries-old forests and unique swamps, there is the House of Environmental Education, a modern multifunctional center that opened after a large-scale reconstruction to mark the 100th anniversary of the reserve in 2025. Today it is not just an administrative building, but a real point of attraction for tourists, schoolchildren, scientists and anyone who cares about the fate of wildlife.

The building of the House of Ecological Education was built back in 1983. Its opening took place within the framework of the First International Congress on Biosphere Reserves, which became the first building in the BSSR in a specially protected area created specifically for environmental education of the population. In 2006, the first major repairs were carried out.

By the centenary of the reserve in 2025, the building was radically redesigned: it became a modern multifunctional center with video conferencing systems and professional audio equipment that allows for international events.

The main objectives of the Eco-Education House are to raise public awareness of environmental issues, create conditions for acquiring practical knowledge in the field of environmental management, and develop business tourism through the rental of conference halls and meeting rooms.

The main gem of the renovated House is the Museum of Nature Conservation, which was opened on the centenary of the reserve and is the only specialized museum in Belarus dedicated to the history and philosophy of nature conservation.

The museum consists of two halls that guide visitors through the 100-year history of the Berezinsky Nature Reserve. The tour begins with the prerequisites for the declaration of the reserve at the beginning of the 20th century and the famous expedition of Anatoly Fedyushin in search of a river beaver in the upper reaches of the Berezina and continues to the present.

Of particular interest is the reconstructed naturalist's office from the 1970s. This is not just a showcase, but an accurate recreation of the workspace of a field scientist, where every object - from notes to instruments - tells about the painstaking work of studying and protecting nature.

The exhibition is based on archival documents, historical photographs, books and artifacts. Visitors will enjoy holographic reconstructions, an interactive quiz, multimedia information kiosks and a video wall with animal footage from camera traps - from graceful deer to stealthy predators.

The central image of the museum is a tree. It symbolizes an extensive system of nature reserves and national parks, as well as life itself, time and the continuity of existence. The exhibition tells not only about the Berezinsky Nature Reserve, but also about the entire nature conservation tradition of Belarus - from pre-war expeditions through the tragic pages of the war, the liquidation of the reserve in 1951 and restoration in 1958 to the Chernobyl accident and modern monitoring programs.

The heart of the educational activity of the House is the "Green Classroom", which, after reconstruction, has expanded to two spacious classrooms where several groups of schoolchildren can study at the same time.

Interactive classes for children and schoolchildren are held here. One of the most popular programs is the "First time in a Green Classroom" tour, in which children take guided tours of the House of Environmental Education, the Nature Museum, visit enclosures with wild animals and travel along the "Path of Discovery". Participants will learn what the reserve is unique about, what the "Big Five of Europe" (moose, bison, bear, wolf and lynx) are, who hides in the forest, swamp and pond. With the help of binoculars, magnifying glasses and nets, children get acquainted with insects, invertebrates and play entertaining ecological games.

The reserve also organizes youth eco-camps, internships for biology students, scientific internships and professional development.

The House of Ecological Education is equipped with a conference hall with 140 seats and a press center with interactive panels and video conferencing systems. This allows for seminars, conferences, and international business events. There is also a scientific library and exhibition areas.

There is a souvenir shop for visitors, where you can buy memorabilia.

The eco-education house is located on the territory of a unique natural complex. Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is the only specially protected area of the highest rank in Belarus, included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It is home to the largest group of brown bears in the country (at least 75 individuals), as well as bison, wolves, lynxes.

Tourists can visit the Nature Museum (with an exhibition area of 400 m2, more than 200 species of animals), a Forest zoo with comfortable enclosures, walk along ecological trails, ride kayaks or bicycles. There are hotel complexes "Serguch", "Plavno", cafe "Lesnoy Traktir" (The Forest Inn) and a SPA complex on the territory.

Today, the House of Environmental Education is the leading educational and tourist platform in Belarus, where the past meets the future, science meets an exciting adventure, and every visitor can touch the amazing world of protected nature.