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MISS EARTH RUSSIA
DARIA LUKONKINA
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
My childhood was happy. My parents did everything they could for me. I studied a lot and received only excellent grades. In addition, they took me to dancing and swimming classes. Mom always went with me to various events, and dad used to prepare surprises for me when I returned home. Since childhood, my parents taught me not to give up and not to give in to difficulties, but to overcome them.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was winning my first beauty pageant. Then I realized that even an ordinary girl can become a queen if she works hard and strives for her dream.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
My family is very large and for three generations we have lived in one of the most beautiful cities in Russia - Nizhny Novgorod. We are a friendly family and I know that I will always be supported by my relatives, not only by my parents, but also by my grandparents, my aunts, my cousins and even my little godson.
I know some amazing facts from my family history. All my great-great-great grandparents were from peasant families. They lived in villages, grew crops and kept farms. They raised bees and produced honey. All of them were closer to nature than modern generations. One of my grandmothers even treated people with herbs.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
At this point in my life, the most unusual thing I've done in my life is diving. It's insanely interesting to see the underwater world. Since I've been swimming for a long time, I really love the water and all the activities associated with it. I feel very calm under the water, I can hear my breathing. I like the moment of diving to the bottom, and then looking at the marine life.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
Climate change is influenced by many factors. The most serious harm is caused by large enterprises that produce hazardous waste. I would advise such companies to set up waste treatment systems.
Trees and rivers are the lungs and arteries of our planet. It is very important to preserve forests and take care of the cleanliness of rivers. Then the air will be better, and the world ocean, where all the rivers flow to, will be able to cleanse.
When it comes to ecotourism, I have a lot of ideas. One of them is the promotion of hiking in national parks, where people are in unity with nature and can better understand how beautiful it is. This cannot be realized in cities made of glass and metal.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
There are many reasons why I am proud of my country. The first is its diversity. In Russia you can find everything: endless forests, wide rivers, sea beaches, high mountains, mysterious taiga and incredibly beautiful cities.
The second reason is cultural heritage. Great writers, artists and composers have always lived in Russia. Now directors and photographers are being added to their ranks, also are glorifying the name of their country and contributing to the culture development.
But most of all I am proud of being part of the Russian people - hospitable people, persistent and brave, who are not used to retreating from difficulties.
The second reason is cultural heritage. Great writers, artists and composers have always lived in Russia. Now directors and photographers are being added to their ranks, also are glorifying the name of their country and contributing to the culture development.
But most of all I am proud of being part of the Russian people - hospitable people, persistent and brave, who are not used to retreating from difficulties.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
My advocacy is to preserve natural and unique places. One of them is Artemovsky Meadows, located near my city. This is a unique place that I, along with a team of caring people, want to preserve. I believe that we must start with ourselves, everyone should take small steps to preserve nature. I often participate in charity events and I am convinced that people should support each other. In the future, I want to implement my environmental project for school children, because it is very important to explain to children the importance of nature and what the consequences may be if it is destroyed.