The project “Expeditions of Three Centuries. In the footsteps of Miklouho-Maclay” is timed to the 175th anniversary of the outstanding Russian traveler. It is based on the materials of legendary expeditions of the XIX century by scientist and traveler N. N. Miklouho-Maclay to the New Guinea Island, as well as modern research expeditions to study the same region, held in the late XX – early XXI centuries.

The main purpose of the project is to educate in the history of Russian explorations in the South Seas, world geography, and involvement in research activities.

Nickolay Miklouho-Maclay, Head of the Center of the South Pacific Studies of the Center for Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania of the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS, President of the Association of the South Pacific researchers, founder and Director of the Miklouho-Maclay Foundation, introduced the Association to the journalists and announced the start of the All-Russian contest “Expeditions of Three Centuries. In the footsteps of Miklouho-Maclay”, which is designed, first of all, for the young generation of Russians, pupils and students.

Nickolay Nikolaevich told, that the contestants were offered to answer the questions and work out their own project of modern expedition to the Maclay Coast (New Guinea Island) on the website of the project. Materials about the expeditions of three centuries: from the first expedition of Miklouho-Maclay in the XIX century to the modern expeditions to the New Guinea Island by his descendant, would help to prepare.

The Director of the Miklouho-Maclay Foundation also noted that the materials for the contest were prepared by experts on the South Pacific, members of the Association of the South Pacific Researchers, scientists of the Center of the South Pacific Studies RAS.

Nickolay Miklouho-Maclay Jr. noted that the contest allowed to remind about the public activities of the scientist in the XIX century, showing by his example that true civilization can be brought to the peoples not by violence, but by education and care, as well as the ideological legacy on the equality of races and peoples, which he had left to posterity. “The project certainly contributes to the growth of the intellectual level and broadening of the horizons of young people through exposure to the work of scientists on the Maclay Coast and their importance to world science. It will contribute to the revival of field research, directly involve young people (pupils and students) in the study of the South Pacific, who can later devote themselves to science”.