The conference was held prior to the International Environmental Protection Day. Nikolai Arkhipov, Severstal's chief environmental protection officer, made a report on the relationship of the large industrial enterprise (Severstal) and the city government.
   The conference was sponsored by Conrad Adenaur International Foundation. The Foundation offers sponsorship in many areas, including socioeconomic development. Vologda region received the Foundation's grant three years ago.
   The Foundation's goal is to promote the Mr. Adenaur's principles, including democracy, lawful state, orderly political dialogue between governments and society, market oriented economy with a focus on social issues, environmental protection, cross-cultural dialogue.
   The Foundation has 58 branches in all parts of the world, including Russia. Moscow and St. Petersburg branches were accredited by the Department of Press and Information of the Russian Ministry of International Affair in 1991. The Foundation branches, active in Russia, aim to support democratic changes in the country, foster trust and mutual understanding between Russia and Germany.