The inspiring journey of Pavel Boloyangov, from being a superstar in Russia to becoming an environmental voyager, exemplifies his unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future. Transitioning from being an MMA World Champion to a dedicated beach clean-up volunteer, from an actor to an educator, and from a singer to an active eco-champion, Pavel’s story is truly remarkable. His relentless fight for Mother Earth has earned him the well-deserved title of “The Outlander,” establishing him as an influential figure in the quest for a more sustainable world.
You have a diverse range of accomplishments and experiences, how did you get involved in cleaning beaches?
Ah, yes. In 2017, when I arrived in Goa, I loved how beautiful it was with its exquisite mix of sun, surf, and beaches making it a perfect holiday destination. However, I was also shocked by the widespread garbage and burning waste. This motivated me to take action, initially by reporting the problems to the authorities. However, when no action was taken, I decided to tackle the problem myself. This is how in 2019, I met Jade Minjung Kim, who was part of the Clean Arambol Initiative and together we fought against pollution. At first, I organized photo campaigns to raise awareness, but then I realized that a more systematic approach was needed to garner the right kind of attention. That’s when I started creating educational galleries. Currently, my focus is on removing garbage from the cliffside and Sweet Lake areas, which are heavily polluted. During the monsoon, some pollutants get washed into the oceans, affecting sea animals and potentially humans who consume seafood or swim in the sea.
My athletic skills have enabled me to remove large amounts of garbage using my own hands. And with a mindset of never giving up, I engage in a challenging and tireless battle against pollution.
How has your ex-MMA Champion background influenced your environmental conservation approach?
Well, my background as an ex-MMA World Champion has certainly played a role in my approach to beach cleaning and environmental conservation. My athletic skills have enabled me to remove large amounts of garbage using my own hands. And with a mindset of never giving up, I engage in a challenging and tireless battle against pollution. With the incredible support of others, we’ve been able to implement a protective system that is spreading across Goa and India through the efforts of dedicated social activists. Growing up in the Soviet Union, I was instilled with the values of building a clean and better world, and I am prepared to fight for it.
Initially, we were helping people randomly. We tried helping people with whatever problems they came up with. We continue to take up causes that we believe in but now we majorly focus on healthcare and education. Of course, there are many other causes we support like disaster management in floods, climatic relief measures, etc. The list is too long to mention here. But I can humbly say we have done more in these 2 years than other NGOs take a lifetime to do. My goal is to try and find solutions for every problem that I have the capacity to resolve. And if I continue getting support from like- minded people, I can assure you, we will be able to do more phenomenal work.
That’s inspiring to hear. What specific activities do you engage in as part of your beach cleaning initiatives?
As part of our beach cleaning initiatives, we have organized largescale cleaning events with volunteers from various countries, removing tonnes of garbage including glass bottles. In 2020, we held a 10-day beach cleaning event with Reena Lanzoni and participants The inspiring journey of Pavel Boloyangov, from being a superstar in Russia to becoming an environmental voyager, exemplifies his unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future. Transitioning from being an MMA World Champion to a dedicated beach clean-up volunteer, from an actor to an educator, and from a singer to an active eco-champion, Pavel’s story is truly remarkable. His relentless fight for Mother Earth has earned him the well-deserved title of “The Outlander,” establishing him as an influential figure in the quest for a more sustainable world. My athletic skills have enabled me to remove large amounts of garbage using my own hands. And with a mindset of never giving up, I engage in a challenging and tireless battle against pollution. 04 June 2023 05 from various countries. I’m also advocating for the transfer of jurisdiction to the Goa Tourism Department to ensure specialized cleaning teams and equipment are employed. Additionally, I have petitioned the government to inform the population about the harmful effects of burning garbage through loudspeakers and special vehicles. To combat pollution, I implemented feeding points for cows to collect organic waste, and I encouraged the placement of cow buckets in guest houses for proper garbage segregation. Moreover, public dustbins for wet and dry garbage have been established in the areas under my influence.
Goa is known for its natural beauty, but it also faces environmental challenges. How do you address them?
Well, Goa is certainly known for its scenic beauty and tourism potential. But there are several key environmental challenges in the region. Some key points that I have identified include the need for environmental education, addressing littering through media campaigns, increasing the number of public dustbins, promoting civic responsibility, educating business owners on waste management, fostering respect for nature, improving the efficiency of the Pollution Control Board, and ensuring accountability of local authorities. Collaborative efforts between the government, media, civil society organizations, and individuals can help create a cleaner and more sustainable Goa.
Do you receive support from like-minded individuals in your efforts to protect the environment?
Well, I do get a lot of assistance from people and organizations that want to do something about the climate crisis. One such person I know is Mr. Parag Mate and through him, I got to know about Worship Earth Foundation. They have been an incredible source of support and inspiration in my fight for environmental change. They have truly changed my life with their tangible assistance and guidance. My work towards the environment may be seen as an obsession, but I cannot help it. It’s the Champion mindset and I consider myself a green globetrotter who wants to ensure that wherever I go I help in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
What’s your ultimate goal in your fight for creating a sustainable future?
My goal is to eliminate pollution in India and create a clean and green environment for 06 all. Ultimately, I aspire to expand my efforts globally and combat pollution worldwide.
Share any memorable experiences while cleaning beaches. How they’ve impacted your perspective?
Oh, there have been quite a few! One incident that stands out is when I was confronted by a group of individuals who threatened me and even physically attacked me because they had to pay a fine for burning garbage. Despite the aggression, I managed to stay unharmed due to my background as a former professional fighter. I received timely support from local authorities and the situation was resolved. However, this incident reinforced the importance of addressing environmental crimes and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to combat them.
Does your background as an actor and educator help in raising awareness and educating local communities?
Surprisingly, my background as a fighter and World Champion has been more effective in raising environmental awareness and educating local communities. For example, when I approached a businessman to install a box for used batteries near their business, the owner of a big supermarket refused. However, his son, recognizing my background, agreed to it. I feel having a dustbin near a well-known supermarket is significant for education as people begin to think and follow the example.
That’s an interesting perspective. As an active ecologist, what are some of the key environmental concerns you have observed?
As an ecologist, I have observed significant environmental concerns, such as garbage burning, widespread littering, excessive garbage dumps, untreated discharge of sewage into rivers and seas, and oil pollution from washing tankers on beaches.
Are there any innovative approaches or technologies you have implemented or encountered that have enhanced your cleaning efforts?
Yes, noticing my efforts and results in protecting the planet, I have been approached by a group of people with a proposal to create an Indian-Russian joint venture aimed at cleaning the planet. They have innovative technologies that can transform mixed garbage into fuel and electricity, as well as purify polluted waters
This will provide affordable drinking water and support agricultural processes. Their technologies also enable the recycling of islands made up of garbage.
That’s fascinating! How do you collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and other organizations to bring about positive change?
We collaborate with them through various initiatives. These include organizing clean-up events in partnership with the church, involving locals in our efforts, and cooperating with the Panchayat and Pollution Control Board. Also, the aim is to persuade businessmen that promoting cleanliness and clean air will attract more affluent tourists, leading to increased revenue for them.
I have reached out to thousands of individuals, urging them to research “burning plastic cancer.”
Tell us, what is your vision for the future of Goa?
My vision for the future of Goa entails prioritizing environmental sustainability and waste management. By implementing effective proposals for environmental protection, the government of Goa has the potential to transform the future.
How do you inspire and motivate others to join you in the fight for Mother Earth?
I inspire and motivate others to join me in the fight for Mother Earth through my example and by explaining the importance of stopping pollution. I feel many people are unaware of the harmful effects of burning garbage, the presence of microplastics and nano-plastics in the environment, and the dangers of improper disposal of batteries. I educate people about these concerns and emphasize the risks they pose to both current and future generations. I have reached out to thousands of individuals, urging them to research “burning plastic cancer.” It is crucial to bring awareness through television and involve the government, including local authorities, in addressing these concerns.
How do you measure the impact and progress of environmental initiatives that you undertake?
With the support of passionate people like me, I plan to measure the impact and progress of our environmental initiatives by monitoring the reduction in garbage burning and increase in waste management through the installation of garbage bins and addressing complaints to the government. We should also focus on educating people and providing them with practical solutions to mitigate environmental challenges.
Finally, what message would you give to others who want to make a difference but feel overwhelmed by environmental challenges?
Don’t lose hope. I’m here to support and assist all of you in your efforts. You can read all about me and my initiatives on my Facebook page, where I share my journey towards making a positive impact on the environment. Remember, it’s up to us to protect our planet.
