Abstract. Geographic Information System (GIS)and Geoportal with open access «River basins of the European Russia» were implemented. GIS and Geoportal are based on the map of basins of small rivers of the European Russia with information about natural and anthropogenic characteristics, namely geomorphometry of basins relief; climatic parameters, representing averages, variation, seasonal variation, extreme values of temperature and precipitation; land cover types; soil characteristics; type and subtype of landscape; population density. The GIS includes results of spatial analysis and modelling, in particular, assessment of anthropogenic impact on river basins; evaluation of water runoff and sediment runoff; climatic, geomorphological and landscape zoning for the European part of Russia. IntroductionCurrently, in Russia, there is no integrated geospatial database or geographic information system tied to the basins of small rivers. The urgency of creating such a complete coverage GIS that is capable to accumulate large volumes of spatial information on natural systems and integrated information on the state of small river basins is in relevancy of studying the results of increasing anthropogenic impact, as well as climatic changes observed in different landscape areas on basin geographic systems. The large region of Russia -its European part which is some 4 million square kilometres with the most part of population and industrial and agricultural potential of the country -is being fundamentally studied in terms of geographical analysis of minor river basins and river runoff while creating designated geographic information system (GIS) "River basins of the European Russia". The designed GIS is considered to be a base for modern data and knowledge on geographic, hydroclimatic, geoecological and other characteristics of natural resource potential of tens thousands river basins. The thematic information sources are the data from long-term monitoring's, Earth's remote sensing, and accumulated corpus of cartographic materials from state surveys. The GIS includes not only actual information, but also the results of its comprehensive spatial analysis and modelling, assessments of anthropogenic load on river basins, the results of studying the patterns of water runoff formation depending on the landscape and geographical conditions in the European part of Russia.The information accumulated in the GIS is located on the geoportal "River basins of the European Russia" with public (open) access, which will enable a wide range of representatives of a scientific community and experts in the field of environmental management and protection to obtain thematic

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Background: The aim of this brief report is to identify the challenges and opportunities of online volunteering to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of the managers of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).Methods: In this study we have used a qualitative method including semi-structured interviews for investigating the opportunities and challenges of using virtual volunteers. The eligible participants meeting the inclusion criteria for this study were eight IRCS managers who had used online volunteers for COVID-19 pandemic response.Results: Having considered the interviews with IRCS managers, we finally found seven items as opportunities including safety, availability, recruiting more volunteers, cost reduction, participation, geographical scope, and local considerations. Moreover, five items were found as challenges of online volunteering in IRCS including lack of commitment, cultural issues, infrastructure, reimbursement, and volunteer management.Conclusion: Online volunteering is a significant opportunity for humanitarian organizations especially during epidemics like the current COVID-19. Online volunteering for COVID-19 response by the Red Crescent involved a wide range of people including young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and minority groups, and people in rural areas.

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