The "Polar Bear Universe" Forum is taking place in the Northern Capital on March 25–27 under the umbrella of the Nevsky International Ecological Congress and is part of the program of the Ecology of Big City St. Petersburg International Environmental Forum. KarRC RAS leader Olga Bakhmet took part in the forum's Bio-ecological Arctic Cluster. The session was moderated by Vladimir Minligareev, Head of the Arctic Research Center at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute.

Olga Bakhmet reminded of an agreement signed this January between the Government of the Republic of Karelia and the Kurchatov Institute for comprehensive cooperation in the region. One of the initiatives under this agreement is to create an exemplary self-sustaining "bio-eco-settlement" in the Arctic zone of Karelia. Previously, Mikhail Kovalchuk, President of the Kurchatov Institute, presented this concept to the participants of the RAS Scientific Council for Arctic and Antarctic Studies during a visiting session held at the KarRC RAS.

– The development and human use of the Arctic must be underpinned by science. Northern nature is unique, rich in mineral and water resources, yet at the same time extremely vulnerable. This demands a special approach and, above all, a deep understanding of how Arctic ecosystems function, – emphasized Olga Bakhmet.

The scientist specifically addressed the problem of efficient use and conservation of Arctic biological resources, which are currently exposed to the impacts of global climate change and anthropogenic pressure. Researchers at the KarRC RAS are making up-to-date vegetation maps by interpreting satellite imagery. They are also assessing the current state and potential changes under various climate scenarios, particularly in the White Sea region and its catchment area.

Karelian scientists are developing innovative solutions to reduce the detrimental environmental impact of human activities. These include new methods and technologies for eliminating the accumulated environmental damage and remediating the affected ecosystems.

Researchers take part in the designation of protected areas, conservation of rare animal and plant populations and unique ecosystems. An example of an ongoing project is “Arctic nature in the Paanajarvi National Park: integrated monitoring for biodiversity conservation”, supported by the Presidential Nature Fund. The researchers involved conduct inventories of the national park’s rare flora and fauna, and utilize modern monitoring tools.

Technologies are being developed at the KarRC RAS for environment-friendly use and reproduction of Arctic biological resources, including green fish farming and production of bioactive substances to raise yields in agriculture.

Another focus topic for experts at the KarRC RAS experts is the living conditions for the Arctic human population. Research is underway on the socio-economic development of northern regions, health-preserving technologies for the Arctic are being developed, and issues related to ecotourism, learning tourism and science communication are being addressed.

- An interdisciplinary approach ensures efficient organization and execution of basic and applied research, as well as work on innovative solutions that promote comprehensive development of our region, including its Arctic part, – stressed Olga Bakhmet.

Previously, the KarRC RAS leader took part in a joint meeting of the Environmental Council under the Governor of St. Petersburg and the Public Environmental Council under the Governor of the Leningrad Region, which was also held within the Ecology of Big City international forum. Speaking at the session in St. Petersburg, Olga Bakhmet presented proposals from the KarRC RAS for the Clean Ladoga federal project.

Photo: Igor Georgievsky / KarRC RAS