Results of a Decade of Research into Arctic Biodiversity Presented at Polar Bear Universe Conference in Moscow and Anadyr

Various aspects of cooperation between the state, business and society to ensure sustainable development of the Russian Arctic Zone were discussed at the Polar Bear Universe International Scientific and Practical Conference held on 15–17 March in Anadyr and Moscow. The results of a decade of research into Arctic biodiversity (2012–2022) were also presented. The event came under the Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. The operator of the Chairmanship events is the Roscongress Foundation.

The Conference’s main objectives were to engage the scientific community in joint long-term research and promote further efforts to conserve Arctic biodiversity, develop eco-tourism and encourage government, research, educational, public and business structures to do more for conservation of the Arctic ecosystem.

Most of the Conference events were held by video link between Moscow and Anadyr. The participants looked at how Russian companies’ biodiversity conservation programmes were implemented, analysed the specific aspects of biodiversity conservation measures taken by businesses under current conditions, and also discussed promising ways to boost cooperation with companies and use the best practices of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

A separate topic was how the development of shipping along the Northern Sea Route is affecting the polar bear habitat and involvement of small indigenous peoples in the conservation and study of this predator.

Participants included representatives of federal and regional executive authorities, agencies, regional governments, research and scientific organizations, industrial companies and universities. 

The Conference was organized by the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous District. The event was supported by the Ministry for Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Development of the Far East and the Arctic, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Conference venues in Moscow were the Media Studio of the Russian Geographical Society and the Conference Hall of the IPEE RAS.

Russia, as the current Chair of the Arctic Council, is focusing on implementation of coordinated measures to protect, conserve and restore the Arctic environment, carry out climate research, strengthen environmental security, including through prevention of environmental emergencies, and manage the natural resources of the Arctic region to ensure the environmental and socio-economic well-being of present and future generations living in the region. Russia’s particular concern is conservation and restoration of Arctic flora and fauna diversity, and protection of species and their habitats.