A large group of scientists from the Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), at the invitation of Norilsk Nickel, studied biodiversity in the regions of Nikel and Zapolyarny.
Ornithologists were the first to begin work, followed by hydrologists, soil scientists, theriology, botanists, and entomologists.
“It's good when Nornickel itself orders such a large-scale study in the territories of its presence. This is important not only for the enterprises themselves - the results of the research will be relevant for further work on the conservation of nature and planning for further human activities,” Dmitry Taranenko, a researcher at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, believes.
“First studies show that this is a well-preserved site, little affected, even though it is quite close to the enterprise,” said Yury Yermolov, senior researcher at the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The study site is located 10 km from Nikel.
Next, scientists will analyze the soil in the laboratory and assess the level of elements and pollutants.
The first results will be known in autumn.
Based on the results of the study, the company will be able to develop a biodiversity impact management system and develop biodiversity conservation and monitoring programs. In addition, such work will make it possible to identify and implement priority measures necessary for the conservation of biological diversity.
Earlier it was reported that the company is conducting research at the exploration, production, transport and logistics and energy facilities of the Norilsk, Kola and Zabaikalsk divisions of Norilsk Nickel.
Current research is taking place on the western part of the Northern Sea Route. This part of the route is the main transport artery of the company’s industrial district. Last year, Norilsk Nickel carried 1.8 million tons of cargo through it.
The goal of the project is to determine the areas of influence of the company and assess the current state of the biodiversity of ecosystems. Among the key tasks are a description of the current state of biodiversity, identification of species that are indicators of the state of the environment (ecosystem) and protected species in the studied area, as well as potential negative factors and threats to biodiversity from the company's production facilities.
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