The Polar Bear Universe Conference opens in Moscow and Chukotka

The international scientific and practical conference "The Universe of the Polar Bear" has started. The event takes place at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Moscow) and the Chukotka Arctic Research Center (Anadyr).

The conference is held using an online format with venues in all regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, where the polar bear is being studied.

"Today, the Arctic is the subject of close attention of scientists around the world. The polar bear is one of the main indicators of the health of the Arctic environment. Everything must be done to ensure that its population is healthy and its population is stable. A network of protected areas has been created to protect the rare animal, and a polar bear conservation strategy is in effect," said Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation, in his welcoming speech. His words are quoted by prochukotku-ru.

As the Roszapovedcenter reported earlier, the Polar Bear Universe conference was part of the plan of the main events of Russia's presidency of the Arctic Council in 2021-2023. According to the organizers, this year the composition of its participants and the list of issues under consideration have been significantly expanded.

Among the topics of discussion are the preservation of the polar bear as an indicator of the state of Arctic ecosystems in the new conditions of development of the Northern Sea Route, ensuring environmental safety in the Arctic, the results of the "White Bear Census", monitoring the state of the environment in the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route (NSR), general cleaning in the Arctic.

In addition, experts will talk about research on marine mammals and other animals, the development of ecotourism in the Arctic, discuss environmental education and popularization of scientific and environmental activities, volunteerism in the field of conservation and study of Arctic ecosystems.

"Following the results of the Conference, it is planned to create a permanent international expert platform for regular dialogue between representatives of interested government authorities, the business and scientific community on Arctic biological diversity, as well as to involve new international participants in cooperation on Arctic ecosystem research," the Roszapovedcenter reported.

It is also planned to sign a declaration of intent on the conservation of the polar bear in Russia.

The conference is held from March 19th to 21st.

Stanislav Seleznev, Vice President for Ecology and Industrial Safety of Norilsk Nickel, took part in the conference. He spoke about the Arctic predator population accounting programs in which the company participates.

In 2022, Norilsk Nickel supported the White Bear Census scientific expedition on Wrangel Island, where the world's largest concentration of polar bear dens is located.

"In 2023, the expedition was already transferred to the Bear Islands, and we also took part in this, helped. I think the results of these studies will be published soon," said Seleznev, whose statements were published on the company's telegram channel.