TYUMEN, September 24 (Itar-Tass) - Ecological security of the Arctic is the main theme of the third international forum “The Arctic - Territory of Dialogue,” which is opening in Salekhard on Tuesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the forum on September 25.
Nearly 700 people have arrived to attend the forum, according to its organisers - the Russian Geographic Society and its partner - the government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area. The forum will be attended by the heads of state of the circumpolar region, the governors of Russia’s Arctic regions, the heads of relevant Russian ministries and departments, politicians, representatives of science and major businesses, non-governmental organisations, scientists, experts and journalists from various countries.
The forum’s aim is to pool the efforts of all the participants in the processes taking place in the Arctic, to seek consensus between the bodies of authority, the scientific community, businesses and the population on the conservation of the natural environment, the elimination of the consequences of economic activity in the face of intensifying economic activity and global climate change.
Salekhard has been chosen to host the forum not accidentally. Yamal today is at the forefront of the implementation of the state policy aimed at the development of Russia’s Arctic zone. Unique ecological, scientific, humanitarian and social projects are launched in the area against the background of the implementation of large-scale industrial projects that change tomorrow’s economic picture of the Russian North and many Arctic regions. In addition, Salekhard has proved a successful venue for the most prestigious international events.
“The Arctic resources are global. However, if they are developed irresponsibly, this may bring not strategic advantage, but strategic problems,” governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area Dmitry Kobylkin believes. “So, in the active development of the polar, the right decisions for preserving the Arctic vulnerable nature can be achieved only through a constructive dialogue of representatives of science, businesses and government.”
The programme of the forum, which will run for two days, includes plenary meetings and sessions on the ecological safety and health of the Arctic region’s population, on legal regulation of the environmental protection in the Arctic, on the climate, pollution, biodiversity, as well as exhibitions, dialogue with the media and a cultural programme.
The first Arctic - Territory of Dialogue forum was held in Moscow in September 2010, when experts discussed Arctic issues in relation to national interests and international dialogue, environmental protection and the development of Arctic resources. The second forum was held at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU) in Arkhangelsk in 2011. It focused on issues of integrated security in the Arctic in view of the development of transport infrastructure and international cooperation, as well as the importance of respecting the interests of the indigenous population.