ST. PETERSBURG, December 7. /TASS/. The state-run Arktikugol (Arctic coal) Company plans to organize an international scientific and educational center for the BRICS and SCO countries on the Spitsbergen Archipelago in the Russian presence Piramida settlement. A few countries have expressed their interest to the project, and Arktikugol has been working on the center's concept, the company's CEO Ildar Neverov said in a lecture at the MGIMO University.

"Arktikugol jointly with a number of government agencies has been developing the concept of an international scientific and educational center in the village of Piramida for the BRICS, SCO and other countries that will be interested in participating in this project," he said. "China, Brazil, India, Turkey and Thailand have expressed interest in the project."

Many countries are showing interest in the Russian infrastructures on the Norwegian archipelago in terms of scientific work, he continued. Recently, the TASE Turkish Arctic expedition and the Thai Ambassador to Norway visited the village. As the coal production on Spitsbergen is shrinking, the company is facing the task to build up scientific and tourism activities.

"The logistics that has become complicated, the boycott of most Spitsbergen tour operators and the information pressure on tourists have led to an almost sevenfold decrease in the number of tourists to the settlements of Russian presence," he continued. "We, however, have not given up and continue working to attract new tourists, to open new opportunities and markets. I am happy to confirm that the interest in our villages and their interesting history remain at the same high level."

The company has been creating an autonomous and independent tourist infrastructure on the archipelago to ensure services to visitors to Spitsbergen planning extreme, adventure, scientific and cruise trips. The villages implement the Protected Archipelago museum concept to preserve the local cultural and natural heritage.

"Right now, the villages of the Russian presence on Spitsbergen have the potential to become an important international tourist, scientific and transport hub and the Arktikugol Company recently has undertaken significant steps to ensure the sustainable implementation of this potential and to diversify the company's activities," he added.