The 1st International Research-to-Practice Conference on Natural Resource Management in the Arctic began its work on September 22 at the North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk.
«In the Arctic and northern territories of Russia from Arkhangelsk, Murmansk to Chukotka we see so-called hotspots – places affected by human activities. These places are polluted, cluttered with solid wastes and thus reindeer pastures came down, which means reduction of commercial stocks and quality of life. It is difficult to live in this region, because industry needs huge outlays», says Alexander Evseev, the leading researcher of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
The vice-rector for strategic development of NEFU Vasily Savvinov depicted that the anthropogenic influence on the region is the priority for the university to investigate. «NEFU has a responsibility for the whole North-East of the country. Our goal is not only to ensure its staff, but to affect its development as well», says the vice-rector.
NEFU scientists develop new technologies and materials for working in the Arctic. Professor Aytalina Okhlopkova presented materials of new generation for use in extreme conditions. «According to the Russian Transport Inspectorate, 11 755 violations of environmental regulations were registered; environmental damage amounted to about $3.5 billion in Russia in 2012. The role of transport in the region is very high. The team of the university chemists develops frost-resistant sealing materials for friction units of polymers using composites. Modern materials are not perfect: if they are frost-resistant, they are not wear-resistant. Our goal is to increase both figures», says the professor.
The conference will work till September 25. Scientists will discuss biomedical and recreational issues of the North, innovative and technological development of the Arctic regions on the round tables. Sponsors of the research-to-practice conference are Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, the Yakut Scientific Center SB RAS and the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University.