International conference Polar Routes of the Arctic held onboard icebreaker Lenin (photo)
International conference Polar Routes of the Arctic was held for the first time on November 17 onboard icebreaker Lenin within the framework of the 4th Murmansk International Business Week under the auspices of the Murmansk Region Government and the regional branch of the the Association of Polar Explorers. According to the press center of the regional government, the conference is the pilot project aimed at revival of scientific and educational events involving organizations engaged in research and scientific activities to draw wide public attention to the Arctic exploration.
The conference participants included scientists and experts, polar exploration veterans, representatives of the authorities, state structures, education and business. Representatives of the Netherlands, Norway, Faroe Islands, etc. were actively involved in the conference activities.
The conference agenda included issues related to Russia’s activities in the development of the Arctic. All speakers emphasized the key role of the Murmansk region, its opportunities and experience in the development of oil and gas fields on the shelf of the northern seas, making the Northern Sea Route a round-the-year transcontinental transport route, meeting Russia's defence challenges in the high latitude areas. Special attention was paid to educational issues.
According to the statement, the participants have come to a conclusion that the conference should become one of the landmarks of the Murmansk International Business Week and have expressed the hope for annual meetings in this format.
