Within the framework of the International Arctic Forum, the session "Environmental Well-being of the Arctic: strategies for cooperation between government and business" was held, where the results of the Ecology national project, as well as plans for 2030 under the new national project, were discussed.
Maxim Korolkov, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation, delivered a welcoming speech. He noted that the measures envisaged by the new national project "Environmental Well-being" should have a positive impact on the quality of life of the population and contribute to the stable development of the Arctic.
Tatyana Sakharova, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management, stressed the importance of effective implementation of the national profile project in the northern territories. In addition, she noted that one of the key tasks is to eliminate the long-standing problem of accumulated environmental damage in the Arctic zone.
"I consider the clearing of the Arctic waters from sunken ships to be a particularly significant area of work here. These "graveyards" of ships interfere with navigation, fishing, and harm the environment. In this regard, prioritization in the federal program is important for the Arctic regions," she said.
On behalf of the Governor of the Murmansk region, Andrey Chibis, a set of measures in the field of Ecology is included in the development plan of the Murmansk region "Live in the North!" until 2030. Ksenia Zinatullina, Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region and Minister of Justice of the Murmansk Region, spoke about the results and goals in her report. Thus, the two largest landfills of waste in Murmansk and the city of Zaozersk have been eliminated. The total volume of waste disposal at these landfills amounted to more than 3.5 million m3, and the area was about 45 hectares. The activities of the regional Forest Conservation project were also implemented, during which 8,706.4 hectares of forest were restored in 5 years.
"More than 290 events were held within the framework of the regional project "Conservation of unique water bodies" and under the auspices of the All-Russian campaign "Water of Russia". More than 287 km of coastline was cleared, and about nine thousand people took part, thereby exceeding the plan by 15% in 2024. Thus, thanks to comprehensive work, today the Murmansk Region ranks second in the National Environmental Rating in Russia and first among the regions of the North–Western Federal District," said Ksenia Zinatullina.
In addition, the Vice Governor shared the results of cooperation with companies in the region. Thanks to joint work over the past five years, a positive trend has been established in reducing emissions of major pollutants into the atmosphere and discharges of polluted wastewater into water bodies. Thus, in 2023, the total emissions of major pollutants into the atmospheric air from stationary and mobile sources decreased by more than 30% compared to 2019, and discharges of contaminated wastewater into water bodies decreased by more than 2 times. At the same time, the annual design capacity of wastewater treatment plants in the Murmansk region increased by 17.2%.
Environmental volunteerism is of great importance in preserving nature and improving the environment, as important environmental projects, including those on a national scale, are being implemented through the efforts of volunteers. Volunteers actively participate in cleaning up areas, planting trees, preserving biodiversity and eco-education, significantly contributing to the improvement of the environment.
A Single volunteer center has been established in the region. His most famous project is "From the spring to the Ocean". Today it is the calling card of eco-volunteering in the Murmansk region and the Arctic. It consists of three areas – cleaning on the coasts, beautification of springs and the return of the original appearance of lighthouses. The project brought together the entire Murmansk Region: from kindergarten and school students to cultural volunteers and corporate volunteers.
"The volunteer actions for the restoration of springs within the framework of the project "From the spring to the Ocean" especially resonate with people. People constantly come to the springs and see how they are changing. This is due to the volunteers of socially responsible companies. And although more than half of the springs in the Murmansk region have already been landscaped, we will not stop, the project will be continued in 2025. Now we are receiving applications from tourist groups who want to engage in ecotourism and plan to join our volunteers," said Evgenia Chibis, head of the United Volunteer Center.
Recently, the national project "Ecological well-being" has been launched in our country, which is aimed at improving environmental protection and improving the quality of life of citizens. The project plays a key role in solving environmental problems, creating a healthier and cleaner environment and ensuring the sustainable development of the regions. This is an important step towards a future where nature and man live in harmony.
"It is planned to open an Arctic branch, and now various regions are being considered, including Murmansk. Taking into account the support of local authorities and cooperation with the KSC RAS, this coordination center could become a key link in the implementation of major initiatives of the national Environmental Well-being project in the Arctic. The Center would be able to coordinate issues related to applied scientific research, public policy formation and practical implementation of projects," Alexander Zakondyrin, Director of the All–Russian Scientific Research Institute of Environmental Protection, shared his plans.
/ Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Fisheries of the Murmansk Region /
