Regions of Russia: Solovetsky Forum “Geopolitics of the Arctic” launched in Arkhangelsk

Solovetsky Forum “Geopolitics of the Arctic” took place June 2-3, 2011 in Arkhangelsk and on the Solovetsky Islands.

Forum brought together over 100 representatives of leading higher education and research institutions of Moscow, Far East, Yakutia, Mordovia, Karelia, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Saratov Oblasts and other regions. High on the agenda at the forum were arctic strategies and challenges for Russia, issues of international rivalry and cooperation in the Arctic exploration, socio-economic problems of northern territories.

Under the spotlight was the discussion of national interests of Russia in the Arctic. It is not secret that the rich reserves of hydrocarbon, and other minerals and bio-resources are concentrated here. 85% of Russian shelf falls on the Arctic territories. The coastline of Russia in the Arctic Ocean reaches 209 000 km.

The scale of wealth of northern territories was estimated long ago by the first Russian academician Mikhail Lomonosov. He predicted the importance of development of the Northern Sea Route, drafted the naval expedition to the East Indies. Lomonosov, whose 300th anniversary is celebrated this year, was at the forefront of the economic and geopolitical science of the country.

Northern (Arctic) Federal University proposed foundation of the Arctic Union of Russian Regions – an association, which could unite authorities of Arkhangelsk, Murmansk Oblasts, Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs, northern municipal formations of Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, Chukotka and other Russia’s territories lying near the Arctic. This idea was supported by the governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast Ilya Mikhalchuk.

Director of the Institute of Management and Regionology (Northern (Arctic) Federal University) commented that this initiative may stimulate foundation of the virtual Arctic Federal District, which will enable northern regions to share experience and research results related to the Arctic exploration.