Transport, rescue projects announced after Arctic forum

After talks at the International Arctic Forum last week, Russian authorities announced transport and rescue programs in the region, organizers said in a statement on Monday. The International Arctic Forum, “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue,” was held in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk on September 22-23. It gathered over 450 scientists, politicians and reporters from Arctic and non-Arctic states including the United States, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, China and Japan. Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu said the forum was a success. Shoigu also heads one of the event’s organizers, the Russian Geographical Society. After discussions on the future of the Arctic fleet, the Russian government decided to build six new icebreakers - three nuclear and three diesel-electric - for use on the Northern Sea Route, Shoigu added. Ten emergency rescue centers will also be set up in various regions of the Russian Arctic to enhance safety and security in the area. Participants of the forum also recommended establishing an Arctic Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Arkhangelsk Region to conduct interdisciplinary studies.