Top Arctic stories of the week, 7 -- 11 February 2022

Below is a recap of this week’s posts by Alexander Stotskiy (CEO, Project Office for Arctic Development) analyzing major international, national and regional events and trends in the Arctic.

A new procedure for obtaining indigenous benefits entered into force

Members of Russia’s indigenous peoples are no longer required to collect document packages proving their ethnic identity to apply for benefits they are entitled to under Russian legislation. Effective from 7 February 2022, all administrative bodies concerned with indigenous affairs will have to obtain such documents from an integrated national database rather than from applicants themselves. Digital solutions will make communication between individuals of indigenous descent and government offices much easier. Read more…

The Government greenlighted a roadmap for constructing new airfields in the Arctic

The Federal Government approved a roadmap to build new airfields in the Russian Arctic. A thirteen-step action plan will be implemented in the coming two years, with its key deliverable being a list of polar airfields to be built or renovated. New airfields will bring more mobility options to members of remote polar communities thus opening the way for economic growth and opportunity across the Russian Arctic. Read more…

National standards for Arctic tourism presented to the public

On 30 June 2022, a new set of national standards designed specifically for Arctic tourism will come into effect. The set of standards is a product of cooperation between the Federal Technical Regulation and Metrology Agency, the Federal Agency for Tourism, and several NGOs and research institutions. New standards were developed under the Tourism and Hospitality national program. As stated by the national authority for tourism, Russia has become the world’s first country to adopt such standards. These standards will help improve both the safety and quality of hospitality services in the Russian Arctic, officials say. Read more…

A cruise tourism concept adopted by the Government

The Russian Arctic will become a major cruise tourism destination -- such is the goal set by the recently approved Cruise Tourism Development Concept published by the Government this week. Northern regions are home to unique natural attractions -- and this is exactly what drives tourists from all over the globe to visit the Arctic. However, to be able to make a difference, Russia should take steps to increase the region’s connectivity and update the national regulations applicable to cruise tourism. Read more…

A GHG research facility will be launched in Yakutia

Work is underway to establish a greenhouse gas monitoring facility focused on permafrost research and climate change in the Yakut Republic. The Arctic State University for Agrotechnology has announced its plans to submit a grant request for a GHG monitoring site and entered negotiations with potential corporate and research partners. Experts believe that such carbon monitoring facilities may be established at the already existing permanent forest study areas operated by Yakutia-based research institutions. Read more…