The "Polar Bear Universe" Forum is taking place in the Northern Capital on March 25–27 under the umbrella of the Nevsky International Ecological Congress and is part of the program of the Ecology of Big City St. Petersburg International Environmental Forum. KarRC RAS leader Olga Bakhmet took part in the forum's Bio-ecological Arctic Cluster. The session was moderated by Vladimir Minligareev, Head of the Arctic Research Center at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute.
Olga Bakhmet reminded of an agreement signed this January between the Government of the Republic of Karelia and the Kurchatov Institute for comprehensive cooperation in the region. One of the initiatives under this agreement is to create an exemplary self-sustaining "bio-eco-settlement" in the Arctic zone of Karelia. Previously, Mikhail Kovalchuk, President of the Kurchatov Institute, presented this concept to the participants of the RAS Scientific Council for Arctic and Antarctic Studies during a visiting session held at the KarRC RAS.
– The development and human use of the Arctic must be underpinned by science. Northern nature is unique, rich in mineral and water resources, yet at the same time extremely vulnerable. This demands a special approach and, above all, a deep understanding of how Arctic ecosystems function, – emphasized Olga Bakhmet.
The scientist specifically addressed the problem of efficient use and conservation of Arctic biological resources, which are currently exposed to the impacts of global climate change and anthropogenic pressure. Researchers at the KarRC RAS are making up-to-date vegetation maps by interpreting satellite imagery. They are also assessing the current state and potential changes under various climate scenarios, particularly in the White Sea region and its catchment area.
Karelian scientists are developing innovative solutions to reduce the detrimental environmental impact of human activities. These include new methods and technologies for eliminating the accumulated environmental damage and remediating the affected ecosystems.
Researchers take part in the designation of protected areas, conservation of rare animal and plant populations and unique ecosystems. An example of an ongoing project is “Arctic nature in the Paanajarvi National Park: integrated monitoring for biodiversity conservation”, supported by the Presidential Nature Fund. The researchers involved conduct inventories of the national park’s rare flora and fauna, and utilize modern monitoring tools.
Technologies are being developed at the KarRC RAS for environment-friendly use and reproduction of Arctic biological resources, including green fish farming and production of bioactive substances to raise yields in agriculture.
Another focus topic for experts at the KarRC RAS experts is the living conditions for the Arctic human population. Research is underway on the socio-economic development of northern regions, health-preserving technologies for the Arctic are being developed, and issues related to ecotourism, learning tourism and science communication are being addressed.
- An interdisciplinary approach ensures efficient organization and execution of basic and applied research, as well as work on innovative solutions that promote comprehensive development of our region, including its Arctic part, – stressed Olga Bakhmet.
Previously, the KarRC RAS leader took part in a joint meeting of the Environmental Council under the Governor of St. Petersburg and the Public Environmental Council under the Governor of the Leningrad Region, which was also held within the Ecology of Big City international forum. Speaking at the session in St. Petersburg, Olga Bakhmet presented proposals from the KarRC RAS for the Clean Ladoga federal project.
Photo: Igor Georgievsky / KarRC RAS
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March 27, 2026
RAS Corr. Fellow Olga Bakhmet: Arctic biodiversity conservation is impossible without science as its foundation
The International Forum "Polar Bear Universe", organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia and the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, is taking place in St. Petersburg. At the forum’s Bio-ecological Arctic Cluster, KarRC RAS leader, RAS Corr. Fellow Olga Bakhmet spoke about the scientific foundations for conserving Arctic biodiversity and presented the expertise of Karelian scientists in this field.
The International Forum "Polar Bear Universe", organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia and the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, is taking place in St. Petersburg. At the forum’s Bio-ecological Arctic Cluster, KarRC RAS leader, RAS Corr. Fellow Olga Bakhmet spoke about the scientific foundations for conserving Arctic biodiversity and presented the expertise of Karelian scientists in this field.
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March 30, 2026
Young CIS scientists networked on common water problems at a school and workshop organized by the KarRC RAS
The international school and workshop “Under the Pressure of Global Climate Change: a Youth Network for Water Ecosystem Research” in Petrozavodsk has come to an end. During four days, young researchers from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan listened to lectures and mastered scientific techniques in practice, under the guidance of seasoned experts. In conclusion, the participants agreed to maintain the network and keep looking for opportunities to jointly study common environmental problems.
The international school and workshop “Under the Pressure of Global Climate Change: a Youth Network for Water Ecosystem Research” in Petrozavodsk has come to an end. During four days, young researchers from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan listened to lectures and mastered scientific techniques in practice, under the guidance of seasoned experts. In conclusion, the participants agreed to maintain the network and keep looking for opportunities to jointly study common environmental problems.
March 26, 2026
Olga Bakhmet presented KarRC’s proposals for the federal Clean Ladoga project in St. Petersburg
Experts of the Karelian Research Centre RAS have prepared proposals for the federal project Clean Ladoga. The Centre’s CEO, Olga Bakhmet, presented them at a joint meeting of the Environmental Council under the Governor of St. Petersburg and the Public Environmental Council under the Governor of the Leningrad Region. The main point of her presentation was that the integrated program for the environmental rehabilitation of Lake Ladoga must encompass also the water bodies located throughout the lake’s catchment area.
Experts of the Karelian Research Centre RAS have prepared proposals for the federal project Clean Ladoga. The Centre’s CEO, Olga Bakhmet, presented them at a joint meeting of the Environmental Council under the Governor of St. Petersburg and the Public Environmental Council under the Governor of the Leningrad Region. The main point of her presentation was that the integrated program for the environmental rehabilitation of Lake Ladoga must encompass also the water bodies located throughout the lake’s catchment area.
March 24, 2026
A youth school and workshop on aquatic ecosystem studies gathers learners and lecturers from CIS countries at the KarRC RAS
The international school and workshop "Under the Pressure of Global Climate Change: a Youth Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Research" was launched in Petrozavodsk on March 24. Over four days, young researchers from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan will engage in theoretical and practical training under the guidance of experts from the KarRC RAS and researchers from CIS countries, India, and China.
The international school and workshop "Under the Pressure of Global Climate Change: a Youth Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Research" was launched in Petrozavodsk on March 24. Over four days, young researchers from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan will engage in theoretical and practical training under the guidance of experts from the KarRC RAS and researchers from CIS countries, India, and China.
March 16, 2026
Karelian entomologist, Andrei Humala, discovered six new species of parasitoid wasps last year
In 2025, entomologist from Karelia, Andrei Humala, described four new parasitoid wasp species from Africa. They all belong to a genus relatively rare in that region, Eusterinx. One more finding was made in each of samples from Mexico and Russian Far East. The scientist has specialized in the study of parasitoid wasps for over 30 years, during which time he has described 3 genera and 149 species new to science.
In 2025, entomologist from Karelia, Andrei Humala, described four new parasitoid wasp species from Africa. They all belong to a genus relatively rare in that region, Eusterinx. One more finding was made in each of samples from Mexico and Russian Far East. The scientist has specialized in the study of parasitoid wasps for over 30 years, during which time he has described 3 genera and 149 species new to science.
February 27, 2026
Karelian scientists agree to collaborate with Indian colleagues
Karelian scientists are launching cooperation with their Indian colleagues. The agreement was reached by KarRC RAS delegation on a visit to India.
During the visit, members of the team delivered presentations at three scientific conferences, signed two Memorandums of Understanding, and discussed future joint activities.
Karelian scientists are launching cooperation with their Indian colleagues. The agreement was reached by KarRC RAS delegation on a visit to India.
During the visit, members of the team delivered presentations at three scientific conferences, signed two Memorandums of Understanding, and discussed future joint activities.