Geographers to discuss Arctic Sea Route at second Arctic Forum

Creating transport infrastructure to develop the riches of the Arctic will top the agenda when geographers from Russia and abroad meet at the second Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk on September 21-24. The forum will focus on development of commercial navigation, transport terminals (sea-ports and airports), and corridors like the Northern Sea Route, which could transform Russia’s ability to ship natural resources to the markets of Asia. Safety problems such as the development of satellite navigation and sea traffic control will also be discussed, as well as ecological safety issues and improving the living standards of indigenous people. The first forum, organized by the Russian Geographical Society, was attended by the head of the RGS Board of Trustees, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu, President of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Prince Albert of Monaco. “The forum last year confirmed the need to establish in Russia, the largest Arctic nation, a prestigious international venue for discussing Arctic problems,” Shoigu said. “Now that it is done, we’ll thoroughly evaluate the prospects for international cooperation in the region.”