Development of the Arctic: what are the challenges for the development of the region facing Russia

In recent years, the development of the Arctic becomes one of the most important tasks of the Russian government. In the press center MIC “Izvestia” On February 27, a conference was held on the theme “Arctic: problems and opportunities”.

The experts spoke about plans for the development of the Northern Sea Route, Arctic tourism and relations between the countries of the region. Details – in the material REN TV.

Plan for the development of the Northern Sea Route

First Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Gadzhimagomed Huseynov noted that the issue of the development of the Arctic is becoming a priority not only for his ministry, but for the whole country.

“Together with our colleagues, we have begun work on preparing a plan for the development of the Far East and the Arctic. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that, on the one hand, we have combined in it all the tasks of the state to develop the infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route and ensure the safety of navigation in the water area. And on the other hand, this plan also provides for the obligations of our main cargo owners and shippers. We have combined the tasks of both the state and business. Each side has assumed mutual obligations”the expert said.

According to the official, the plan for the development of the Northern Sea Route includes five main sections: cargo base, transport infrastructure, cargo icebreaking fleet, navigation safety, and management and development of navigation along the route.

“The plan provides for, among other things, the construction and reconstruction of port infrastructure, the construction of ships and an icebreaker fleet. As well as the launch of constellation satellites into orbit for flexible receipt of meteorological data. The main gas and oil projects are, of course, the development of Yamal, Norilsk Nickel, the Baimskoye field as well as coal mining– Huseynov pointed out.

“Sanctions will make us stronger”

The expert said that Western sanctions did not have a critical impact on the development of the Northern Sea Route.

“Many predicted that everything would be bad, but the figures show that we even grew in 2022. Naturally, there are technological issues, and issues related to the construction of ships and equipment. But they are all being resolved one way or another. We see in the future “On the contrary, this will make us stronger. We are following the path of localization of domestic production. I think that this will play into our hands”says the official.

He added that by the end of 2024, it is planned to provide year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route in an easterly direction. According to Huseynov, the Northern Sea Route will soon become “the most important transit route and a serious alternative to the Suez Canal.”

“I am sure that by 2050 all the main projects that we are talking about will be implemented, and new projects will develop accordingly”– he said.

Relations between the Russian Federation and other countries of the Arctic Council

Sergey Zhiltsov, head of the Department of Political Science and Political Philosophy of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that it is not worth expecting improvements in relations between Russia and the rest of the Arctic states – Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, the USA and Sweden – yet. According to him, the possible accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO could become a challenge for our country.

“Of course, this will be an additional threat in terms of military-political security. The Baltic will actually turn into an outpost of NATO, and these are additional risks. In general, we see that over the past 30 years the Alliance has been consistently approaching the borders of Russia. Will there be any provocative steps, it’s hard to say US position (along the Northern Sea Route. – Ed.) known. It is already difficult to expect any changes in the political plan.”– Zhiltsov believes.

Reflecting on the future fate of the Arctic Council, the expert noted that this form of interaction is likely to continue.

“The Arctic Council brings together countries that are primarily interested in solving problems with the environment and climate. Probably, some form of interaction between countries located in this region will continue. And Russia will be part of it – it is difficult to dispute it. or later it will be found. Better sooner, of course. But today the situation is such that there is practically no interaction”Zhiltsov said.

Arctic tourism

Leonid Agafonov, a member of the Public Council under the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, said that, despite the relative high cost and complexity, Arctic tourism has a high potential.

“And what is Arctic tourism? First of all, people go to the Arctic to see natural attractions, to get acquainted with the ethno-cultural characteristics of the peoples who live there. The Arctic Ocean certainly attracts. Whether it is the Murmansk region, Karelia or the Arkhangelsk region – the sea really beckons. The north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Chukotka – tourism is also absolutely real there”says the expert.

According to Agafonov, travelers can not only go to the Arctic using the services of a tour operator, but also go there on their own.

“Tourism greatly changes cities, makes them more comfortable, including for local residents. It stimulates business and improves the quality of life. Therefore, those who have not been yet, I urge you to choose the time and go”– he said.