Conference in Russia’s Anadyr to Disclose Research on Polar Bear Population

The 5^th ‘Universe of the Polar Bear’ International Research and Training Conference will be held in the Chukotka Autonomous District city of Anadyr on 18–21 October as part of the plan of events of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which are organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

The conference aims to study and protect the polar bear, which has been included in the Red List of Threatened Species. In particular, the results of the latest scientific studies of the Chukotka-Alaska polar bear population will be presented at the conference. The studies were conducted on the coast of the Chukchi Sea and Wrangel Island using unmanned aerial vehicles. The conference participants will also discuss the results of a study on the polar bear population, the work of bear and eco-patrols in the Russian Arctic, as well as ways to prevent conflicts between humans and polar bears.

“Chukotka is home to the world’s largest polar bear population. Wrangel Island is home to a number of this beast’s lairs. Scientists annually conduct different studies, determine the state of the polar bear population, and study the predator’s interaction with Indigenous peoples. The ‘Universe of the Polar Bear’ Conference is an appropriate platform for exchanging experience, discussing research results, and planning further work to study polar bears in the Russian Arctic,” said Alexey Yakovlev, Director of the Chukotka Autonomous District’s Department of Natural Resources and Ecology, which is organizing the event.

This region has hosted the ‘Universe of the Polar Bear’ Conference since 2017.

Russia is chairing the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. A cross-cutting priority of Russia’s chairmanship is to ensure responsible governance for the sustainable development of the Arctic. In addition, one of Russia’s goals during this period is to enhance the efficiency of scientific activities and the practical applicability of its results in the region. Russia is committed to optimizing the use of scientific infrastructure and promoting the use of new technologies and best practices in joint projects with other countries.