Russia has approved an updated approach to the development of its villages in Svalbard. The authorities call tourism and coal mining key areas that should ensure the country’s sustainable presence in the Arctic territory and increase the economic activity of the region.
At a meeting of the government commission, they discussed the current state of affairs and tasks that need to be solved in the coming years. According to the meeting participants, the Arktikugol trust, which manages Russian facilities on the archipelago, is expanding the range of its services and is gradually strengthening its non-mining areas. The tourism sector is becoming one of the most dynamic segments for the company, which is reflected in the income structure.
They also presented plans for the improvement of Russian villages. We are talking about modernizing buildings, creating services for travelers and preparing routes designed for year-round operation. By 2040, the tourist flow is expected to increase to tens of thousands of people annually. The development of transport accessibility, including sea routes, should make travel more predictable and convenient.
Special attention was paid to scientific work. It is planned to create a center on the archipelago that will unite climate research, permafrost and natural processes of the Arctic. According to representatives of the northern regions, Russian institutes already have serious experience in this area and are ready to join the project.
The decisions taken form the long-term plan for the development of Russian villages on Spitsbergen. Tourism infrastructure, stable coal production and expansion of scientific activities are seen as the basis for strengthening Russia’s presence and increasing the significance of its projects in the Arctic.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: goarctic.ru
Photo: Alexander Romanovsky
