Scientists and businesses discuss viability of quantitative targets in biodiversity conservation
During the Arctic Biodiversity session, scientists and business representatives have discussed using integral indicators of ecosystem health, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), in environmental assessment.
April 18 saw Nornickel’s Murmansk Transport Branch host the first 2024 meeting of the Arctic Biodiversity Task Force. The task force has been formed to discuss Arctic nature conservation issues, within the Scientific and Technical Council of Federal Service for Supervision in the Field of Nature Management (Rosprirodnadzor).
The meeting was attended (in person and online) by 58 officials: scientists from the RAS Siberian Branch, representatives of the Arctic Council, and specialists from Nornickel and Alrosa. The central theme of discussions was the integral indicator of ecosystem health (IIEH), developed by scientists during the Nornickel’s Great Scientific Expedition.
The IIEH means more accurate and objective assessment of environmental impact from industrial operations. Based on the IIEH, companies can make decisions on mitigation measures to protect flora and fauna. The IIEH also enables the setting of clear biodiversity targets and goals.
Indicator enhancement
The idea of quantifying environmental conditions is not new, it is a global trend. But like any attempt to represent living systems with numbers, the IIEH has its flaws and requires further refining.
Meeting participants appreciated the indicator’s clarity and simplicity but also proposed a number of improvements, such as adding more details to support the choice of indicators, and considering community dominance and correlation with impact factors.
Prevalent problem
Scientists discussed the salmon deaths in Kola Peninsula rivers. It is still unknown why the Tsar Fish populations have been suffering from ulcerative dermal necrosis since 2015, causing significant stock declines. The theories vary, but scientists are still getting to the root causes and working on approaches to support the species .
The launch of fish farming enterprises in the Murmansk Region is being considered. The breeding and release of salmon into the wild can help restore populations in the rivers. Nornickel is running a similar project in the Taimyr Peninsula.
Icebreaker Tour
After the meeting, the Murmansk Transport Branch team invited participants to tour the Talnakh icebreaker. Capable of crushing through up to 1.7 metres of level ice and up to 15 metres of barrier ice, the Talnakh consumes much less energy than a diesel-electric ship of the same design.
The tour was an amazing experience for everyone. The Murmansk Transport Branch team pitched the idea of inviting school students to their enterprise. This would give a strong impetus to their career choice and encourage them to join Nornickel after graduation.