The day before in Moscow, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Patrushev had a meeting with winners of the first grant competition of the Presidential Fund for Environmental and Nature Conservation Projects (Presidential Nature Fund). Deputy Prime Minister reminded support was granted to 164 out of more than 1,600 applications submitted from all regions of Russia. One of them is the project «Arctic Nature in the Paanajarvi NP», co-implemented by the North-Center Association and the national park. Karelian Research Centre RAS is a partner in this project.

Leaders of several supported projects were invited to a meeting with representatives of the country's leadership. The grant holders talked about their developments and the anticipated effects of their implementation.

In particular, Alexandra Smirnova, Director of the "North-Center" Association and Head of the KarRC RAS Department for International Cooperation, informed that the goal of the project "Arctic Nature in the Paanajärvi NP" is to study and conserve unique natural features. The park is home to more than five thousand species of living organisms, 30% of which are red-listed.

– Based on the project's results, scientific information will be updated, and an inventory of the rare flora and fauna of Paanajärvi will be conducted. Experts will study the climate change impacts on the northward expansion of invasive species. We will build a foundation for further monitoring of natural features, including a geographic information portal, a spatial model of the park, and research infrastructure. Measures will also be worked out to protect the ecosystems and develop the infrastructure, including tourist routes based on current scientific data, – said Alexandra Smirnova.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev is also Deputy Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for the Support of Environmental and Nature Conservation Projects. He stressed that the selected initiatives make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation and development of the country's natural areas.

– Your project outputs will not only exemplify genuine care for nature, but will also help foster a stewardship of its unique assets among citizens, especially the younger generation, – Dmitry Patrushev addressed the participants.

The Presidential Fund for Environmental and Nature Conservation Projects was established on March 3, 2025. Its main grant spheres include the protection of rare and endangered animal species and their habitats, the study and monitoring of biodiversity, and informational and educational projects related to the protection of wildlife, unique and relict ecosystems, as well as red-listed plant species.

In addition to studying and conserving Arctic nature in Paanajärvi, Karelian scientists participate in the grant-winning projects dedicated to bird monitoring and conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and European freshwater pearl mussel populations. The selection process for the second competition is currently underway, with results to be announced in February.

Reflecting on the meeting, Alexandra Smirnova noted that the event proved valuable both as an opportunity to present the developments and the specific features of project implementation, and as a chance to network with colleagues and exchange experiences from launching the work. "It was helpful to see genuine interest in our initiatives on the senior officials’ part and their willingness to help handle the challenges arising during the work process. Our team is grateful to the Fund for organizing the meeting and providing feedback on the projects", – added the Project Leader.

Photos: Media Office of the Presidential Nature Fund