China and Russia launch scientific cooperation in Arctic
The agreement aimed at establishment of China-Russia Arctic Research Center was signed on April 10, 2019 at the International Arctic Forum “Arctic – territory of dialogue”.
The Agreement is to document the development of bilateral cooperation between the Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao) (QNLM) and P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences (IO RAS) targeted at Arctic research and preservation of its indigenous natural wealth.
“The intensive development of Arctic shelf endangers its ecological system thus dictating the necessity for profound investigation into natural processes happening therein. Being the Great Oceanic Powers, Russia and China boast vast experience and competences to address comprehensive fundamental challenges associated with the Arctic region. The newly established Center will take China-Russia scientific cooperation to a new level. Jointly we will be able to initiate and implement major projects, including joint Arctic expeditions, to foster innovative dialogue as related to exploration of ocean mineral and biological resources to preserve unique subsea ecological systems. The year 2019 marks the 70-th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, and the establishment of China-Russia Arctic Research Center will be the best contribution to the development of partnership between our countries”, - noted Aleksey Sokov, Acting Director of the Institute of Oceanology.
“Today, IO RAS and QNLM sign the agreement on establishment of the Center for joint research in Arctic region. Our cooperation carries great importance for deepening the understanding of the region and identifying the Arctic’s effect on global climate change. It will benefit peoples of our two sides and of the rest of the world, as well. I’m confident that our cooperation will bring the Arctic research a great prosperity”, - stated Prof. Kehou PAN, Secretary General, Academic Committee, of the National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology.
The activities of the Center are aimed at joint research in Arctic, including full-scale measurements onboard the Institute’s research vessels, analysis of climatic, geological, biogeochemical processes and trends of ecosystem changes in the Arctic region. The obtained results will contribute to accurate prediction of ice conditions at the Northern Sea Route and providing recommendations for environmentally sound development of the Arctic region being intensively developed. Also, the Center will involve outstanding scientists from the major research institutions of Russia and China.