Polar Bear Days, part of the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia,” are scheduled from February 27 to March 3 at the Rosneft pavilion on the VDNKh grounds. The event brings together researchers, institutions, and industry partners to highlight Arctic science and conservation efforts that involve bioindicator species and polar ecosystems. [Rosneft, 2025 report]
During the opening of these themed days at VDNKh, representatives from Rosneft, the Wildlife Society, and the Yekaterinburg Zoo will discuss ongoing scientific projects focused on studying bioindicator animals in the Arctic. The talks aim to illuminate how wildlife monitoring informs climate research and Arctic policy. [Rosneft announcement]
Within the pavilion, the cinema hall will host the VII Film Festival in Krasnoyarsk. The event will feature the broadcast of the awards ceremony for the All-Russian children’s literary contest “Arctic Star – Umka,” a competition that attracted more than 2,000 submissions from across Russia and abroad. Rosneft served as the general partner of the contest, underscoring its support for youth, culture, and scientific outreach. [Contest records]
Attendees will also have the chance to hear Pavel Poluychik, the scriptwriter and director of the documentary “Master of the Arctic.” The film chronicles the Rosneft expedition that studies polar bears and presents the researchers’ field methods in Arctic environments. [Director’s notes]
As part of Polar Bear Days, staff from the Udmurtia Zoo will lead a lecture tour for visitors titled “On the Trail of the Polar Bear.” The program will include lessons on the ecology of Northern Russia and the latest biotechnologies derived from Arctic microorganisms. Hands-on master classes will invite guests to try drawing a bear as a creative exercise. [Zoo educational outreach]
On March 3, World Wildlife Day, representatives from Rosneft’s Arctic Research Center will outline a new biodiversity study program focused on Arctic ecosystems and discuss upcoming expeditions in the Krasnoyarsk Territory over the next four years. The program emphasizes field research, collaboration with regional partners, and the sustainable management of Arctic resources. [Center briefing]
Throughout the event, visitors at the Rosneft pavilion can participate in quizzes themed around polar bears, while a curated selection of documentaries and animated films will be shown in the cinema hall. The International Exhibition and Forum “Russia” continues at VDNKh through April 12, with the Rosneft pavilion featuring a design that reflects the company’s historical role, ongoing scientific work, and social initiatives within the oil industry. The pavilion showcases digital exhibits and interactive displays designed to communicate scientific progress, environmental stewardship, and the social impact of energy development. [Event overview]