During a session of a commission under the State Council of the Russian Federation focused on Ecology and Natural Resources, held as part of the tenth Nevsky International Congress on the Environment, the outcomes of the Clean Arctic initiative were discussed by organizers and officials. The event highlighted how the program has progressed and what steps lie ahead as it expands beyond its initial reach.
Gleb Nikitin, who chairs the Commission of the State Council, underscored the potential for regional collaboration. He proposed that local authorities in different regions could establish voluntary detachments to participate in Arctic cleanup efforts and potentially mobilize volunteers from across Russia. This idea is seen as a way to boost on‑the‑ground engagement and build a broader network of citizen volunteers dedicated to environmental stewardship in Arctic areas.
Discussions also touched on regulatory clarity. Participants suggested developing detailed proposals to assess the legal framework governing voluntary work in the Arctic. The goal is to ensure that volunteers can operate lawfully while performing cleanup activities, with updated regulatory and administrative documents that support safe, effective, and accountable environmental service in remote regions.
Clean Arctic is an environmental initiative aimed at removing waste and hazardous materials from Arctic territories. The program began in Russia in July 2021 and has received support from key agencies and organizations, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, Rosprirodnadzor, the ONF’s Youth Movement, and several other partner groups. In its early years, the project demonstrated tangible results by collecting and redirecting more than five thousand tons of waste for processing in nine Arctic regions across the country. This momentum reflects a sustained commitment to protecting fragile Arctic ecosystems, improving local living conditions, and promoting accountable waste management practices in distant communities.
In the current phase, Clean Arctic expanded its initial activities to Karelia, with the inaugural subbotnik taking place in the Belomorsky district. This milestone marks a broader geographic scope and signals ongoing collaboration with regional authorities, civil society, and volunteers who aim to preserve the Arctic environment for present and future generations. The ongoing work involves organizing cleanup days, coordinating with local authorities, ensuring proper waste segregation, and facilitating safe disposal or recycling paths for collected materials. The program also emphasizes education and outreach, encouraging residents and visitors to participate in cleanups and adopt responsible behaviors that reduce litter and pollution in Arctic landscapes.
Beyond the immediate results, organizers stress the importance of systematic planning and continuous improvement. Efforts to document best practices, monitor environmental impact, and share learnings are intended to strengthen the overall efficacy of Arctic cleanup operations. By aligning volunteer activities with formal regulatory frameworks and regional development plans, the project seeks to create a sustainable model of community-driven environmental action that can be replicated in other remote areas of the Russian Federation and, potentially, in allied jurisdictions that share similar Arctic challenges. The overarching objective remains clear: safeguard ecosystems, protect vulnerable habitats, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility through coordinated volunteer engagement and responsible waste management practices. For observers in Canada, the United States, and other Arctic-adjacent regions, Clean Arctic serves as a case study in mobilizing Civil Society for environmental protection while navigating governance, logistics, and community participation in vast, sparsely populated landscapes. The ongoing narrative emphasizes constructive collaboration among government bodies, nongovernmental organizations, and volunteers, all working toward cleaner Arctic environments and more resilient local communities. This cooperative approach highlights the practical realities and the measurable benefits of citizen-led environmental stewardship in challenging northern contexts. The conversations at the session thus point to a shared aspiration: meaningful cleanups that endure and scale, supported by clear rules, robust organization, and broad public involvement. Attribution: official statements from the commission meeting and program coordinators.