Officials from Rosneft, the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation, and the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution unveiled a new three‑year Rosneft program focused on researching and protecting bioindicator species within Arctic ecosystems. The company’s press service reported this update, emphasizing a strong commitment to science‑driven stewardship of northern habitats.
The research will unfold in the northern reaches of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where Rosneft will coordinate expeditions that bring together top Russian scientific institutions. For the first time, aerial surveys will cover polar bears in the Kara Sea, while teams will observe wild reindeer and examine fish populations at the Yenisei River mouth. These activities aim to paint a clearer picture of ecological dynamics in high‑latitude waters and to identify subtle shifts in species distribution that could signal broader environmental changes. This comprehensive fieldwork will also integrate advanced remote sensing techniques to capture data from difficult terrain, enhancing long‑term monitoring capabilities. — Rosneft press service.
As part of the project, researchers will construct maps detailing the ecological sensitivity of the Yenisei Gulf shores and adjacent Kara Sea waters. In addition, nesting sites of valuable bird species will be surveyed to gauge breeding success and habitat availability. The mapping effort is designed to support conservation planning by highlighting vulnerable areas and guiding protective measures where they are most needed. — Rosneft press service.
The program is expected to yield data that allow scientists to assess habitat quality and biodiversity health across Arctic zones. By understanding how ecosystems respond to natural and anthropogenic pressures, researchers can recommend targeted actions to preserve and restore critical habitats. The initiative aligns with Rosneft’s broader strategy to sustain Arctic biodiversity while advancing scientific knowledge. — Rosneft press service.
Alexander Pashali, director of Rosneft’s scientific and technical development and innovation department, described the program as a continuation of the company’s ongoing empirical pursuits in northern Russia. He noted that the forthcoming cycle is anticipated to deliver distinctive findings and practical insights for ecosystem management, research methodology, and policy guidance. — Rosneft press service.
In remarks about the project’s potential, Pashali highlighted the use of cutting‑edge imaging technologies. The aerial census of the black polar bear population will employ visible and infrared sensors, with image processing supported by pre‑trained neural networks. Given that the new aerial recording will require millions of images, artificial intelligence will be instrumental in accelerating data handling, reducing processing time while maintaining analytical rigor. — Rosneft press service.
Olga Krever, deputy director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Roszapovedtsentr under the Ministry of Natural Resources, described the initiative as a tangible manifestation of the national ecology program. She pointed out that the program operates within the Business and Biodiversity segment of the ecology project, drawing together diverse partners to support the survival of endangered wildlife. The collaboration aims to safeguard rare and emblematic Arctic species by combining resources, expertise, and field data. — Rosneft press service.
Rosneft underscored that the project extends the company’s long‑standing work in northern Russia. Since 2012, the organization has organized fifty large‑scale expeditions focused on comprehensive Arctic research, demonstrating a sustained commitment to understanding and protecting northern ecosystems. The new cycle broadens that legacy with enhanced data collection, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and a clearer path to evidence‑based conservation actions. — Rosneft press service.