There are plans to conduct a comprehensive Arctic survey of polar bear, walrus, wild reindeer and ivory gull populations and their migration routes under a program of the Ecology national project. Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, will conduct the survey, according to the ministry's press service.

It will take four years to get an update on the size and condition of the populations of key Russian Arctic animal species. Experts will also study biological samples that will be obtained during fieldwork. Following the survey, practical solutions for protecting and monitoring key species will be formulated as part of corporate operations in the Arctic. In turn, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will provide scientific and methodological as well as information and analytical support.

"Companies can prove that expanded production does not necessarily impair biodiversity. On the contrary, their activity can bring socio-economic benefits and in some cases can help maintain the stability of ecosystems," Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin noted, while commenting on this cooperation.