Scientists should be involved in lawmaking on the development of the Arctic, Vyacheslav Shtyrov, Chairman of the Council on the Arctic and Antarctic of the Russian Federation Council, told the TASS news agency.

"Scientists must join in the lawmaking process and define the tools required in developing Arctic scientific research, such as benefits for research institutions that carry out Arctic-related projects," Shtyrov said.

The senator believes science can facilitate development of eco-friendly materials to be used in the Arctic zone. "We have to keep our minds focused on eco-friendly materials that do not pollute our environment. The objectives and the areas of development stipulated by the state policy for the Arctic set the groundwork for further activities," he added.

The senator specified that the materials in question are those used in expanding the mining and oil and gas industries, as well as transportation, which includes the Northern Sea Route, the Northern Latitudinal Railway project and mobile transport.

Vyacheslav Shtyrov pointed out that the main focus for material specialists is the situation in eight new backbone zones, which have been established to support Arctic development. "This includes, above all, traditional industries: development of transport infrastructure, port infrastructure, the oil and gas complex, rare earth minerals and more. If we had organized the planning and forecasting system properly, the Russian Economic Development Ministry would already have to submit a report to the Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations listing all the parameters of the program to be implemented, which would also be required as the groundwork for research activities, both applied and fundamental. Unfortunately, we are lacking such system," Shtyrov stressed.

He also suggested determining the main areas of Arctic research under the State Commission for Arctic Development.