The expert explained the danger of limiting the tourist flow to the Arctic

Anthropogenic impacts on Arctic ecosystems need to be reduced, but not at the expense of tourists, who are not its main source. This was stated to Izvestia by Maxim Dankin, General Director of the Arctic Development Project Office.

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"There are not enough tourists in the Arctic today, especially in the regions of the Ural Federal District and in the eastern part of the country. Therefore, it should rather be about measures that reduce anthropogenic impact on nature, climate and ecology of the territory," he said.

The expert noted that it is important to properly organize the process itself: to form ecological and tourist trails that guide travelers along routes that are least sensitive to nature in terms of anthropogenic impact.

But, as the source emphasized, "in no way should tourism in the Arctic be completely restricted." In his opinion, the tourism industry contributes to the development of territories that are "more closely monitored."

"In the case of the integrated development of spaces, including the creation of ecological trails, the hotel fund is also developing, which has a positive impact on the economy. And this, in turn, allows us to increase the number of regional environmental conservation activities. Therefore, it is important to work comprehensively here — not to discourage tourists from coming to the Arctic, but, on the contrary, to stimulate this process, making it safer for the environment," concluded Dankin.

Read more in the Izvestia article:

Tourist ceiling: will the Arctic be closed to mass travelers