The conference opened on September 18. It is held in a hybrid, online/offline format. Representatives of scientific organizations from different regions of the country have come to Petrozavodsk: Center of Forest Ecology and Productivity (CFEP) RAS, Dokuchaev Central Soil Science Museum, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Siberian Federal University, Sukachev Institute of Forest of Krasnoyarsk Science Center SB RAS, Institute of Biology of the Komi Science Center Ural Branch RAS, and many others. The guests were welcomed by KarRC RAS Director General, RAS Corr. Academician Olga Bakhmet. Director reminded that this conference is held in Russia on a regular basis.
– The first conference in the modern conditions, in 2005, was held at KarRC RAS. It was internationally important and raised issues concerning both the theory and the practice of forest soil science. And we are glad that the tenth anniversary conference is also held here. It is a pleasure to see the people we have been in touch through all these years as well as new faces in the audience, - said Olga Bakhmet.
KarRC RAS Director General, RAS Corr. Academician Olga Bakhmet
On behalf of the RAS Scientific Council on Forest, CFEP RAS and the Consortium established within the vital innovative project of state significance (VIP SS) “Unified national system for monitoring climate-active substances”, the audience was addressed by Natalya Lukina, RAS Corr. Academician, Director of the RAS Center of Forest Ecology and Productivity. As she pointed out, the fact that the tenth conference is held at KarRC RAS once again emphasizes the importance of the Karelian school in forest soil science.
– Forest soil science topics have become even more relevant due to global climate change. The role of forest soils in climate regulation can hardly be overestimated. Here in Russia, where 70% of the territory is forested, this matter is of paramount importance, - Natalya Lukina emphasized.
Soil studies are given special attention within the VIP SS “Unified national system for monitoring climate-active substances”. Current estimates of greenhouse gas sinks are insufficient for Russia’s huge territory. The project partnership includes 21 organizations from different regions of the country. Scientists are going to apply unified techniques to create updated databases on the state of forest soils and their contribution to carbon cycle regulation. As part of the conference, the workshop “Climate regulating functions of soils and their alteration under human impact” is held on September 19th.
Speaking: Director of the RAS Center of Forest Ecology and Productivity Natalya Lukina
During the conference opening session, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Republic of Karelia Sergey Sharlaev thanked KarRC RAS for long-standing cooperation.
– The Ministry and KarRC RAS have, indeed, established continuous business contacts, which are mutually beneficial for both parties, – he remarked. – We are well aware that everything in the forest first of all begins with the soil. It is perfectly clear to anyone who has ever dealt with rearing planting stock that it’s an absolute prerequisite for a quality output – a grown, full-stocked, fine forest.
Sergey Sharlaev greeted all the conference participants on the Forest Worker Day, which is celebrated on September 17th every year, and handed over departmental awards to scientists. Certificates of Honor from the Karelian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment were awarded to the head and researchers of the Forest Soil Science Laboratory at FRI KarRC RAS Maria Medvedeva, Gulnara Akhmetova, and Anton Solodovnikov. Director of the Forest Research Institute KarRC RAS Alexander Kryshen’ received a Letter of Acknowledgement from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Karelia.
Sergey Sharlaev hands the Letter of Acknowledgement from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Karelia to Director of FRI KarRC RAS Alexander Kryshen’
Alexander Kryshen’ also called it an honor to host the anniversary conference in Karelia. “Although online participation is also possible, many of our colleagues chose to come to Petrozavodsk, both from European Russia and from Siberia. We’re happy to see everyone”, – said Director of the Forest Research Institute KarRC RAS.
In addition to the plenary session and the workshop, the conference program includes seven thematic sessions and excursions to research sites.
