����Vlog��ý

The First All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference with international participation “Russia in the Decade United Nations of Ocean Sciences” was held in ����Vlog��ý MIREA (Children’s Technopark “Altair”) between October 24 and 28, under the auspices of the Marine Board of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Interdepartmental National Oceanographic Commission (INOC), with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The conference took place within the framework of the Forum, which also includes the XI International Scientific and Practical Conference “Marine Research and Education” held by the Center for Marine Research of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the international event “Ocean Science: Aspects of International Cooperation in the Arctic” held on the premises of the Kurchatov Institute Research Center.

The conference was organized by the Institute for Comprehensive Studies of National Maritime Policy (Director — A.L. Balyberdin), a structural subdivision of ����Vlog��ý MIREA which works for the scientific support of maritime activities. In particular, the Institute is developing a concept and a platform for information support for the implementation of the national maritime policy in terms of science and education, ongoing marine scientific research, the implementation of the goals and main directions of Russia’s actions to implement the “UN Decade of Ocean Sciences”, and also carries out a comprehensive assessment of national security in the field of maritime activities.

The conference was attended by representatives of the federal executive authorities of the Russian Federation, executive authorities of the coastal regions of the Russian Federation, foreign states, research and educational organizations subordinate to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and other departments, organizations related to maritime activities, including representatives of the Club of Admirals and Generals of the Navy — in total, more than 300 people. Moreover, about 200 people took part in the conference in on-line format.

In his welcoming speech to the participants of the conference, Denis Valentinovich Manturov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Minister of Industry and Trade, Chairman of the Maritime Board under the Government of the Russian Federation pointed out the importance of holding a conference that is to become a significant popular science event aimed at increasing the availability of research results to the public, support for the most significant events and initiatives to achieve the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences, and to attract young people, students and young scientists to the study of the oceans and marine activities at large.

Vladimir Eduardovich Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, Deputy Director General of UNESCO, took an active part in the work of the conference. He welcomed the conference participants and also delivered a key-note presentation.

Each of the five days of the conference focused on a specific Decade Expected Outcome: An Inspiring Ocean, Healthy ocean, Predictable ocean, Safe ocean, Accessible ocean, and Productive ocean. In conformity with the program, the conference participants took part in 20 thematic round table discussions, as well as 6 special thematic sessions were brought together under the title “Ocean and Health”. A popular scientific publication — Blue Economy: Terms and Definitions, which is the first publication of the kind in the Russian Federation, was presented within the framework of the conference with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

The work of the conference was aimed to develop new partnerships between science, education, authorities, business circles and society in conducting ocean research and using its results; initiate joint development of new projects and programs within the framework of the Decade; involve new stakeholders to solve the problems facing humanity and achieve the projected results of the Decade.

Particular attention in the work of the conference was given to the Maritime Doctrine of the Russian Federation, approved by the Presidential Decree in July this year. In particular, the conference resolution noted the timeliness and urgency of adopting the new Maritime Doctrine, a strategic planning document in the national maritime policy of the Russian Federation aimed to develop and strengthen the maritime potential of the country.

The maritime doctrine aims the state authorities of the Russian Federation, organizations-subjects of maritime activity to increase the efficiency of the implementation of the national maritime policy in its functional and regional directions. The doctrine emphasizes the expansion of marine scientific research aimed at obtaining systemic knowledge about the World Ocean, studying its resources and spaces in the interests of socio-economic development and strengthening national security. Also, emphasis is placed on increasing the applied focus of research on the World Ocean.

At the conference, acclaimed experts and prominent scientists discussed topical issues of development and popularization of the potential of ocean science. Projects were presented aimed to increase the availability of research results and raise awareness of the importance of the oceans for the humans.

Also, within the framework of the conference, exhibitions, foresight sessions and competitive events for the best scientific works, videos and 3D models among students were held. Upon the results of competitive events, winners were selected and awards were given.

Upon the completion of the Conference, it is planned to publish the book “Russia in the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences”, which, in particular, will include abstracts of the conference participants’ presentations.