-- In both global and Russian practice, the study and designation of geological heritage sites has been initiated since the 1980s. The first one, Adige-Valsugana, appeared in Italy as the starting point of the European Geoparks Network. There are currently 229 geoparks worldwide, located in 50 countries: 75 in Europe, over 100 in Asia, while Russia has only one included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, -- informed Sergey Svetov.
Exhibition of the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS for the Learned Council meeting
According to the speaker, establishing a network of world-class geoparks in Karelia, potentially comprising around 20 sites, would create new cultural anchor hubs across the territory, driving sustainable growth by integrating natural resources, knowledge, production practices, and new employment formats.
-- Geoparks could become the core structural units within a broader model that encompasses protected areas, unique nature monuments, the mining industry, education, science and career guidance, tourism, and event-centered activities, -- believes Sergey Svetov.
[i]Sergey Svetov, Director of the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS
Hence, the scientist argues that Karelia's geological heritage could become a key checkpoint for compiling the republic's integrated innovative strategy, where the past, e.g. depleted deposits and the unique geological record, turns into a resource for the future, and the natural code forms the basis for regional transformation and identity.
A distinctive feature of the geopark network project is that it encompasses virtually the entire territory of Karelia and so can significantly influence the development of the republic as a whole and of each district individually, contributing to Karelia's geopolitical resilience. The next stage for project is to have constructive discussions with authorities and the business community.
A rendering of geopark at Janisjarvi astrobleme site
During the following discussion, Council members – Irina Novak, Director of the Institute of Linguistics, Literature, and History KarRC RAS, and Oleg Kuznetsov, Chief Researcher at the Institute of Biology KarRC RAS – supported the ideas expressed in the presentation, but at the same time emphasized that these issues are to be approached comprehensively and in collaboration with colleagues from other scientific fields.
Support for the idea was also expressed by KarRC RAS CEO Olga Bakhmet. She proposed preparing an analytical brief on the topic for the authorities and the business community, as well as organizing a seminar early next year for colleagues from other institutes interested in this project.
Yulia Chirkova, Deputy Director, IAMR KarRC RAS
A scientific lecture regarding the analysis of traffic flows on the road graph of Petrozavodsk was delivered by Yulia Chirkova, Dr.Sci., Leading Researcher at the Institute of Applied Mathematical Research (IAMR) KarRC RAS. The speaker noted that most of the project research is theory-oriented, yet an important part of the project involves solving practical tasks in the field of transport systems analysis. One of the key tasks is constructing and analyzing a model of the city's existing transport system with characteristics resembling real ones as much as possible.
-- Such a model allows assessing the efficiency of the transport system and identifying, through numerical experiments, how planned and ongoing transport infrastructure projects will affect traffic organization in the city, -- said Yulia Chirkova.
Discussion upon Yulia Chirkova’s presentation
Scientists conducted experiments to calculate the equilibrium and optimal distributions of traffic flows on the city's road graph. This included a comparison of the efficiency of Petrozavodsk's existing transport system versus the planned system after the commissioning of a tunnel under the railway, which demonstrated the advisability of building such a tunnel at Dostoevsky Street alignment.
Discussing action plan for the Transactions of KarRC RAS Journal
In addition to the scientific presentations, members of the Learned Council discussed a number of administrative matters. Editor-in-Chief of the Transactions of KarRC RAS Journal, Corresponding Academician Alexander Titov presented the journal's publication schedule. He also announced that the journal's publication frequency will change in the coming year – there will be twelve instead of eight issues.
The Learned Council's work plan and the KarRC’s events plan for 2026 were presented by the Centre's Secretary for Science, Natalya Fokina.
-- Next year the Karelian Research Centre celebrates an anniversary. Events dedicated to the Centre's 80th anniversary will begin on Russian Science Day, February 8, and the main events will take place in September, -- reminded KarRC RAS leader Olga Bakhmet.
Concluding the meeting, Olga Bakhmet congratulated all participants on the upcoming New Year and wished them health, successful projects, and creative achievements.
