Belarusian scientists eye peat processing projects in Russia’s Arkhangelsk Oblast
10:00, 25 August
Photo: the NASB
The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the government of Russia’s Arkhangelsk Oblast signed a cooperation agreement on 24 August, BelTA learned from the press service of the National Academy of Sciences.
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The document was signed by Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik and Governor of Russia’s Arkhangelsk Oblast Alexander Tsybulsky. The agreement lays the foundation for long-term cooperation in high technologies, environmental protection, and industrial production. Key areas of cooperation include the forestry sector, including forest restoration, afforestation and technologies for deep processing of wood waste, energy and environmental protection, new materials, chemical and biotechnologies, agricultural and construction solutions, IT, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.
The document also provides for creating favorable conditions for the exchange of scientific knowledge and joint research. This will primarily involve establishing joint research and educational facilities, including laboratories and centers of excellence, as well as training highly qualified personnel. The parties also intend to jointly participate in grant competitions and hold international scientific forums, conferences and seminars.
“Signing the agreement with Arkhangelsk Oblast is not just a formality for us, but a strategic step. It is an opportunity to apply our expertise and implement joint projects with our Russian colleagues. Working in the Arctic is certainly a serious challenge, but it is precisely in such harsh conditions that our scientists can introduce the most advanced approaches to peat extraction and processing,” Vladimir Karanik said.
He noted that the Arkhangelsk Oblast has enormous peat reserves. The Russian side and Belarus share the understanding that using peat as fuel is at least outdated. Therefore, the task is to develop deep processing and create biotechnology products, including high-value-added products.
Another important area is forest restoration in a harsh climate. Belarusian scientists have extensive experience in developing plant varieties that successfully adapt to extreme conditions: low temperatures, water shortages, and saline soils.
“There are far more areas of common interest than might seem at first glance: from cellular technologies in medicine to advanced mechanical engineering and environmental protection. Our main task now is to make this agreement a solid foundation on which our joint projects can grow and develop,” Vladimir Karanik emphasized.
