Following Arctic expeditions: the mysteries of the Far North were discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
The lecture "Following Arctic Expeditions" was held in the "Geography Class" lecture hall as part of the "Exploring Russia" project. Through legends about pioneers, personal stories of expedition participants, archive footage and analytical observations, the audience traced the path from the first studies of the region to modern scientific and technological projects. The expert was Olga Ladygina, a cultural studies specialist, journalist of the Russian Geographical Society, and author of scientific and popular science articles, textbooks and monographs.
"The Arctic is, on the one hand, a distant, cold and seemingly inhospitable place, and on the other, an absolute treasure trove of opportunities. It is a strategically important region with enormous resource reserves and, at the same time, a unique laboratory for scientists: from glaciologists who study ice to ethnographers researching indigenous peoples and their traditional nomadic way of life," Olga Ladygina said.
The expert began her lecture with the dramatic story of the "Arctic Robinsons". In the 18th century, four Pomor hunters survived on an uninhabited island in the Svalbard archipelago after their ship was wrecked. With one day’s food supply and a single rifle with 12 charges, they not only managed to survive in the icy wilderness for six years, but also built a life there, constructing a hut and a forge and stocking up on animal skins.
The lecturer also recalled famous polar explorers: Otto Schmidt, Fridtjof Nansen, Georgy Brusilov and Vladimir Rusanov. "Many Arctic expeditions ended tragically, but each of them brought valuable geographical, meteorological and cartographic information," she said.
The guests were especially interested in Arctic mysteries: Sannikov Land and other islands that cannot be found, although reports of them appear from time to time. Olga Ladygina explained how misty mirages, drifting ice and disintegrating islands gave rise to legends about unknown lands.
The expert also noted that discoveries are still being made in the Arctic today. One part of the lecture was dedicated to the story of school students who, while studying satellite images, noticed a previously unknown island, after which their observations were confirmed by polar expeditions. "It is still possible to discover something new, and you do not necessarily have to set off on a difficult journey across the ice to do so. Sometimes an attentive look at satellite images is enough, and you have every chance of seeing something on the map that no one had noticed before," she said.
Modern environmental research was also discussed at the event. The audience learnt about permafrost, greenhouse gas emissions and why scientists are monitoring climate change in the north so closely. Using the example of Pleistocene Park in Yakutia, the lecturer explained why the mammoth steppe is being restored, why hoofed animals are being introduced there and why the idea of restoring the mammoth population is being seriously discussed in scientific debate.
"The Arctic is a place about which surprisingly little is still known. But the more deeply you immerse yourself in its history, nature and culture, the more clearly you understand how important it is for the entire planet. That is why it is important to talk about it with young people — to show that there is still room for real discoveries," the expert concluded.
The original cultural and educational project "Exploring Russia" started at the National Centre RUSSIA in April. It is timed to coincide with the "Geography Lessons" exposition and is designed to present our country as a territory of historical mysteries, natural treasures and high-tech solutions. The programme includes a series of expert lectures on Russian cartography, natural resources, geographical discoveries and landmark attractions of the regions, as well as practical workshops.
The schedule of upcoming events as part of the project is available on the russia.ru website in the "Events" section and on the social media pages of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Event photobank
Nikita Kushchenko, Founder and Head of the Kroliki Content Centre, spoke about journalism of the future.
A meeting with popular foreign bloggers was held at the National Centre RUSSIA on International Blogger Day.
On Russia Day, the National Centre RUSSIA became a key space for the All-Russian Classical Music Marathon "Cantata. Russia".
