Russia may become a leader in the protection...

Patricia Cochran, who heads the U.S."s Alaska Native Science Commission, said rapid climate change is the main problem facing the Arctic, causing a number of concerns, such as "food safety and security, erosion and permafrost impacting community housing and infrastructure, safe traveling with loss of stable sea ice."

Among other problems, Cochran said, are land and resource development that is not coordinated with the needs of Arctic residents, as well as the loss of cultural identity by indigenous peoples, and health-related issues.

The Russian Geographic Society in cooperation with RIA Novosti will hold an International Arctic Forum under the title "The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue", which will bring together environment experts from across the world, on April 22-23 in Moscow.

"Working together and recognizing the rights of all involved is an important step in resolving these problems. Open discussion among organizations, states and communities is vital. Forums

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