The Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute named after N. A. Avrorin (PABGI) Kola Research Centre RAS, Russian Botanical Society, and the Russian geobotany have suffered an irreparable loss. On April 6, 2024 after a serious illness the outstanding geobotanist, a well-known specialist in the field of studying flora and vegetation of the Far North, a leading research scientist of the PABGI, PhD Natalia Evgenievna Koroleva has left us. Natalia Evgenievna was born in 1963 in Chernovskoe village, Kirov Region, in the family of agronomist and school teacher. After school graduation, in 1981 she entered the Moscow State University, where she specialized in the Department of Geobotany under the supervision by Prof. T. A. Rabotnov and Prof. A. P. Tyrtikov. After the University, in 1986 she was firstly enrolled in the Laboratory of Biocenology and afterwards in the Laboratory of Flora and Plant Resources of the PABGI. From 1986 to 1990, she passed the postgraduate probation in the Komarov Botanical Institute RAS (St. Petersburg) under the supervision by Prof. B. N. Norin. In 1991, she defended her PhD thesis «Vegetation classification of the mountain tundra belt of Khibiny» and received the degree of candidate of biology (PhD). Throughout her scientific life, Natalia Evgenievna was associated with PABGI having gone from probationer to the senior researcher in the Laboratory of Flora and Plant Resources. For many years, she was a Head of Murmansk Branch of the Russian Botanical Society (RBO). She organized and led a lot of geobotanical expeditions to the Murmansk Region and Spitsbergen Archipelago. The geography of her field researches was highly diverse. She brilliantly knew not only the vegetation of the Kola Peninsula, but as well other regions of Russian Arctic, Norway, Finland and Spitsbergen. The study and conservation of species and community diversity of Arctic and Subarctic vegetation, namely the plant cover of the Kola Peninsula and Spitsbergen Archipelago and revealing its transformation under the man impact, was in the focus by Natalia Koroleva scientific interests. She made a great contribution to the study of the Murmansk Region flora and vegetation, the regional Red Book conducting, plant cover monitoring and Nature conservation. In the Natalia Koroleva person, Russian vegetation science has lost an outstanding scientist, the specialist in phytocoenology, vegetation classification, the study of biodiversity and Nature conservation. She elaborated the vegetation classification method based upon the analysis of the uniformity of plant species distribution with similar ecology in particular plant community groups. Using this method, Natalia Evgenievna and her colleagues developed a detailed classification of plant communities and habitat types of zonal and mountain tundra and highland heaths of the Kola Peninsula and Spitsbergen that has resulted in numerous publications. She had published about 150 scientific papers and 10 monographs, books and guides to the Nature reserved territories of Khibiny Mountains, Lovozero Tundra, Spitsbergen and many others that put a huge impact in the development of vegetation science and Nature conservation in the Murmansk Region. She was an editor of many scientific proceedings and collective monographs. Natalia Evgenievna greatly contributed to the training of young scientists: For ten years (2001–2011), she gave lectures at the Apatity Branch of Moscow State Technical University in the ecology, biodiversity, and vegetation classification. Some Master’s and PhD theses were prepared under her supervision. Natalia Evgenievna devoted a lot of time and efforts to the work in RBO. For about 25 years she was a Head of Murmansk Branch of RBO and a member of its Council, took part in the Organizing Committees of numerous conferences, symposiums and workshops held by RBO. The memory of Natalia Evgenievna Koroleva — an outstanding geobotanist, teacher, environmental activist and popularizer of science — will always remain in her numerous scientific works, and in the hearts of students and colleagues.

The scientific-analytical report presents the findings of interdisciplinary research that focuses on examining the population’s perception of climate change in one of the regions of the Russian Arctic, the Murmansk region. The question of public perception of climate change is considered in the context of assessing the social consequences of climate change in the Arctic. Approaches and methods from citizen science are used, which are based on incorporating the knowledge of local residents into the research process. The report presents and introduces into scientific circulation information about the views of the local population on climate change over the past 30 years and the impacts of these changes on natural processes and human activities in the Murmansk region. The central chapter includes materials from in-depth interviews with residents of the region and is called “Field diaries” as a tribute to the tradition of researchers to keep a diary for records during expedition work. The detailed examples show how the analysis of the obtained data was carried out, and the main conclusions of the study are presented. The data contained in the report on the knowledge and perceptions of residents of the Murmansk region about long-term climate change and associated changes in natural systems and everyday life will help expand the potential to provide stakeholders with the information necessary for operational and strategic decisions on adaptation. The work is addressed to researchers, teachers, graduate and undergraduate students, government and municipal employees, and all readers interested in climate change in the Arctic.

The authors give ecological arguments for the creation of the Teriberka Nature Park (2,418.5 ha). The Nature Park is characterized by high recreational potential as well as environmental significance. 18 species of plants and animals listed in the Red Data Book of the Murmansk Region, as well as five ones listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation are recorded within the boundaries of the Natural Park. There are natural-territorial complexes of special aesthetic value here: the valley of the Teriberka River, the coast of the Barents Sea with a rugged coastline, beaches and sea terraces formed by large rounded boulders, Batareisky Waterfall, rocky hills and areas of shrub tundra, interspersed with small lakes, sheer cliffs with colonies sea birds, a number of historical and archaeological sites. Currently, the landscapes of lower reaches of the Teriberka River are experiencing a strong human impact. An important feature of the territory is easy transport accessibility for tourists. At present, the uncontrolled tourist flow is the most significant agent of the territory transformation, as a result of which landscapes with high aesthetic qualities begin to degrade. With the creation of a natural park, the intensity and coverage of human disturbances of landscapes will be reduced, and the existing aesthetic potential of landscapes will be used more efficiently. Land use planning has been developed in order to establish a differentiated regime of special protection. The nature protection areas are intended to preserve the environment in its natural state, and the recreational zone is intended to ensure and implement recreational activities and nature-educational tourism. In order to preserve the landscape and architectural unity of the village and the natural park, regulation has been introduced for the construction of new and reconstructed buildings in accordance with the historical environment.

The work summarizes the results of investigations carried out in three directions (blocks). Block 1. Terrestrial ecosystems in areas of intensive nature management are investigated. Climatic changes and anthropogenic impact result in transformation of landscapes with disturbed or completely destroyed vegetation cover. In freshwater ecosystems cardinal changes in the structural and functional organization from the multifac- torial anthropogenic load against the background of a warming climate were revealed. We obtained unique data on the long-term dynamics of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. Block 2. Enrichment tailings properties were studied, the influence of the dusting season duration and humidity changes on the gross dust emission was assessed; interaction of tailings with soil waters was studied. The potential ecological danger of tailings mineral particles getting into the soil was shown. The losses of non-ferrous metals during the period of waste storage under different climate change scenarios were estimated. Block 3. People’s perceptions of climate change and its social consequences have been studied. The problem of climate change clearly correlates with ecological problems. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Arctic in the context of climate change was studied. The pandemic highlighted the unsustainability of the rotational method of resource development, with rotational camps becoming focal points of epidemiological hazards.

Представлена комплексная стратегическая оценка воздействия на окружающую среду российской программной территории Kolarctic, выполненная консорциумом, управляемым Кольским научным центром Российской академии наук. Отчет включает рекомендации по предотвращению и снижению неблагоприятного воздействия на окружающую среду и мероприятия, поддерживающие развитие российской программной территории. Настоящий отчет рекомендуется учитывать заявителям и будущим партнерам проектов при формировании заявок на период 2021–2027 гг. Дисклеймер. Стратегическая оценка воздействия на окружающую среду выполнена Консорциумом экспертов для российской программной территории и не покрывает всю географическую территорию Арктики, к которой она относится. Оценка окружающей среды указанной территории проводилась с учетом выбранных Программным комитетом ППС «Коларктик» на период 2021–2027 гг. стратегических целей (policy objectives), специфической цели Интеррег (Interreg specific objective) и соответствующим им специфическим целям (specific objectives). Во время разработки отчета Консорциум принимал во внимание документы, предоставленные Управляющим органом и Программным комитетом ППС «Коларктик» на период 2021–2027 гг. по состоянию на 2021 г., а также материалы и динамическую аналитику территории, которой располагает Консорциум в связи со своей профессиональной деятельностью. Данная версия отчета подлежит регулярному пересмотру и уточнениям по мере реализации Программы до 2027 г. Регулирующим документом отношений между Консорциумом (Исполнитель) и Управляющим органом (Заказчик) является контракт на оказание консалтинговых услуг от 03.06.2021 г. (Consultancy Agreement – Strategic Environmental Assessment).

This is the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report for the CBC Programme Kolarctic 2021–2027 in the Russian territory. It has been undertaken by a consortium managed by the Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences on behalf of Managing Authority of Kolarctic CBC. The report includes recommendations on the prevention and reduction of negative environmental impact and activities supporting the Russian program territory development. This report is recommended to take into account applicants and future project partners in the applications development for the period 2021–2027. Disclaimer. The Strategic Environmental Assessment was carried out by the Consortium of Experts for the Russian programme area and does not cover the entire geographic area of the Russian Arctic, to which it, in particular, belongs. The environmental assessment of the indicated area was carried out taking into account the policy objectives, Interreg specific objective, and their corresponding specific objectives selected by the Programming Committee for the period 2021–2027. Preparing the report, the Consortium took into account the current draft documents of the Kolarctic CBC Programme 2021–2027 provided by the Managing Authority, as well as analytic materials and other documents related to the studied territory that the Consortium has available in connection with its activities. This version of report is a subject to regular revision and updates as the key Programme documents are under development. The regulating document between the Consortium (Consultant) and the Managing Authority (Client) is the Consultancy agreement dated 03.06.2021 (Consultancy Agreement –– Strategic Environmental Assessment).

сборник включены тезисы докладов научно-практической конференции, посвященной 90-летнему юбилею Кандалакшского государственного заповедника. Представлены материалы, посвященные обсуждению результатов научных исследований в заповедниках и на прилегающих территориях. Материалы сборника могут представлять интерес для широкого круга исследователей, сотрудников особо охраняемых природных территорий, аспирантов и студентов высших учебных заведений естественнонаучных специальностей.

The book contains current data on the natural and anthropogenic environment of the Khibiny Mountains. The book’s Introduction and 17 chapters describe the geographical location and climate, evolutionary history of the mountains, relief, geologic structure of the prevailing rocks, rivers and lakes, vegetation, flora and fauna. Special part of the book is concerned with the meaning and origin of toponyms in Khibiny Mountains, history of industrialization and current affairs on industrial development. The last chapter observes situation in nature conservation in Khibiny Mountains. An appendix page contains Russian and Latin names of plants, lichens, fungi and animals mentioned in the book. The vegetation map (1:350000) is supplied. The list of useful literature is provided, which also includes some available travel guides to the Khibiny Mountains. The focus of the book is on the brightest and most interesting issues which attract the attention of visitors and arouse their interest. The book is intended for a wide range of readers: residents of the Murmansk region, tourists and visitors, for schoolchildren and students as a guide to local history. The book has been prepared and published at the expense of the International Project «Phenomena of the Arctic Nature» (2019-2022) of Kolarctic CBC Program. This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union in frame of Kolarctic program. The contents of the publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the EU.

Md N. Aziz, V. A. Bakalin , G. Bergamo Decarli, M. Boiko, N. Zagorodniuk, L. M. Boiko, E. A. Borovichev, G. Brusa, M. J. Cano, J. A. Jiménez, S. S. Choi, I. Draper , F. Lara, M. V. Dunlin, J. Enroth, T. Ezer, V. E. Fedosov, E. Fuertes, R. Garilleti , B. Albertos , S. R. Gradstein, A. Graulich, V. Hugonnot, C. W. Hyun, M. Kırmacı, F. Filiz, U. Çatak, N. A. Konstantinova, A. N. Savchenko, M. Kropik, J. Kučera, H. Kürschner, E. Yu. Kuzmina, N. S. Liksakova, D. Maity, P. Martin, T. T. McIntosh, H. M. H. van Melick, B. Moncada, Cs. Németh, S. V. O’Leary, G. F. Peñaloza-Bojacá, S. A. Maciel-Silva, S. Poponessi, A. Cogoni, R. D. Porley, A. D. Potemkin, M. Puglisi, S. Sciandrello , K. K. Rawat, V. Sahu, R. R. Paul, M. Ryan, P. Saha, D. S. Salas, J. G. Segarra-Moragues, F. Sguazzin, N. R. Shafigullina, J. R. Shevock, S. Ștefănuţ, A. Uygur, S. Karaman Erkul, S. Ursavaş, A. Özen, H. G. Zechmeister and R. H. Zander

This article presents data on 18 new non-native species to Murmansk Region: Aconitum neomontanum Wulfen. (Rybachy Peninsula), Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara et Grande (Apatity Town), Blitum virgatum L. (Apatity Town), Brassica oleracea L. (Umba Settlement), Campanula barbata L. (vicinity of Kirovsk Town), Chelidonium majus L. (Kandalaksha Town), Crocus vernus (L.) Hill (vicinity of Kovda Settlement), Doronicum carpaticum (Griseb. et Schenk) Nyman (vicinity of Kovda Settlement), Epilobium bergianum A. K. Skvortsov (Murmansk City), Epilobium pseudorubescens A. K. Skvortsov (Murmansk City, Apatity Town), Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (Rayakoski Settlement), Lilium maculatumThunb. (Kandalaksha Town), Lilium martagon L. (Rybachy Peninsula), Lychnis chalcedonica L. (Kandalaksha Town), Medicago × varia Martyn. (Apatity Town), Myosotis sylvatica Ehrh. ex Hoffm. (Kandalaksha Town, vicinity of Kovda Settlement, Rayakoski Settlement), Nepeta cataria L. (Apatity Town), Papaver croceum Ledeb. (vicinity of Kovda Settlement, Kandalaksha Town), Senecio subalpinus K. Koch (vicinity of Kirovsk Town), Verbascum nigrum L. (Kirovsk Town), Viola × wittrockiana Gams ex Nauenb. et Buttler (vicinity of Kovda Settlement). The information on the new locations and distribution of 32 rare alien species in the region is provided. According to our preliminary assessment, the alien flora of the region includes 502 species, which is quite a lot for such a northern territory. The high diversity is associated with different pathways and time of introduction due to various aspects of human activity. Over the last decades, the most active colonization by non-native species of Murmansk region is associated with modern household plots, urban gardening, plant introduction in the Polar-alpine botanical garden-institute, places of storage of solid household waste and the use of imported soils for siding road slopes. The most remarkable occurrences of non-native species are at the sites of the abandoned settlements of the Finns and Norwegians, as well as at the places of military operations during the Second World War.