The Russian Arctic remains a logistical challenge for foreign investigators. Although access to colleagues, facilities, and information is now less hampered by security concerns than before, economic and political difficulties can make logistics, permitting, and transportation in the vast Russian Arctic problematic.

Below are some logistics providers and other contacts and information sources:

The Arctic Section of the U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs (OPP) has taken several steps to aid U.S. investigators working in the Russian Arctic. OPP has tasked VECO Polar Resources (VPR) to provide support to specific projects in Russia; in 2001, VPR coordinated and managed logistics and support needs for a 12-person team at Cherskii on the Kolyma River.

The Barrow Arctic Science Consortium

The Barrow Arctic Science Consortium (BASC), using funds from its Cooperative Agreement with NSF OPP, has developed the Chukotka Science Support Group (CSSG) to provide permitting, customs and logistical support in Chukotka. CSSG is staffed by members of two Native groups, the Yupik Eskimo Society and the Naukan Production Cooperative (Chukchi). CSSG currently is supporting several U.S.-funded research projects in Chukotka (for NOAA, EPA and NSF), and developing logistical infrastructure in the villages of Lavrentiya and Provideniya. At the invitation of Governor Roman Abramovich of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, BASC and CSSG are developing background data to assist in selecting sites for marine and terrestrial Environmental Observatories in Chukotka.

Beringian Heritage International Park
Program

The Shared Beringian Heritage Program recognizes and celebrates the contemporary and historic exchange of biological resources and cultural heritage shared by Russia and the United States on both sides of the Bering Strait. The program seeks local resident and international participation in the preservation and understanding of natural resources and protected lands as well as working to sustain the cultural vitality of Native peoples in the Central Beringia region.