As I mentioned yesterday, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco would be in Archangelsk, Russia to participate in the 2nd Annual International Arctic Forum entitled, The Arctic: The Territory of Dialogue.  Well, he’s there.  🙂

The conference, held at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University in Arkhangelsk, was attended by over 300 researchers, scientists, activists, and politicians from around the world.  Discussions during today’s event focused on:

… on creating Arctic transportation infrastructure as a foundation for the development of the Arctic.  This primarily involves the development of commercial and research navigation, transportation terminals (sea ports and airports) and corridors (the Northern Sea Route), polar aviation, cargo and passenger trans-polar and cross-polar transportation. Steady development of this infrastructure is vital for the very existence of the Arctic region.cooperative efforts to protect the Arctic environment, environmental safety, the rational use of natural resources in the Arctic …

After a brief lunch, Prince Albert II gave a speech regarding the environment and greenhouse gas emission cuts:

The international community can not remain in its current passive condition and hold back from new obligations after the first round of the Kyoto commitments expires…

I would post the entire speech (which, in my opinion, is interesting); however, it will probably bore the crap out of many… so I’ll spare you.  Anyway, to view photos please click here.

Photo courtesy of: Reuters/A. Druginyn