ARKHANGELSK, August 10. /TASS/. A scientific and environmental expedition is exploring for the first time in the Arkhangelsk Region's Onega Pomorie National Park the lakes that are minimally affected by human impact, the Clean North – Clean Country environmental movement told TASS.

"The Clean North – Clean Country environmental movement, supported by the Ecosystem movement and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, is launching a research expedition under the EcoSpetsnaz project," the organizers said. "A team of young scientists from the Arctic Team student corps, environmental activists, and combat veterans will travel to the Onega Pomorie National Park to conduct a comprehensive study of lakes, located in a minimal anthropogenic impact zone."

The expedition will be three days long. It will continue the NoMoreTrash project. While its participants previously focused on eliminating accumulated environmental damage, including during a coastal cleanup in the village of Stary Varandey in the Nenets Autonomous Region, now they will focus primary on studying the so-called "clear background" -the natural state of northern water bodies.

During the research, specialists will record natural indicators of water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystems' health. Obtained data will be used in assessing human impact on nature in the region's other areas and in developing a long-term environmental monitoring system.

The project's key feature would be the participation of young scientists and veterans of the special military operation. The veterans will continue the tradition of participating in environmental expeditions to remote areas, established in 2022. They will be involved in fieldwork, logistics, and in the research's photo and video recording.

The expedition participants will travel on foot not to affect the national park's natural complexes and to get to hard-to-reach lakes. The research program will include hydrology measurements, hydro-chemical water tests, geo-botanical descriptions, and mapping of the studied areas.

"During the current Year of Culture of the Russian North in the Arkhangelsk Region, the project aims to develop civil science and engage young specialists in comprehensive studies of the northern territories. The expedition's key objective is to test practically modern environmental monitoring technologies to combine scientific research with practical volunteering," the Clean North – Clean Country environmental movement's COB Artem Smolokurov said. "The project's important component is environmental education, where we want to foster environmental awareness and understanding of the importance to preserve natural ecosystems for future generations."

Following the expedition, specialists will prepare reports on every studied water body, databases of hydro-chemical and biological indicators, and maps showing distribution of environmental characteristics. Obtained data will be used to develop a program for regular monitoring of the national park's lakes.

In addition to scientific results, the project will be of an educational value. The expedition's materials will be used for photo exhibitions, lectures, and educational projects dedicated to the study of northern nature, and will also draw attention to development of civil science and environmental volunteering.