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WWF Polar Bear Expedition Diary

Margaret Williams, leader for WWF's Bering Sea & Kamchatka ecoregion, traveled to Chukotka, the northeastern most corner of Siberia on an expedition in April 2007. With several Russian and American colleagues, Margaret and her team traveled over 700 miles across the roadless, snow-covered Chukotka Peninsula to reach the small village of Vankarem, north of the Arctic Circle on the Chukchi Sea. The expedition is part of an ambitious effort to protect and study polar bears and address an increasing problem caused by climate change -- conflict between polar bears and humans.

Join Margaret on her journey across the vast and frozen tundra, and learn more about WWF's work in the Bering Sea & Kamchatka ecoregion.

Part 13: Last day in Chukotka
Before we head to the airport we cross the frozen Anadyr Bay to visit the town of Ugolnie Kopie or coal mines. Coal is among the many resources in the region that are mined and exported to other parts of the Far East. We visit the new Ugolnie Kopie school - a product of recent investment by the regional government, whose budget skyrocketed in the late 1990s thanks to Governor Roman Abramovich.

Julia Potyemkina, the science teacher, greets us at the door. During our quick tour we are amazed at the quality of the building. In addition to its classrooms, the school boasts a state-of-the art theater and gymnasium, the latest in computer technology, a dance studio, and a modern cafeteria. I've never seen anything like it in Russia. In science class, the students are eagerly waiting to meet our entourage of polar bear experts.

Most of the students are members of the WWF Kids Clubs, and with Julia's guidance, participate in outdoor activities and nature studies. They organize events for Earth Day and prepare posters and presentations on migratory birds and other wildlife. On behalf of WWF Russia, Viktor presents Julia with a certificate recognizing her group as one of the most active and successful WWF Kids' Clubs in Russia. They are excited about the award, and in turn present us with a group presentation, half of which is delivered in song, about nature and the world's oceans. As we tell the students about the trip to Vankarem we are peppered with questions about bear behavior, distribution, and their interactions with humans.

Soon it's time to head to the airport. It's been a whirlwind trip but we leave knowing that a great deal has been accomplished. WWF's ability to work at a very local level with colleagues such as Vlad and Sergey Kavriy is critical to our success in the Arctic, where communities' traditions, cultures, and livelihoods are intimately tied to the natural environment. At the same time, we are able to engage political leaders like Vasily Maximov and the governor's staff to further understanding and garner support for WWF's conservation initiatives.

In the airport, we strip off our huge down parkas and stow our heavy boots and snow pants, stuffing them into our luggage. These won't be needed in the warm spring temperatures of Moscow and Anchorage. As I reflect on the expedition, I think of the beautiful and threatened realm of ice and snow I have witnessed here in Chukotka. This vast, wild, and sparsely populated region is so important to Arctic wildlife and traditional cultures. It is changing fast, however. The challenges we face in the fight to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; to protect threatened ecosystems; and to help humans and wildlife adapt, are huge. Yet we can all make a difference, even at a very local scale. I am grateful that WWF's conservation partners like Vlad and Sergey Kavriy are willing to try. They are knowledgeable and dedicated and their efforts help to fuel my hopes for the Arctic.

posted by World Wildlife Fund # 9:42 AM