The Clean Arctic public environmental project has launched its first expedition to Spitsbergen, departing from Murmansk with a team of 15 volunteers aboard the Professor Molchanov vessel. This mission, which aims to address environmental damage in Russian villages, was initially planned two years ago but was delayed due to geopolitical circumstances. Volunteers from various regions of Russia and Belarus will work to clean up scrap metal and other waste accumulated during the Soviet era, particularly in the villages of Barentsburg and Piramida. The expedition is significant as it represents Russia's ongoing commitment to its presence in the Arctic, with team members insured against potential encounters with polar bears. Since its establishment in 2021, the Clean Arctic project has mobilized nearly 10,000 volunteers, successfully removing over 22,000 tons of waste across northern territories. The project is supported by the Rosatom State Corporation, underscoring the importance of environmental conservation in the Arctic region.