More than 2,600 positive decisions on land plot allocations in Arctic Karelia have been approved under the Hectare in the Arctic program, announced Republic Head Artur Parfenchikov during his annual report to the Regional Legislative Assembly.

Plots of up to one hectare are the most frequently selected, though collective applications may secure parcels of up to ten hectares.

The republic has established seven agglomerations, comprising 182 land plots with a total area of 226 hectares. Applicants may choose plots in the Kostomuksha urban district, as well as the Segezha and Belomorsk municipal districts, and the Kalevala, Loukhi, and Kem districts.

Recipients of these hectares may use the land either for residential construction – accounting for roughly 50 percent of cases – or to develop tourism projects, representing approximately 20 percent. Already, some residents have formalized title to their plots.

“We will continue the work we have pursued for several years through projects and programs aimed at developing Karelia’s Arctic territories – to further improve life in the republic’s north. Today, Karelia ranks second in land allocations under the Hectare in the Arctic program, despite the fact that Karelia’s Arctic zone constitutes only about 1 percent of Russia’s total Arctic landmass. The republic has approved 2,600 land applications, with over 1,900 individuals – not only residents of Karelia but also from other Russian regions – having already received plots,” the regional government press service quoted Parfenchikov as saying.

This year, Karelia plans to incorporate an additional 660 hectares into the Hectare in the Arctic program, primarily unused reserve lands. The draft legislation has already been prepared and is undergoing coordination with municipal authorities.

Additionally, during the recent International Arctic Forum in Murmansk, the head of Karelia directed a proposal to the federal level to include plots under demolished dilapidated housing in the program. Parfenchikov also highlighted the construction of two tourism facilities on Karelia’s White Sea coast: a 160-person aqua-thermal complex in Belomorsk and a year-round hotel complex in Kem. President Vladimir Putin instructed the federal Government to support regional projects that unlock new opportunities in the Arctic and enhance interest in northern territories.

Residents of the Arctic Zone – 73 of whom were registered as of April 1 this year – are making significant contributions to the northern economy. Their projects represent a total investment of around 104 billion rubles and the creation of over 2,400 jobs.