Workshop on biodiversity and functioning of arctic ecosystems — continuing work on the «Arctic Vegetation Archive» (Arkhangelsk, 21–23 May 2019)

The three-days Arctic Vegetation Archive and Classification Workshop, in which 32 participants from 9 countries (Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Republic of Slovakia, Russia, Switzerland, USA) participated, took place at the Northern Arctic Federal University, Arkhangelsk, Russia on 21–23 May 2019. The participants reviewed success in archiving data into the AVA and regional Archives, which has been achieved in the last 2 years. International Archive already contains large number of datasets, which allowed to define the ways to use this data for the assessment the dynamic of vegetation due to climate change. Discussion was also focused on the results of regional classification with an attempt to come up with a common approach. During the breakout session, attention was brought to the necessity of international communication: everyone agreed that developing a network will make cooperation easier. At the end of the meeting on 23 May the participants stated long-term goals for the next 4 years: Integrate Russian data entries into AVA by Komarov Botanical Institute and A. N. Severtsov Institute working groups; Develop standardized methods for surveys, archiving and classification; Establish the system of databases management and rules for sharing data; Create a central website containing basic information about national Archives, georeferences and links; Establish funding to complete AVA, AVC and the website. Next meeting will take place at Arctic Science Summit Week in Portugal 2021.