An international forum has convened in Moscow to discuss the future of the rapidly-melting Arctic, including what steps will be taken to change the fate of its most famous inhabitants: polar bears.

The meeting includes representatives from several countries with stakes in the territory, including Canada, Russia, Denmark, Iceland and Scandinavia. While much of the discussion will center around the untapped natural resources lurking underneath the ice, other topics will include conservation.

On Wednesday, leaders heard from Nikita Ovsyannikov, deputy director of Russia's natural reserve on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Sea.

Russian media outlet RIA Novosti quoted the director as saying "If policies and attitudes to the polar bear...do not change, there is a real possibility that we will lose this species."

It is not expected that any binding resolutions or decisions will come out of the talks, which will continue through Thursday.

While polar bears are endangered, travelers can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures on a polar bear tour in Churchill, Canada. The population that makes the trek to a habitat just outside the town is considered to be healthy and is always popular with visitors.