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Barents 2010 Sector Programmes (SP)
As part of the SWOT analysis and the multilayered and multilateral dialogue process within the Barents 2010 project, five frame sector programmes have been launched. They all have a distinct orientation towards the use of the natural resources of the region and related logistical issues. The programmes are at present still in an early formative phase. A specific region takes a leading role in each sector programme and identifies partner regions. As the sector programmes have a frame character, the next step in the action plan is to create bilateral or multilateral targeted pilot projects within each programme.
Key issues are logistics, ecological concern, financial arrangements, education, wood processing and fuel production. Special emphasis is on creating employment opportunities. A partnership between various actors has been established and will continue to find additional partners. It is stated that a transport system labelled the Barents Link, connecting Archangelsk with ice free ports in northern Norway, is of critical importance for the planned efforts. The collaboration will mainly be across Komi, Archangelsk, Karelia, Lapland, Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Nordland.
OIL AND GAS SECTOR PROGRAMME
The goal is to make the northern regions attractive for investments and economic growth in the field of oil and gas industry where efforts shall be characterised by ecological concern. The collaboration will be across Nordland, Troms, Oulu, Norrbotten, Murmansk, Archangelsk and Nenets. There are also a number of participating supplier networks and associations, for example North Calotte Supplier Network, the Snøhvit group, the Snøhvit Business Association and Euro-Arctic Petroleum Society. Planned actions include technology development to handle acute pollution and safety at sea with an Arctic preparedness. Special attention is paid to the role of SMEs.
MINERALS AND METALS SECTOR PROGRAMME
The programme encompasses three different types of materials: industrial minerals, dimension stones and ores. Besides challenges in terms of technological advances, the importance of legislation is significant. There are at present strong contrasts in that respect between the nation states. In addition it must be noted that new legislation will be launched in Norway and Russia in the near future. Sweden and Finland introduced new legislation in 1993 which promoted an enormous investment boom. A great number of actors on local, regional, national and international levels and differences in legislative frameworks call for a permanent Barents organisation. Key issues for such an organisation are legislation on mining, legislation on mining and the environment, environmental work related to mining and metallurgy, and education.
TOURISM SECTOR PROGRAMME
The long term goal is to develop tourism in a broad Barents Region perspective. By setting common priorities, common goals will be achieved. In order to do this, there is a need for common cross-border frameworks to support the activities and co-ordinate actions. The starting point of the programme is to bring added value to tourism by connecting regional resources through a systematic use, and the introduction of an Arctic Europe Marketing Plan. Another important point to consider is the financing of cross-border activities. Four regions, one from each of the Barents countries, will be involved in the first phase. The programme will gradually be opened up for other participating regions. The four regions are Lapland, Norrbotten, Murmansk and Finnmark.
SECTOR PROGRAMME ON EAST-WEST LOGISTICS – BARENTS LINK
A key issue is to elaborate the concept of an efficient and competitive east-west-oriented freight corridor within the Barents Region. The tasks under the Barents 2010 project include finding regions and other stakeholders on different levels that are willing to participate.
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