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The Barents Euro-Arctic Region was formed in 1993 by the member states
and representatives from the European Union and the United States. The Region includes
Murmansk and Arkhangelsk Oblasts of Russia, the Republic of Karelia, and the Arctic parts
of Finland, Norway and Sweden. More information on the Barents Region and the work and
organization of the Barents Council can be found here.
Challenges and opportunities in the Barents Region Based on
material published in BARENTSwatch 1995 and in 'The Kola Guide', Lars Gyllenhaal, Sept.
1993)
Strengths
- Large pristine areas of nature in all parts of the Region
- Rich multicultural ancient and modern culture
- Major oil and gas deposits in the Barents Sea - similar in size
to the Middle East
- Europe's largest conifer forests
- Significant fishing industry; from the Norwegian and Barents sea
- Some of Russia's most advanced industries and skilled workforce
found in the region
- Major deposits of minerals; copper, nickel, iron, apatite
Weaknesses
- Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts has the worlds largest concentration of nuclear
weapons, reactors and nuclear waste - a potential threat to the environment and the
stability of the region
- The natural resources being exploited in the region are often used in a wasteful way due
to an underdeveloped industry causing major environmental problems in certain areas, in
particular Monchegorsk and Nickel.
- Major investments in infrastructure, plants and processing equipment, and training are
needed to build a sustainable economy
Opportunities
- Build a sustainable economy based on the natural resources found in the region
- Build tourism based on current 'eco-tourism' trends
- Open the North-East passage as the shortest transportation route
between Central Europe, and South-East Asia and Western USA and Canada
Threats
- Political and military tensions re-develop in the region, causing instability and higher
perceived risks on investments
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