BarentsPortal

Concerning environmental management issues Norway and Russia have had a Joint Commission on Environmental Protection since 1988. In 2005 a Marine Environment group was established under this commission, with the aim of enhancing the cooperation on ecosystem-based management of the Barents Sea. Under this working group a number of petroleum related projects have been carried out to increase the mutual understanding of the two countries laws and regulations related to their respective petroleum industries. The projects range from seminars comparing Norwegian and Russian environmental regulations regarding the petroleum industry, visits onboard Norwegian and Russian oilrigs, development of best practices for coastal oil spill combat and monitoring of recovery of coastal ecosystems. In 2009 a joint Norwegian - Russian safety and environment audit was carried out on an offshore object in Norway. This was an actual audit, constituting a safety team and a environment team. To increase to mutual learning the Russian team carried out the audit in accordance with Russian regulations and routines.