OREANDA-NEWS. December 17, 2008. Increasing industrial pressure and looming consequences from rapidly progressing climate change were key factors why Norway, Russia, Finland and Sweden last week signed an agreement on emergency situations cooperation.

-The deal is one of the most important accomplishments of the Barents Cooperation, Anna Lund, deputy leader of the International Barents Secretariat said.

-This significantly increases the level of security in the region. Replacing time consuming transport with effective use of rescue resources across national borders makes a great difference to people in distress, she says. - Using resources more effectively will prevent far reaching consequences from both natural and man-made emergencies, she adds.

Climate change and new industrial challenges have been key factors in the negotiation process, which has lasted about three years.

“The increasing level of industrial activities in the north and the bigger number of emergency situations spurred by climate change strengthens the need for the development of direct cross-border cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region”, a press release from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reads.

The agreement emphasizes early and effective notification of emergencies on land, at sea or on ice, and effective routines for communication and decision making. It sets out the pre conditions for the establishment of contact points in each country, for providing cross border mutual assistance in case of emergency, facilitating for cross border transfer of staff and equipment.

The agreement has been negotiated in the Interim Committe on Rescue Cooperation under the chairmanship of Mrs. Bente Michaelsen, Senior Adviser at Ministry of Norway. It was launched three years ago with the aim of reaching the agreement. Parts of the preparatory work have also taken place with finances from the EU Interreg IIIA Nord program.