At the beginning of 2008 the RREC and UNDP of Russia initiated the first Russian project aimed at developing regional strategies for climate change adaptation.
Murmansk oblast located at the north of European part of Russia was chosen as a pilot region. The choice was based on the one hand on substantial interest of the international community to the problems of Arctic region
and extreme vulnerability of the region to climate change, and on the other hand on the potential
opportunities which might arise under the condition of changed climate (development of the Northern Sea Route, agriculture etc).
Besides, Murmansk oblast has high population density in comparison to other parts of Russia Arctic Region and increased concentration of strategically important and climate- dependant economic sectors.
Therefore consequences of climate change will be more evident and can provide greater impact on economics and population in comparison to other regions of Russian Arctic area.
The project purpose is to undertake an integrated assessment of climate change impact on the region of Russian Federation (Murmansk oblast), its economic development, social aspects, and develop a proposal on adaptation strategies for different economic sectors for further inclusion into the program of socio-economical development of the region. The project intends to attract public attention to the problem of climate change and improve awareness on climate change.
RREC and UNDP of Russia developed an analytical report on “Necessity for development of integrated strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Russian Arctic regions (at the example of Murmansk oblast)”.
The main purpose of the report is compilation of overview which could provide a basis for further
elaboration of targeted program on socioeconomic development of Murmansk oblast as a whole and inparticular economic sectors, which would envisage reducing vulnerability of environment, economy and society to climate change and introduction of measures aimed at lowering anthropogenic pressure on climate via development of energy efficiency, renewable energy and lowcarbon technologies.
In such a way, the report will focus not only on adaptation measures but will also address development of integrated solutions involving climate change mitigation issues.