Bellona and the Environmental Policy in the Barents Region: A Pivotal Facilitator

Abstract

Initiated in 1986, the Bellona Foundation has been a strategic conveyor and influencer on major ecological issues in the Barents region for over 30 years (e.g., nuclear safety, industrial pollution, energy transition). Indisputably, the Norwegian NGO has been a vector for building a long-term dialogue between Norway and Russia after the Cold War. This non-state actor has evolved in recent decades to address new environmental challenges. Indeed, the Norwegian association actively participated in the positive development in the regional cooperation. Despite the process of hardening of the Russian regime, Bellona succeeded to maintain a steadfast leadership on regional ecological matters. This is particularly true about the international cooperation framework implemented regarding decommissioning Soviet nuclear-powered submarines in the Barents Sea. Above all, this chapter will highlight how a civil movement may significantly impact policies and legal frameworks in the Arctic area. From public mobilization over the risk of radioactive pollution to the key partnership with the cruise company Hurtigruten on decarbonization strategy, Bellona stands as a prominent non-governmental stakeholder in the Arctic. This enables the NGO to be a leading policy advisor in the implementation of an environmental stewardship.