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The program of cross-border
co-operation of the Republic of Karelia for 2001-2006
http://euregio.karelia.ru/site/Programmes/?lang=eng
The Program "Our common border
2001-2006" is based on two programs "The program of cross-border
co-operation of the Republic of Karelia for 2001-2006"and "Interreg-IIIA-
Karelia 2000-2006". This program is the basis for co-operation
within the framework of Euregio Karelia. According to the European
experts' opinion this is a unique document in its way, because there
is no similar examples either in European Union or in Russia. One of
the objectives of this program is to present to European Union
common approach of the Finland's and Russian Federation's border
regions to problems facing in cross-border co-operation and to
transfer decision-making powers on Tacis/CBC projects to the
regional level.
The Interreg III A Karelia programme
area comprises the regions of Kainuu, North Karelia and Northern
Ostrobothia as well as the Karelian Republic. The area is situated
in the north-eastern border region of the European Union, bordering
on the Gulf of Bothnia in the west and on the White Sea in the east.
The Interreg regions have approximately 700 km of common border with
the Karelian Republic, which is more than one half of the Union's
whole land border with Russia. The size of the programme area is 263
667 km2, of which 180 500 km2 belongs to the Karelian Republic.
The Regional cross-border cooperation
programme of the Karelian Republic includes a big amount of projects
(nearly 50). The Karelian Republic has bound itself to the
realisation of these projects to a certain limit. The projects of
the Karelia Interreg programme are not ready yet, but they will be
formulated in accordance with the applications of different
organisations during the programme period. Therefore it is not
possible and not even necessary -at this stage to name the projects
supporting each other across the border. During the programme period
the projects will attain a concrete form and become realisable.
After this the Administrative Committee of Euregio Karelia will
decide separately for each project how the realisation of each
project will be promoted. In this connection, the projects will be
presented per priorities and only on the level of measure entities.
Priority 1. Economic cooperation
Measure 1.1. Development of business life in border regions
This measure entity includes utilisation of the region's own natural
resources. Analysis of the ore resources in the proximity of the
Finnish border and their eventual utilisation forms an important
part. Exploitation of the ores could at its best mean wide
cooperation with the Finnish party following the example of
Kostamuksha. Wood resources are a natural resource in the Karelian
Republic, and use of wood for energy purposes could be increased
significantly. The districts of the Karelian Republic have plans
with regard to drawing up of the regions' development plans and to
their implementation. Development of tourism by utilising various
nature activities plays an important role in the development
work.
Priority 2. Culture of transparent border
Measure 2.1. Cultural cooperation in border regions
This measure entity includes projects related to the development of
culture. The cultural villages located in the border regions are
unique entities, and their conservation, restoration and
strengthening occupies a significant role in the cultural programmes
of both countries. Also different forms of folklore and popular
tradition, both in the form of performing arts and of handicrafts,
are closely connected to these villages. Common efforts are needed
in order to preserve these skills and traditions. On the other hand,
also new arts can be created on the basis of the cultural tradition
by utilising modem technology. This requites unprejudiced
interaction and the common language plays an important role in this
work.
Priority 3. Cooperation in border regions
Measure 3.1. Prevention of health risks
The increase in international traffic on the border between Finland
and Russia has signified increase in international trade and at the
same time also in wealth, but it has also implied increase in
various infectious and contagious diseases. Preventive actions are
the most effective means to fight these risks. " This measure entity
includes projects destined to different risk groups (tuberculosis,
diabetes, venereal diseases, use of drugs etc.). Citizens' own
voluntary work is important for the creation of many projects. This
work will be developed under the theme "civil society".
Measure 3.2. Securing of social services
This entity comprises projects in the organisation of which
cross-border cooperation is particularly fruitful and productive,
such as projects within fIre and rescue services, in which good
results have already been reached. Projects related to the securing
of the availability of pure water and to waste water treatment are
important, because they contribute to the decrease in health risks.
In addition, this entity includes projects related to nature
protection, prevention of pollution and treatment of toxic
substances.
Measure 3.3. Promotion of cross-border traffic
Promotion of cross-border traffic and increasing of contacts between
people living in the border region by facilitating border
formalities are central objectives in the border region cooperation.
Securing and promotion of flexible operation at the existing
international border-crossing points is an important objective in
the border region. In addition, both parties agree about the need
for a new international border-crossing point (Kortesalmi-Suopera)
at the height of Kuusamo. There are also some border-crossing points
of a lower status, through which the needs of the local people shall
be satisfied by various means. Development of local administration
helps the citizens in the border region to solve their own local
problems. Projects supporting this cooperation belong to this
measure entity.
Regional Council of Kainuu
Kauppakatu 1
87100 KAJAANI, FINLAND
Tel.: + 358 8 71 11
Fax: + 358 8 71 71 260
E-mail:
kainuunliitto@kainuu.fi
Regional Council of Northern Karelia
Torikatu 9 А
80100 JOENSUU, FINLAND
Tel.: + 358 13 259 110
Fax: + 358 13 259 1130
E-mail:
info@pohjois-karjala.fi
Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia
Kauppurienkatu 8
90100 OULU, FINLAND
Tel.: + 358 8 321 4000
Fax: + 358 8 321 4013
E-mail:
info@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
Republic of Karelia
185630 RUSSIA, PETROZAVODSK
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Gertsen street 13
Tel.: + 7 8142 77 12 67
Fax: + 7 8142 76 22 00
E-mail:
mvs@karelia.ru
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