The overall goal of the project is to reduce the contamination of the Arctic environment by persistent toxic substances (PTS). Recent studies have shown significantly elevated environmental levels of PTS in the Russian Arctic, where, due to the present economic problems, consumption of highly contaminated country food by indigenous peoples is increasing (walrus, bowhead whale, etc.). Specifically, the project will: a) assist the indigenous peoples in developing appropriate remedial actions to reduce the health risks resulting from the contamination of their environment and traditional food sources; b) enhance the position of the Russian Federation in international negotiations to reduce the use of PTS, and empower indigenous peoples to participate actively and fully in these negotiations; and c) enable the Russian Federation and the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON) to increase their involvement in the work of the eight-nation Arctic Council to reduce emissions of PTS.

Project Details

GEF Project ID
807
Country
Russian Federation
Implementing Agencies
United Nations Environment Programme
Approval FY
2000
Status
Completed
Region
Europe and Central Asia
Executing Agencies
Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON) and Secretariat of the Arctic Monitoring and Asessment Progamme (AMAP)
GEF Period
GEF - 2
Project Type
Medium-size Project
Focal Areas
Funding Source
GEF Trust Fund

Financials

USD
Co-financing Total
2,010,000
GEF Project Grant
725,000
GEF Agency Fees
0

Timeline

Concept Approved
22 Feb 2000
Project Approved for Implementation
21 Feb 2000
Project Closed
29 Nov 2006