NEWS

17 October 2007
 Energy & Enviro Finland, 3/2007


Special issue:
 ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN RUSSIA

Foreword

In this issue Finnish experts present their views how to respond environmental challenges in Russia and to turn them into opportunities through Finnish-Russian cooperation. Most of the experts have 10 - 20 years experience of Finnish-Russian cooperation.

The cooperation between the two countries has long traditions and is mostly based on written agreements, but behind the success is also another important thing - personal friendship contacts.

Lauri Kinnunen
Editor in Chief

Finnish-Russian environmental cooperation – prospects, problems and possibilities to boost cooperation

The Finnish-Russian cooperation has resulted in several improvements for the environment's best. But strong measures are still needed  for the Sea. For its significant part, the Finnish-Russian cooperation has also created a basis for EU-Russia environmental cooperation, says Paula Lehtomäki , Minister of the Environment of Finland, in her article.



Sitra’s Russia Program created
Framework for Finnish-Russian environmental cooperation

Sitra’s Russia Program has boosted Finnish-Russian cooperation in the areas of forestry, forest industries, logistics, innovations, high-tech and building. The Program has responded this challenge with creating a cooperation framework for waste management and energy services for selected regions in Russia, according to Maaret Heiskari , Executive Director, Sitra's Russia Program.




More competitiveness and sustainability needed
 Development of Russian forest sector through cooperation

The positive economic development in Russia and new forest legislation provide the Russian forest industry an opportunity to prepare for competitive and sustainable future. The good competitive position is however eroding because the capital expenditure has in recent years been only third of the required level, according to Petteri Pihlajamäki , Executive Vice President, Pöyry Forest Industry Consulting Oy.


Biomass-based energy production would bring comprehensive local benefits

Russia has huge resources of wood, peat and other biomass-based material. Utilization of this potential would help to respond to energy, environmental and economic challenges, especially in rural districts of the Russian Federation, says Professor Pauli Jumppanen ,  PJ consulting Oy, currently Chairman of the Finnish - Komi Working Group for Economic Cooperation.



Kemira Water and St. Petersburg waterworks
Collaboration gains interest throughout Russia

Kemira Water and St. Petersburg's waterworks have been collaborating for drinking water and waste water treatment. One important milestone was reached recently when St. Petersburg phosphorous removal system was taken in use. The cooperation has attracted considerable interest throughout Russia,  says  Helena Lähteenmäki , General Manager Russia, Kemira Water.



Finnish environmental expertise gaining results in Russia

In 2005, Lassila & Tikanoja (L&T) established a joint venture with the Russian City of Dubna to concentrate on environmental management and is gradually spreading in Russia. One of keys of the success is a functional dialogue and close cooperation with local residents, authorities and businesses. Dubna has quickly become our flagship in Russia, says L&T’s Jari Sarjo , President and CEO.


Lahti Science and Business Park
Center of environmental excellence provides solid basis for network-based cooperation

By providing first-class working environment for companies in the field of environmental technology and business, the Lahti Science and Business Park has become the centre of environmental technology and business in Finland. Lahti region is an example how local cooperation may create partners for global cooperation, according to Lauri Ylöstalo , CEO, the Lahti Science and Business Park Ltd.




VTT sees innovative cooperation opportunities for sustainable future   

VTT has cooperated with Russian partners in nuclear safety and environmental measurements. Based on beneficial experiences, the VTT is interested in extension of cooperation for utilisation of forest raw material into into high-grade chemicals. In addition, eco-building, energy efficiency and climate change related services may open wide cooperation possibilities, says Professor Kari Larjava , Vice President, Technology, VTT.



Space technology – a forerunner in Finnish-Russian high-tech cooperation

Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI),  the leading institute carrying out R&D for space technology in Finland, has along decades had close co-operation with Russian experts. Currently,  the partners are collaborating to create an Earth observation Mission to study the terrestrial atmosphere and the environment as well as a Martian exploration mission, says Dr. Ari-Matti Harri , Group Manager, Space Technology, FMI.


Sochi's Winter Olympic Games - an important environmental benchmark for entire Russia
The ambitious games plan of the Russian City of Sochi includes strong efforts to save the environment in terms of sustainable development. For instance, the city  aims to be carbon neutral and zero-waste city. As a result, the city sets a new standard in environmental awareness and  responsibility and provides true model for sustainable development for the entire Russia.



Facts:

The Russian Federation

 Finland



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