Russland - Promoting environmentally and socially sound oil and gas development in North West Russia

The Barents Sea lies makes up 7% of the Arctic Ocean and washing the shores of both Norway and Russia. Leading Norwegian companies like Statoil, Norsk Hydro and Aker Kvaerner that want to do business there, have accumulated an enormous technological poten tial and operational experience. This also includes health, environmental and safety (HES) and social management systems, stakeholder engagement and development of social investment programmes. Russian companies are now forming joint ventures with Western multinationals and some are seeking finance from Western and multilateral banks, who require adherence to international social and environmental standards. There is a strong motivation for the Russian public and private sector to increase the competitive ness of Russian enterprises in the sphere of HES management and social performance, as well as technical expertise. While Russia has a strong history of corporate responsibility in the sense of providing socio-economic support to local communities, its hi story of poor environmental regulation and lack of strategic planning have led to considerable environmental damage in all types of resource-extraction activities. Furthermore working conditions and labour standards in Russian firms tend to be lower than those offered by Western companies. Our key research questions are threfore: What are the key areas where capacity building and knowledge transfer could most benefit Russian stakeholders, leading to improved HES and social performance of the oil and gas i ndustry? Who are the key stakeholders who should take part in the knowledge transfer? In which areas can Norwegian experience be most valuable? In which areas do Norwegian and other foreign companies require a better understanding of Russian legislation, practice and cultural context/norms? What are the most effective methods for two-way knowledge transfer and organisational learning?