nrg4SD participates in Rural Development Workshop, 26-30 September, Khanty-Mansiysk

nrg4SD participated in the Rural Development Workshop organised by the Northern Forum in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia from 26-30 September 2011.

For many years, the Northern Forum regions have been trying to find solutions for remote communities in the North and in the Arctic who are faced with unprecendented challenges stemming from rapid climate change, unsustainable cost of living, unemployment, cuts in federal budgets and other factors, leading to the question of whether these communities will survive in the future. During the four day workshop, adaptation and development strategies were discussed.

With the impact of climate change and new economic challenges, these remote regions of the North are more and more open to new ideas and technologies, alternative sources of energy, scientific research and development of industries that preserve and enhance the environment. There is great potential in the North, both from its natural resources and from its people, and the regions are interested in finding out how to make the best use of both in order to foster economic growth in the future.

The 4 days of workshop aimed to (i) raise awarement among the Northern Forum members of the importance of protecting and improving life in villages and rural communities, (ii) understand why protecting, promoting and improving rural life is important to each region (iii) learn about the status and plans of each region regarding rural development, and major issues and challenges facing each region for rural development, (iv) compare policies and initiatives in each region, (v) highlight innovation, share success stories and lessons learned, (vi) develop a strategy for the way ahead that promotes sustainable rural development, (vii) agree on specific Northern Forum projects, and (viii) present specific needs in terms of funding to governments, NGOs, businesses and foundations.

On Tuesday September 27, Maruxa Cardama, Secretary General of nrg4SD presented the network to participants in an opening session. Vice Chair for Europe for nrg4SD, Renaud Layadi then presented the experience of rural development in Brittany (France) during the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy workshop.