In the 2005 Revised National Budget, NOK 65 million was granted to increase the Norwegian effort in the High North. The Government is now backing this initiative further, proposing yet another NOK 130 million in the 2006 budget to strengthen Norway's effort in northern areas.

- This commitment from the Government enables increased mapping, research and environmental monitoring in the north alongside strengthened co-operation withRussia,says Mrs Thorhild Widvey, Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

As a part of the NOK 130 million initiative, the Government proposes to increase the knowledge about sea bed conditions, sea birds and the geology in northern areas. Consequently, the Government suggests NOK 30 million to continue and extend the MAREANO*- and SEAPOP**-programs. Furthermore, the Government proposes
NOK 10 million to geo-scientific activities related to mapping and development of skills and technology. This will include collection of data where interdisciplinary teams may participate.

The continued effort in the High North implies increased allocation to project co-operation with Russia in the Barents region and co-operation with Russia on nuclear safety in the northern areas. The Government also wants to enforce the Barents Secretariat in Kirkenes.

-In order to ensure a knowledge-based resource management in northern areas we need additional geo-scientific information. The Government is therefore proposing NOK 10 million to geological mapping and development of new skills and technology related to the northern areas, says Minister Widvey.

* MAREANO – an integrated mapping programme for the Norwegian seas and costal areas
** SEAPOP – Seabird Population Management and Petroleum Operation