Lessons Learned from ECORA

Abstract

The project aimed to secure the integrity of some of the world’s last remaining pristine areas and support the livelihoods of indigenous and local peoples. The development objective of the project was the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Russian Arctic. The immediate objective was the adoption and initial implementation of integrated ecosystem management strategies and action plans in three Model Areas representing different ecosystems and anthropogenic pressures: Kolguev Island in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO), Kolyma River Basin in Sakha Republic/Yakutia, and Beringovsky District in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (ChAO) (see table 1 and figure 1). By building on national policies and priorities, the project aimed to demonstrate how IEM can be used to achieve ecological, economic, and social goals for local and global benefits. It was also important to develop processes that allow stakeholders to participate in an open and meaningful way.