ABSTRACT
This chapter defines environmental security as 'the protection of the natural environment to ensure the sustainable functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity both for the intrinsic value of nature and for the support of the survival, health, and livelihoods of both individuals and communities'. The environment of the Barents Region is remarkably diverse, covering as it does Europe's Arctic region, parts of Russia's Arctic and areas of land which lie south of the Arctic Circle. The environment of the Barents Region is also threatened by the pollution that is emitted into the air and water sources by industrial sites situated within the region. In Sweden, the Blaiken mine located in Vasterbotten county is leaking heavy metals into the local environment. In Kainuu region, Finland, the Talvivaara mine has proved to be one of the biggest environmental disasters in Finland. In northern Finland, there is a controversial plan in place to build a nuclear power plant in the Pyhajoki municipality.
