Finish Russian Commission on the Utilization of Frontier Waters

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Organizational Purpose Described as:

– river basin organization
– formal commission

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The bilateral commission was established 1964 and is based upon the Agreement between Finland and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning Frontier Watercourses. It covers the Olanga, Oulu and Vuoksa Rivers. It includes Finland and Russia.

Relevant Water Law Principles

International water law principles mentioned in legally relevant documents to this organization include: Helsinki Rules on the Uses of the Waters of International Rivers, equitable and reasonable use, obligation of prior notification and prior agreement.

Organizational Bodies

Organizational bodies include: Commission and Working Groups (IWRM, Water Protection, Frontier Guard, Chairmen).

Decision-making Mechanisms

Decisions are made unanimously; if the commission cannot reach mutual understanding it conveys the issue to the government of both parties

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Contracting parties can empower the commission with a mandate to arbitrate on an agreement or give an advisory opinion; if fails, settled through diplomatic channels The first instance of a dispute between parties is resolved by the organization internally. A further instance of a dispute between parties is resolved bilaterally between disputing parties through negotiation without RBO involvement.

Monitoring

Water quality monitoring defined and sets forth general prescriptions regarding indemnities in the event of damage caused by either party (only monitoring of quality and pollution activities by states, no compliance in strict sense); also, states have to report on measures that may have effects on territory of others and commission reaches decisions. Monitoring is performed to ensure environmental aspects and the state of the basin.. Monitoring is conducted to water quality

Adaptation Mechanisms

Specific adaptation mechanisms include: agreement shall be extended every 10 years unless one of contracting parties gives notice

Public Participation

Reports of annual meetings of commission reports are distributed to the relevant authorities and stakeholders and they are also given to members of public on request; commission also handles the initiatives made by NGOs and citizens

External Links

• International River Basin Organization database — The International RBO Database was created by Susanne Schmeir as part of her PhD research and has been incorporated into the resources hosted by the Transboundary Freshwater Disputes Database at Oregon State University. It is available in a queryable online form, data download.

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