UN-Habitat Project in the Arctic and Siberia (Russia)

Siberia

Sustainable Development of Northern and Arctic Settlements in Russia
Organization: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Geographic scope: Russian Arctic and Siberian regions
Partners: UNEP, scientific institutions, regional governments, municipalities
Implementation period: Since 2021 (pilot initiatives launched in selected regions)

The UN-Habitat project in Russia's Arctic and Siberian regions supports sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development in remote northern settlements. These areas face extreme weather conditions, growing climate-related risks, infrastructure limitations, and demographic shifts.

The project aims to improve the quality of life for local communities through the development of resilient infrastructure, energy-efficient housing, digital and nature-based solutions, and the protection of the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.

Project Objectives

  • Strengthen resilience of Arctic and Siberian settlements to climate change

  • Promote affordable and energy-efficient infrastructure and housing

  • Support Indigenous communities and traditional ways of living

  • Improve urban planning through data collection and spatial analysis

  • Enhance local governance and community participation

Key Components

  • Pilot initiatives for climate-adaptive urban design and planning

  • Model housing solutions tailored to northern climatic conditions

  • Green mobility and sustainable utilities

  • Use of digital tools for monitoring and urban resilience

  • Capacity building and peer learning for local governments