Willem Barentsz in Vardø

Three international maritime nations, Netherlands, Russia and Norway will be meeting at the event. The main focus will be directed at youth and faith in the future through arrangements of history, culture, industry and environment in cooperation across the borders in the North. The event’s anticipated results are a cooperation agreement between the municipalities Terschelling and Vardø and a conference between Netherlands, Russia and Norway about energy, industry and environment. The conference will focus on oil- and gas industry, challenges in business and environmental aspects. The task of the conference is to come to solutions concerning the mentioned themes.

The Barents Sea and The Barents Region are named after Willem Barentsz. He was an adventurer ho searched for the Northeast Passage, the shortcut to the riches of Asia, and during his expeditions he visited Vardø.

During the trading of the Pomors, Vardø and Arkhangelsk were the most central trading posts. Vardø has been of utmost importance to expeditions and scientific missions, and is known as the Norwegian gate to the Arctic. Due to the city’s location, history and cosmopolitan society during the years, Vardø was chosen “thousandyears –city”. The fortress “Vardøhus” and the church of Vardø have marked the boundaries to the Barents Sea for more than 700 years. The mentioned facts emphasise that Vardø is the natural place to put up a bust of Willem Barentsz.

In addition to the events there will be a youth happening to increase young people’s consciousness of how they can influence their future and realise their dreams. The project is supported by the Norwegian Barents Secretariat which will be represented. The pomorfestival will end with Barentsrock concert the 26th of July.