The Barents Observer was founded in 1996 by a group of Norwegian and Russian journalists who saw the need for a news source focused on the Barents region, an area spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northwestern Russia. The idea behind the publication was to provide comprehensive coverage of the environmental, economic, and geopolitical issues affecting this remote and often overlooked part of the world. Today, The Barents Observer is owned and operated by the Norwegian non-profit organization Barents Press International. The Barents Observer covers a wide range of news topics related to the Barents region, including environmental protection, natural resource development, indigenous rights, regional cooperation, and security issues. While the publication's primary focus is on the northern areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, it also provides coverage of broader Arctic affairs that impact the region. Based in Kirkenes, Norway, near the Norwegian-Russian border, The Barents Observer has a team of journalists and contributors from both sides of the border, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Barents area. One interesting fact: Despite its relatively small size and niche focus, The Barents Observer has gained a reputation for its high-quality, in-depth reporting on environmental and security issues in the Arctic. The publication's ability to provide on-the-ground coverage and analysis of developments in this remote and often inaccessible region has made it a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the changing dynamics of the Arctic.