Norway’s High North strategy: Presence, Activity and Knowledge

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Introduction

• Topics for today: global warming and Arctic; energy and transport; legal framework; importance of cooperation; and update on Norway's thinking about these issues.

Recent developments

• Icecap melting faster than expected.
• Increased international interest continues. United States (Arctic strategy), EU and Russia (policy statements). Asian countries: Arctic Council. More visits & activities.
• Ilulissat, Greenland: Arctic rim states met late May to reiterate legal approach.
• (Ratified agreement with Russia on Varangerfjord border -- first since 1957.)

Global Warming and Arctic Climate Change

• Icecap melting. Warming twice as fast as global average. Greenland may be unstable.
• Vicious circles: Retreating ice, melting permafrost releasing methane
• Distribution of fish stocks. Local inhabitants, indigenous peoples affected.
• Need to limit “climate crisis”, both to save Arctic and not worsen global changes
• Norway chairmanship of Arctic Council. Message to COP-15: Strong action needed.

Energy and Transport

• Oil/gas. Arctic as new energy province.
• Norway as reliable energy supplier. Snøhvitfeltet, LNG export. StatoilHydro and Total.
• Transport routes: large opportunities and challenges. Search and rescue, oil cleanup.

Legal: Arctic is an ocean (ice-on-water)

• Resource exploitation in an orderly manner. We must follow the rules.
• Ocean vs. continent. Extensive and satisfactory rules exist: Law of the Sea, fishing, etc
• Approach confirmed by Arctic rim states in Ilulissat, Greenland.
• Settling remaining boundary issues makes resources available.

Tradition of Cooperation Continues

• Arctic tradition: low tension, cooperation (fishing, nuclear safety). Continues today!
• Border with Russia: "Pomor zone", simplified border crossings. Exchanges.
• Norway is member of range of multilateral organizations in north.
• Need stronger Arctic Council. Search & rescue; Arctic higher on IMO agenda; share best practices on management; offshore safety; perhaps regional fisheries organization.

Norway's Approach

• High North Strategy: Interface of international and domestic policy priorities. Includes most of our ministries. Presence, activity and knowledge. Economic development.

Knowledge is key. Svalbard as unique international platform w/ easy access to Arctic.

• Strategy's next phase (KESP report) in mid-March. A continuation of present path.
• Develop knowledge about climate and environment in High North
• Strengthen surveillance, search and rescue and safety at sea
• Stimulate development in N.-Norway based on ocean resources and land based
• Develop infrastructure, transportation and knowledge institutions
• Maintain indigenous peoples' cultures and natural livelihood and improve cooperation between northern peoples and states
• High North dialogues continue. Considering expanding to new countries (Denmark, Netherlands, India, China).

Conclusion

• Arctic: rapid change, high and increasing importance. Warming dramatic, need action.
• High North – Low Tensions. We welcome interest and cooperation. (Arctic Council)
• Tackle climate change to save Arctic and avoid further global warming.
• Arctic: Cooperative use and resource extraction, using existing legal framework.