DOCSLIB.ORG

Sweden's Strategy for the Arctic Region Cover Image Sarek National Park

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sweden's Strategy for the Arctic Region Cover Image Sarek National Park Sweden's strategy for the Arctic region Cover image Sarek National Park. Photo: Anders Ekholm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se D Photo: Kristian Pohl/Government Offices of Sweden Sweden is an Arctic country. becoming ever more necessary, especially in the climate and environmental area. We have a particular interest and The EU is an important Arctic partner, responsibility in promoting peaceful, and Sweden welcomes stronger EU stable and sustainable development in the engagement in the region. Arctic. Swedish engagement in the Arctic has for The starting point for the new Swedish a long time involved the Government, the strategy for the Arctic region is an Arctic Riksdag and government agencies, as well in change. The strategy underscores the as regional and local authorities, importance of well-functioning indigenous peoples' organisations, international cooperation in the Arctic to universities, companies and other deal with the challenges facing the region. stakeholders in the Arctic region of The importance of respect for Sweden. international law is emphasised. People, peace and the climate are at the centre of A prosperous Arctic region contributes to Sweden's Arctic policy. our country's security and is therefore an important part of the Government's Changes in the Arctic have led to foreign policy. increased global interest in the region. The Arctic Council is the central forum for cooperation in the Arctic, and Sweden stresses the special role of the eight Arctic states. At the same time, increased Ann Linde cooperation with observers to the Arctic Minister for Foreign Affairs Council and other interested actors is 1 Foreword 1 1. Introduction – starting points for Sweden as an Arctic country 4 2. Priorities for Swedish Arctic policy 8 2.1 International collaboration in the Arctic 11 2.1.1 International law framework 12 2.1.2 Institutional framework 14 2.1.3 European Union 18 2.1.4 Bilateral cooperation 19 2.2 Security and stability 21 2.2.1 Security policy trends 22 2.2.2 International cooperation 23 2.2.3 Enhanced national capability 24 2.3 Climate and the environment 29 2.3.1 Climate 31 2.3.2 Biodiversity 32 2.3.3 Non-toxic environment 34 2.3.4 Nuclear safety and radiation protection 35 2.4 Polar research and environmental monitoring 37 2.4.1 International cooperation 38 2.4.2 Logistics platforms 39 2.4.3 Knowledge exchange 40 2.5 Sustainable economic development and business sector interests 43 2.5.1 Sustainable economic development 44 2.5.2 Swedish business interests in the Arctics 48 2.6 Ensuring good living conditions 53 2.6.1 Digital infrastructure 54 2.6.2 Gender equality 54 2.6.3 Young people 55 2.6.4 Indigenous peoples’ culture and reindeer husbandry 56 3. Background about cooperation organisations linked to the Arctic region 60 2 Sweden will contribute, as one of the eight Arctic countries, to peaceful, stable and sustainable development in the Arctic. The Government wants to strengthen Sweden’s Arctic profile by making use of the full range of knowledge and resources available in Sweden. Photo: Henrik Trygg/Imagebank.sweden.se 3 1. Introduction – starting points for Sweden as an Arctic country Sweden is an Arctic country. Sweden of the foundations for international secu- therefore has a particular interest in and rity and stability in the region. The Gov- responsibility for promoting peaceful, ernment will also contribute to achieving stable and sustainable development and relevant global Sustainable Development contributing to constructive international Goals in the 2030 Agenda in the Arctic, cooperation in the Arctic. As one of the too, and show leadership in the imple- eight Arctic countries, Sweden is a mem- mentation of the international climate ber of the Arctic Council. agreement (the Paris Agreement) to limit global warming, including in the Arctic. The Arctic is facing both new opportuni- ties and severe challenges. This applies The changes in the Arctic have also led especially to the dramatic climate and en- to increased international interest in the vironmental changes. Global warming has region. Several countries in Europe and hit the Arctic particularly hard, reducing Asia have become observers to the Arctic the extent of ice and permafrost cover Council. The European Union (EU) has and affecting biodiversity and the living strengthened its Arctic profile. The Gov- conditions of the region’s population. ernment welcomes this development and The indigenous peoples are particularly takes a positive view of the possibility of vulnerable. Climate change has also mobilising increased international support played a part in increasing the economic and engagement to address the global importance of the Arctic. The smaller ice challenges, in the Arctic region, in par- cover creates new conditions for the use ticular the impacts of climate change. of natural resources and sea transport, for instance. The region’s geostrategic At the same time, it is in Sweden’s interest importance has increased for both Arctic to safeguard the special role and position and non-Arctic states. Increased military of the Arctic states in promoting peace- presence and activity in the region have ful, stable and sustainable development in security policy consequences. COVID-19 the Arctic region, mainly by strengthening has underlined the need for both resil- cooperation in the Arctic Council. ience and preparedness in the local com- munities in the Arctic region to deal with The Government’s previous strategy for pandemics. the Arctic region was adopted in 2011, the same year that Sweden assumed the Sweden has to take these changes in the rotating two-year Chairmanship of the Arctic into account. A Swedish core inter- Arctic Council for the first time. In the est is to try to contribute to a peaceful, light of the rapid developments in the stable and sustainable development of region, there is now reason for the the region through well-functioning inter- Government to adopt a new integrated national cooperation with Arctic and approach to Arctic policy. non-Arctic actors in the region. In both bilateral and multilateral settings, the This renewed strategy is intended to set Government will uphold an approach out the Government’s objectives and based on a broad concept of security. It is main priorities in relation to the Arctic an overarching Swedish interest to uphold region and to specify the political direc- respect for international law and the tion of further work on the Arctic in six rules-based world order, which form part thematic areas: 5 1. international collaboration; socially and environmentally sustainable 2. security and stability; development. Following extensive global 3. climate and the environment; negotiation processes, both the global agenda for sustainable development (the 4. polar research and environmental 2030 Agenda) and the international cli- monitoring; mate agreement (the Paris Agreement) 5. sustainable economic development were adopted in 2015. These global and business interests; frameworks are important starting points 6. securing good living conditions. for Swedish engagement and internation- al cooperation in the Arctic. One important starting point for the The Government considers that Sweden strategy is to make use of the full range should take a leading role in the global of knowledge and resources available in implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the Sweden regarding the Arctic region so as global agenda for sustainable develop- to contribute to sustainable development ment. The 2030 Agenda contains 17 in the Arctic and also to enhance Sweden’s global goals (SDGs) and 169 targets for profile as an important actor in this re- sustainable development. Several of them spect. For a long time, Sweden’s engage- are particularly relevant to developments ment in the Arctic has involved not only in the Arctic; examples are goal 12 Sus- the Government, the Riksdag and gov- tainable consumption and production, ernment agencies, but also regional and goal 13 Combating climate change and local authorities, indigenous peoples’ or- its impacts, goal 14 Sustainable use of the ganisations, higher education institutions, oceans, seas and marine resources and businesses and other actors in Sweden’s goal 15 Sustainable use of terrestrial eco- Arctic region. systems. In these matters the Govern- ment calls for a high level of ambition in 1.1 Guiding principles of Swedish the implementation phase. foreign policy The Government’s Arctic policy is based Sweden will also be a leader in the imple- on the basic principles that guide Sweden’s mentation of the Paris Agreement to broad foreign and security policy. Central limit global warming, including in the among them are respect for international Arctic. One commitment made by the law, human rights, democracy, the princi- parties to the Paris Agreement is to keep ples of the rule of law and gender equality. the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial The Government stands up for demo- levels. Preserving Arctic ice and perma- cratic principles in all contexts and is frost is crucial in limiting global warming. working to strengthen democracy. This The Government has the objective that applies both to our own situation in our Sweden will be the world’s first fossil-free neighbourhood and to our efforts in sup- welfare nation and that, by 2045, Sweden port for peace, security and development will not have any net emissions of green- in the world. Gender equality is essential house gases into the atmosphere. to democracy. 1.3 Definition of the Arctic 1.2 Global framework for sustainable There are several different definitions of development and climate work the Arctic region. Its borders are drawn in The past decade has seen considerable different ways in different scientific areas development in the normative area of or political agreements. The region is particular importance for managing characterised by being made up of an global challenges such as the rapid climate ocean (the Arctic Ocean) surrounded by change, and for working for economically, sovereign states.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Audiovisual Frame Story As a Method of Critical Consciousness Sharing in Indigenous Research
    International Journal of Research Studies in Psychology 2014 July, Volume 3 Number 3, 113-123 Audiovisual frame story as a method of critical consciousness sharing in indigenous research Sarivaara, Erika University of Helsinki, Finland ([email protected] ) Määttä, Kaarina ISSN: 2243-7681 University of Lapland, Finland ([email protected] ) Online ISSN: 2243-769X Uusiautti, Satu OPEN ACCESS University of Lapland, Finland ([email protected] ) Received : 15 March 2014 Revised : 19 April 2014 Accepted : 10 May 2014 Available Online : 11 May 2014 DOI : 10.5861/ijrsp.2014.773 Abstract This article introduces a new method for data collection in critical indigenous research. The method is based on the critical theory and pursuit of increasing awareness and emancipation in indigenous peoples. Issues related to the colonization and assimilation processes among indigenous peoples are very sensitive and often unspoken, taboos. How to study issues like this? The sample research was conducted among the non-status Sámi people who have Sámi ancestors and speak the Sámi language but are not officially recognized as Sámi. Their identity formation and sensitive experiences were obtained through a new method that is here called an audiovisual frame story as a method of critical consciousness sharing in indigenous research. The paper investigates the grounds and implementation of the method, and evaluates its usefulness for studying indigenous peoples’ experiences and their emancipation. Keywords: consciousness sharing; frame story; critical theory; audiovisual; film; indigenous research; identity; experiences © The Authors / Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs CC BY-NC-ND Sarivaara, E., Määttä, K., & Uusiautti, S. Audiovisual frame story as a method of critical consciousness sharing in indigenous research 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Complete Abisko Northern Lights Capital Break
    For Expert Advice Call A unique occasion deserves a unique experience. 01722 744 695 https://www.weekendalacarte.co.uk/special-occasion-holidays/northern-lights-trips/lapland/complete-abisko/ Complete Abisko Northern Lights Capital Break Break available: December - March 4 Night Break Highlights Abisko constantly proves to be the best place for consistent ● 4 Nights at Abisko Mountain Lodge sightings of the lights so should be at the top of the list for serious ● Exclusive visit to Aurora Sky Station in Abisko Aurora hunters. In 2015, the UN Year of Light, Abisko was voted ● Snowmobile adventure with fantastic scenery by Lonely Planet magazine the best place on earth to see the ● Alaskan Trapper Husky safari in Abisko National Park ● Northern Lights. Experience the best of Abisko on this Northern Lights Photographic Evening in Abisko National action-packed 4 night Northern Lights holiday. You will benefit Park ● from our expertise as the Northern Lights holiday company that Train trip to Narvik in the Norwegian Fjords ● Visit the Original ICEHOTEL first offered Abisko as an Aurora destination. Our experience is respected by the locals who refer to us as the Abisko Experts! We also have exclusive access to the Deluxe rooms at Abisko Mountain lodge - the best rooms in town! Day by Day Itinerary DAY 1Fly to Swedish Lapland. Lappish Dinner and Aurora Hunt page 1/9 Fly to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland where you will be met and transferred to Abisko (1 hour). On arrival you will check in at Abisko Mountain Lodge and be provided with complimentary Arctic Clothing. For information on how to dress for the Arctic.
    [Show full text]
  • University of the Arctic: the First Year Report to the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council Oulu, Finland, May 16, 2002
    UNIVERSITY OF THE ARCTIC University of the Arctic: the First Year Report to the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council Oulu, Finland, May 16, 2002 Introduction The University of the Arctic was officially launched in Rovaniemi, Finland, in conjunction with the first Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council meeting under Finland’s chairmanship and the 10th anniversary of the Rovaniemi process on June 12, 2001. Over 200 people celebrated the Launch of the new University. The guest speakers included Maija Rask, Finland’s Minister of Education, who invited all the Arctic governments to work hard at finding collaborative ways to fund the University of the Arctic and its program, and Professor Asgeir Brekke from the University of Tromsø in Norway , the Chair of the Council of the University of the Arctic since the inception of the idea, who symbolically passed on the Council’s gavel to Sally Adams Webber, President of Yukon College in Canada. The Launch marked the shift from planning of governance structures and programs to the actual implementation of programs. The first year of operation for the University of the Arctic has meant real students, real programs, and a growing enthusiasm and expectation of more to come for those students. The first evaluations of the University of the Arctic’s pilot programs, are being conducted at the time of writing this report. Preliminary results from these evaluations show that, first of all, the early enthusiasts were right in saying that we do need structural solutions to address the need for truly Circumpolar education that takes the needs of the primary client group to heart.
    [Show full text]
  • Turbulent Surface Exchange During the Arctic Ocean 2018 Expedition
    Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 21, EGU2019-8362, 2019 EGU General Assembly 2019 © Author(s) 2019. CC Attribution 4.0 license. Turbulent surface exchange during the Arctic Ocean 2018 expedition John Prytherch (1), Michael Tjernström (1), Ian Brooks (2), Peggy Achtert (3), Ben Moat (4), and Margaret Yelland (4) (1) MISU, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden ([email protected]), (2) Institute for Climate & Atmospheric Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, (3) Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK, (4) Marine Physics and Ocean Climate, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK Turbulence-driven air-sea and air-ice exchanges of momentum, heat, moisture and trace gases in sea-ice regions are key boundary layer processes. Turbulent heat fluxes are important for the surface energy budget and determine the interactions between sea ice, the atmospheric boundary layer and clouds. Atmosphere-ice/ocean momentum exchange in the presence of sea ice is determined from surface drag, or roughness. Both drag and heat flux coefficients are prescribed in numerical weather prediction, climate and Earth system models as functions of stability. In addition, sea ice acts as a near-impermeable lid to air-sea gas exchange, but is also hypothesised to enhance gas transfer rates in open water areas (e.g. leads) through physical processes such as increased surface-ocean turbulence from ice-water shear and ice-edge form drag. There are few direct observations of turbulence-driven surface exchange from which to develop parameterisations, particularly in the High (> 85N) Arctic. Recent rapid changes to sea-ice conditions in the region also make older observations less applicable.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Status of Birds of Prey and Owls in Norway
    Conservation status of birds of prey and owls in Norway Oddvar Heggøy & Ingar Jostein Øien Norsk Ornitologisk Forening 2014 NOF-BirdLife Norway – Report 1-2014 © NOF-BirdLife Norway E-mail: [email protected] Publication type: Digital document (pdf)/75 printed copies January 2014 Front cover: Boreal owl at breeding site in Nord-Trøndelag. © Ingar Jostein Øien Editor: Ingar Jostein Øien Recommended citation: Heggøy, O. & Øien, I. J. (2014) Conservation status of birds of prey and owls in Norway. NOF/BirdLife Norway - Report 1-2014. 129 pp. ISSN: 0805-4932 ISBN: 978-82-78-52092-5 Some amendments and addenda have been made to this PDF document compared to the 75 printed copies: Page 25: Picture of snowy owl and photo caption added Page 27: Picture of white-tailed eagle and photo caption added Page 36: Picture of eagle owl and photo caption added Page 58: Table 4 - hen harrier - “Total population” corrected from 26-147 pairs to 26-137 pairs Page 60: Table 5 - northern goshawk –“Total population” corrected from 1434 – 2036 pairs to 1405 – 2036 pairs Page 80: Table 8 - Eurasian hobby - “Total population” corrected from 119-190 pairs to 142-190 pairs Page 85: Table 10 - peregrine falcon – Population estimate for Hedmark corrected from 6-7 pairs to 12-13 pairs and “Total population” corrected from 700-1017 pairs to 707-1023 pairs Page 78: Photo caption changed Page 87: Last paragraph under “Relevant studies” added. Table text increased NOF-BirdLife Norway – Report 1-2014 NOF-BirdLife Norway – Report 1-2014 SUMMARY Many of the migratory birds of prey species in the African-Eurasian region have undergone rapid long-term declines in recent years.
    [Show full text]
  • World Transport Market and Logistics Project
    World Transport Market and Logistics Project KO1029 Barents Region Transport and Logistics Report 15.5.2020 CONTENTS This report includes the following sections 1 Background and goals of the study p. 2-3 2 The implementer's recommendations and conclusions p. 4-6 Barents Region as a transportation and logistics p. 7-32 3 operating environment today 4 The signals of change p. 33-51 5 Scenarios of the future p. 52-83 1 1 Background and goals of the study 2 BACKGROUND AND GOALS The report examines the current state of different logistics and transportation flows in the Barents Region and creates understanding on the area’s future competitiveness Barents Region is under a transformation The rich natural resources of the Barents Region and growing tourism cause effects to the logistics chains and different material flows from and to the area. The fishing industry is developing and is moving towards the THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS OF THE REPORT ARE North and to new spheres. In addition to these changes, the Northeast passage offers a faster transportation route between Asia and Europe, Phase 1: AS-IS analysis Phase 2: Future scenarios that has big impacts on the development of the Barents Region. At the same time, the industries in the are face still the problem of reachability. 1. What kinds of different goods-, cargo- 1. What is the competitiveness of the Investments in mining-, energy production and fishery are not possible and tourism flows are moving in the Barents Region in the Global market without good connectivity to different markets. Barents Region at the moment? in 2030 and 2040? Understanding the current situation is vital 2.
    [Show full text]
  • The Iconic ICEHOTEL & Abisko Explorer
    For Expert Advice Call A unique occasion deserves a unique experience. 01722 744 695 https://www.weekendalacarte.co.uk/special-occasion-holidays/northern-lights-trips/lapland/ice-hotel-abisko/ The Iconic ICEHOTEL & Abisko Explorer Break available: December - March 4 Night Break Highlights Swedish Lapland has a number of destinations that stand out from the crowd. The original IceHotel certainly put Swedish ● 2 Nights at the ICEHOTEL with one in an individually Lapland on the list for discerning world travellers but now Abisko designed Art Suite has been added to the list as it becomes a mecca for aurora ● 2 Nights in Abisko staying at Abisko Mountain Lodge hunters. This break combines these two 'Arctic Icons' and gives ● Husky and Snowmobile Wilderness Adventures you the opportunity to experience not only the original and in our ● 4 nights of Northern Lights Hunting featuring: - Evening at minds the best IceHotel, staying in an individually designed Art The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko - Northern Lights Suite, but also Abisko widely regarded as 'The Place' for Photographic Evening in Abisko National Park consistent sightings of the Aurora Borealis. On a 4 night stay in ● Stunning Train Trip to the Norwegian Fjords this part of the world your chances of seeing the northern lights is close on 90% in the aurora season. Day by Day Itinerary DAY 1: Fly to Lapland. Overnight in an Art Suite at the ICEHOTEL Fly to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland where on arrival you will be met and transferred to the ICEHOTEL and will be provided with the use of Protective Arctic Outdoor Clothing: Arctic Jacket, Trousers, Snowboots, Hat & Gloves.
    [Show full text]
  • Arctic-Smartness EN WEB.Pdf
    Arctic Smartness with its five modern clusters, each awarded the European Cluster Management Excellence label (BRONZE)* in 2016, of Arctic Industry and Circular Economy, Arctic Smart Rural Communities, Arctic Design, Arctic Safety and Security and Arctic Development Environments, are looking beyond conventional operational boundaries, endorse cross-fertilisation, make the best use of the regional expertise and actively network over the borders. *awarded by the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (www.cluster-analysis.org) The cluster is where the smart specialisation thrives What are the competitive industrial development, Lapland keeps its position as a region with the cleanest water in the world and the advantages of Lapland? How cleanest air in the European Union. to support emerging SMEs and From the very beginning S3 was seen as a very practical concept, bringing in new insights into the increase capacity of Lapland? regional development. S3 approach has been used How to implement smart In Lapland as a means to become recognised in EU as an attractive and knowledgeable collaborator. specialisation strategy? How The work according to S3 has helped in finding new could businesses from Lapland ways of working together and to get out from the box to seek new possibilities from the cross-sectoral that use natural resources collaboration, to develop common approaches sustainably gain fresh impetus towards regional development and to be active in in international markets? These seeking international collaboration. To put the smart specialisation to practise, we developed a special questions, among other things, “Arctic Smartness” regional development approach. were asked when the Smart We are reaching towards the vision via having the development focus in regional clusters and ecosystems Specialisation Strategy work supporting the co-creation among, the development was started in Lapland.
    [Show full text]
  • Black Carbon and Methane in the Norwegian Barents Region Black Carbon and Methane in the Norwegian Barents Region | M276
    REPORT M-276 | 2014 Black carbon and methane in the Norwegian Barents region Black carbon and methane in the Norwegian Barents region | M276 COLOPHON Executive institution The Norwegian Environment Agency Project manager for the contractor Contact person in the Norwegian Environment Agency Ingrid Lillehagen, The Ministry of Climate and Solrun Figenschau Skjellum Environment, section for polar affairs and the High North M-no Year Pages Contract number M-276 2014 15 Publisher The project is funded by The Norwegian Environment Agency The Norwegian Environment Agency Author(s) Maria Malene Kvalevåg, Vigdis Vestreng and Nina Holmengen Title – Norwegian and English Black carbon and methane in the Norwegian Barents Region Svart karbon og metan i den norske Barentsregionen Summary – sammendrag In 2011, land based emissions of black carbon and methane in the Norwegian Barents region were 400 tons and 23 700 tons, respectively. The largest emissions of black carbon originate from the transport sector and wood combustion in residential heating. For methane, the largest contributors to emissions are the agricultural sector and landfills. Different measures to reduce emissions from black carbon and methane can be implemented. Retrofitting of diesel particulate filters on light and heavy vehicles, tractors and construction machines will reduce black carbon emitted from the transport sector. Measures to reduce black carbon from residential heating are to accelerate the introduction of wood stoves with cleaner burning, improve burning techniques and inspect and maintain the wood stoves that are already in use. In the agricultural sector, methane emissions from food production can be reduced by using manure or food waste as raw material to biogas production.
    [Show full text]
  • "New Winds in the Barents Region"
    "NEW WINDS IN THE BARENTS REGION" 2nd Programme of Cultural Cooperation 2008-2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE BARENTS REGION AND COOPERATION STRUCTURE Barents Region Cooperation structure PART A CULTURAL POLICY PROGRAMME 2008 - 2010 1. General basis for the Programme 2. Objectives for cooperation 2.1. Cultural diversity and multicultural dialogue 2.2. Culture as a tool for regional, social and economic development 2.3. New cultural meeting places 3. Activities 4. Monitoring and evaluation 5. Funding PART B ACTION PLAN AND PROJECTS www.barentsinfo.org, www.barentsculture.ru. ANNEX - Mandate of JWGC - Kirkenes Declaration 1993 - Arkhangelsk Communiqué 1998 - Oulu Communiqué 2002 INTRODUCTION "Cultural sphere, in the full sense of it, includes social experience and a concept as well as economic, legal, scientific, moral and ethnical values Culture includes not only culture and arts, but also the way of life and system of values. In this sense culture becomes the major power for intellectual renewal and human perfection» (the European Council Report on European Cultural Policy) Culture plays a fundamental role in human and regional development in the Barents Region. The Programme of Cultural Cooperation 2008-2010 "New Winds in the Barents Region" is the framework for inter-regional cultural cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region. It highlights cultural diversity and the importance of culture and cultural industry as a unique tool for the development of the region. The cultural potential must be recognised and utilized to the full. This is the second Cultural Programme since Barents cooperation in the field of culture started in 1993. The first programme "Voices in the Barents Region" was implemented in the period of 2003-2006.
    [Show full text]
  • Hefte2.Qxp Layout 1
    Chairmanship Priorities Finnmark Oil platform in the Rypefjord (Hammerfest Municipality) Photo: Bjørn Hansen/Finnmark i bilder On the way to the Arctic View Havøygaveln windmill park, Summer in Finnmark, Torgeir Sæther og Sjur Ness Johanessen on the top of the mountain in Havøysund (Måsøy Municipality) fishing near the island of Ingøya (Måsøy Municipality) Photo: Bjørn Hansen/Finnmark i bilder Photo:Therese Wha The population of Finnmark has been inter- nationally oriented for centuries. When navi- gator Willem Barents discovered the Barents Sea in the end of 16th century, and explorer Roald Amundsen set off to the North Pole in the 1920s, they would make a last stop in Finnmark before the final leg of their journey. They stopped in Finnmark not only because it was the last stretch of European mainland, but also because it was already then, inhabited by a population that for generations had accu- mulated Arctic knowhow. Moreover, in the end of 18th century, the thriving trade in the Barents Ragnhild Vassvik, Chair of the Barents region led to the establishment of the two oldest Regional Council and Chair of towns in Finnmark, Vardø and Hammerfest. Finnmark County Council. Finnmark County is the northern- and easternmost county in Norway, a doorway to the shores of both the North Sea (Atlantic Ocean) and the Barents Sea (Arctic Ocean). It also borders the EU and the Russian Federation. Thus, Finnmark has been and will be putting a strong focus on international co-operation in the High North. The whole Barents region has almost 6 million inhabitants and a surface area of 1,75 million square kilometers.
    [Show full text]
  • Uarctic Strategic Plan 2020
    Strategic Plan 2020 uarctic.org Who We Are Photo James David Broome UArctic (University of the Arctic) was created through an initiative of the Arctic Council (Iqaluit Declaration 1998) and was officially launched in 2001. UArctic is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, research institutes and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and collaborative infrastructure, thereby enabling member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions. Cooperation in education, research, outreach and engagement enhances human capacity in the North, promotes Our Vision 5 viable communities and sustainable economies, and engages partners from Our Mission 6 outside the region. Our Values 8 UArctic Strategic Plan 2020 How We Serve the North 12 UArctic International Secretariat University of Lapland Box 122, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland [email protected] Tel. +358-16-341 341 Our 2020 Goals 16 Fax. +358-16-362 941 www.uarctic.org Graphic Design & Layout Background 22 Puisto Design & Advertising Printer Erweko Oy, 2014 Printed on Munken Pure by Arctic Paper Cover 240g/m2, contents 150g/m2 UArctic Strategic Plan 2020 UArctic Strategic Plan 2020 Photo Haukur Sigurðsson An Empowered North – With Shared Voices 4 UArctic Strategic Plan 2020 UArctic Strategic Plan 2020 5 Photo Haukur Sigurðsson Empower the people of the Circumpolar North by providing unique educational and research opportunities through collaboration within a powerful network
    [Show full text]