THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT’S HIGH NORTH STRATEGY Photos/illustrations: Page 1: Scanpix Creative, Barents Secretariat, Page 43: NRK Sameradioen SINTEF Helse, Kjell Ove Storvik, Harald Page 44: Scanpix Creative Pettersen, Statoil, Christian Houge, Page 47: Barents Secretariat Samfoto, ELKEM Page 48: Georg Bangjord Page 7: Scanpix Creative Page 50: Kjell Ove Storvik Page 12: Cartography/Design: Hugo Ahlenius, Page 51: Samfoto UNEP/GRID-Arendal Page 52: Norwegian Coastguard Page 13: Barents Secretariat Page 53: Norwegian Coastguard Page 15: Per Eide Page 54: Harald Pettersen, Statoil Page 17: Norwegian Coastguard Page 56: Barents Secretariat Page 18: Hydro Page 58: Bjarne Riesto Page 20: Nils Petter Dale Page 59: Bjørn Frantzen Page 25: Governor of Svalbard Page 60: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Page 27: Petroleum Geo Services(PGS) Page 61: Norwegian Coastguard Page 29: Governor of Svalbard Page 62: Christian Houge Page 31: Scanpix Creative Page 65: Hallvard Stensland Page 32: Aftenposten Page 66: Geir Jenssen Page 36: Johan Marcus Kuhmunen Page 67: Trym Ivar Bergsmo Page 37: Samfoto Page 68: Scanpix Creative Page 40: Scanpix Creative Page 69: Frank Bang Page 41: Norwegian Armed Forces’ Media Centre Page 71: Bjarne Riesto Page 42: Yngve Grønnvik Page 73: Scanpix Creative THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT’S HIGH NORTH STRATEGY Foreword------5 Contents Summary------7 Part 1 - A new dimension of Norwegian foreign policy------13 Stronger focus on energy and the environment ------13 Regional forums ------14 Conflicts of interest------16 Cooperation with Russia ------17 Presence of the Norwegian Armed Forces------19 Part 2 - Knowledge generation and competence building------23 Meeting the knowledge needs identified in the integrated management plan------24 Marine research------26 Petroleum research and development ------27 Monitoring and notification for environmental, resource and emergency response purposes ------28 Climate and polar research------29 Strengthening the knowledge infrastructure in the High North ------30 International cooperation on education and research------32 Barents 2020 ------34 Part 3 - Issues relating to indigenous peoples------37 Part 4 - People-to-people cooperation in the north ------41 Culture and cultural cooperation------42 Part 5 - The environment ------45 Climate change and long-range transboundary pollution------45 Integrated management of the northern seas------46 Cooperation with Russia ------47 Building up expertise in Tromsø------48 Part 6 - The management and utilisation of marine resources------51 Resource management – a basis for value creation------51 Cooperation with Russia ------51 Illegal, unregulated and unregistered (IUU) fishing ------52 Part 7 - Petroleum activities------55 Part 8 - Maritime transport – safety and emergency response systems------59 Part 9 - Business development------63 Resource-based business activity ------63 Knowledge-based business activity ------65 Infrastructure ------68 Cross-border business activities ------70 Part 10 - Follow-up ------73 Foreword
One of the Government’s most neighbours, partners and allies. through broad contact with our important priorities in the years But it is also a question of a broad, neighbours, partners and allies. ahead will be to take advantage long-term mobilisation of our own We put a spotlight on traditional of the opportunities in the High strengths and resources in the policy areas and indicated that North. development of the entire north- these too must be given a stronger ern part of our country. We are not High North perspective. And we It is in the High North that talking about a project for the High invited the nation to join in a con- we are seeing the most rapid North alone, but a project for the certed effort in the north. developments in our immediate whole country and for the whole of neighbourhood. northern Europe, with consequenc- During the course of the past year, es for the whole continent. the High North has been placed n We will continue to build on our firmly on the map of Europe. good neighbourly relations with There is growing recognition of Decision makers in other coun- Russia, which were resumed at the the importance of the High North tries have become aware that the end of the Cold War. for Norway as a whole. New politi- High North has significance that n We will continue to exercise our cal working methods are taking extends far beyond Norway’s responsibility for combating illegal shape. Sustainable development borders. Take, for example, the fishing and managing the renew- in the north is not just a regional living marine resources that are able fish resources for present and policy aim; it is of strategic impor- provided to European consum- future generations. tance for the entire country. The ers from a unique and vulnerable n We will take advantage of the focus has been mainly on marine natural environment. Or global opportunities the Barents Sea resources, and the Norwegian climate change, which is becom- presents as a new European High North tends to be primarily ing so clearly obvious in the Arctic. energy province in accordance associated with the opportuni- The High North also has interna- with the principles of sustainable ties and challenges relating to the tional significance because of the development. sea. But it is on land that people Norwegian and Russian petroleum n We will take environmental live their lives. The Government’s resources in the Barents Sea and and climate considerations into policy is to take a broad approach future opportunities for transport- account in everything we do. to settlement, employment, value ing energy resources. In addition, n We will improve living condi- creation, education, culture and the Norwegian-Russian coopera- tions, opportunities and the quality cross-border contact in the north. tion in the High North has devel- of life for all those who live in the oped into an important channel for High North, and we will exercise The Government has had a sharp European dialogue. our particular responsibility for political focus on the challenges safeguarding indigenous peoples’ and opportunities in the High The main purpose of the Govern- rights. North ever since it came into ment’s High North strategy is power in October 2005. We have to coordinate efforts in all fields All this will require us to give our continued to build on the founda- relating to the development of the best as a nation. tion laid out in the white paper High North. We have mobilised Opportunities and Challenges in the whole government apparatus This is more than just foreign the North (Report No. 30 to the in order to give our overall policy policy, and more than just domestic Storting (2004-2005)), which won a clearer and more coherent High policy. It is a question of our ability broad support in the Storting (the North focus. Ministries and gov- to continue our tradition of respon- Norwegian Parliament). We set a ernment agencies have focused on sible management of resources, new foreign policy agenda for Nor- further developing and intensify- predictable exercise of sovereignty way’s efforts to draw attention to ing efforts in their policy areas. and close cooperation with our the importance of the High North The High North strategy outlines Ü
a framework for action, which the They will be at the core of our based on a real will to develop the Government will strive to fill in the efforts over the next few years. As opportunities in the High North. coming years. It is not a catalogue we increase our activities , Nor- Most of these initiatives have of measures, although it does way’s policy in the High North will originated in the north, but there mark the launch of a number of continue to be consistent. is also growing interest from other forward-looking efforts. parts of the country and from our The key words for the strategy are neighbouring countries. The strategy sets out two poten- presence, activity and knowledge. tial new measures for Norway’s This strategy sets out the frame- cooperation with Russia: firstly, n It is our ambition to ensure a work for our efforts in the High the Government is proposing an presence in the High North both North. The Government will act exchange programme for Russian through maintaining settlements as prime mover and facilitator, and students, and secondly it will con- and through being present in the has already invested considerable sider a proposal for an economic areas under Norway’s jurisdiction resources in major programmes in and industrial cooperation zone, including Svalbard, our sea areas, the north, including research and which would include both Norwe- coastline, and settlements and efforts to implement the integrated gian and Russian territory in the towns on land. management plan for the Barents High North. The High North grant Sea–Lofoten area. But a modern and exchange scheme will encour- n It is our ambition to be at the partnership has room for a wider age students and researchers top of the league in key areas range of actors: from the pub- conduct part of their studies and of activity , from fisheries and lic and private sectors as well as research work at North-Norwe- other industries to tourism and other Norwegian and international gian institutions. The cooperation newer endeavours such as marine partners. zone would serve as a laboratory bioprospecting, i.e. searching for for practical Norwegian-Russian valuable biochemical and genetic The Government will follow up business cooperation in the north. resources from living marine the strategy in coming budgets organisms. and through carefully targeted An inter-ministerial committee, measures. We are inviting others headed by the Minister of Foreign n And it is our ambition to be a to take part in fruitful partner- Affairs, has coordinated the work leader in knowledge in all these ships, so that a wide range of on the strategy. Additional exper- areas. Knowledge is at the core of actors gain ownership and a sense tise has been provided by an exter- our High-North efforts: building of responsibility and are able to nal committee of experts chaired people’s knowledge and experi- take advantage of existing and new by the Rector of the University ence so that we can show the way, opportunities. of Tromsø, Jarle Aarbakke, who utilise existing opportunities, dis- has drawn on the knowledge and cover new ones, and attract other Therefore this strategy is also experience to be found in the High countries that want to take part, an invitation to everyone with an North. We have also maintained invest and share knowledge. Our interest in the High North. close contact with a large number focus on knowledge will include of groups and institutions in the further developing our capacity to Oslo/Tromsø December 1 2006 High North, and with regional safeguard Norway’s foreign policy authorities and the Sámidiggi (the interests in the High North. Sami Parliament). Our High North policy has given A long-term perspective and pre- rise to optimism and high expecta- dictability are important features tions. A number of initiatives have of Norway’s High North policy. been taken in recent years that are Summary
In its policy platform, the Govern- ment and research through closer The main political priorities for the ment states that it considers the contact with our neighbour Rus- Government’s High North strategy High North to be Norway’s most sia and our European and North are as follows: important strategic priority area American partners. in the years ahead. In this strat- We will exercise our authority egy, we stake out the course for Norwegian interests in the High 1in the High North in a credible, our High North policy, seeking to North will be safeguarded prima- consistent and predictable way. improve coordination and to max- rily by strengthening our presence imise the effect of our efforts. and increasing the level of activ- By maintaining its presence, and ity in a number of policy areas at exercising its sovereignty and The overall objective of the Gov- both national and international authority, Norway is making it ernment’s policy is to create sus- level. These include education clear that it takes its international tainable growth and development and research, environmental and and national obligations seriously. in the High North. This requires a resource management, safety and Therefore, the presence of the framework that will enable people emergency response systems, armed forces, the police and the in the region to build up viable energy, fisheries, tourism and prosecuting authority continues to local communities, where there other economic activities, health, be of great importance. The pres- are promising employment oppor- culture and gender equality. ence of the armed forces is also tunities in the long term, good vital for meeting national security health care services and education- needs and maintaining our crisis al opportunities, and opportunities management capacity in the High to enjoy varied natural surround- North. The close cooperation ings and cultural events. between the Norwegian Coast Guard, the prosecuting authority The High North policy also and the police on resource man- focuses on utilising opportunities agement in the High North helps for more extensive international to prevent conflict, and maintain cooperation on the use of natural predictability and stability. This resources, environmental manage- cooperation will therefore be fur- Ü
ther developed. The Government will also strengthen international The Snøhvit development shows also intends to continue its focus cooperation to limit anthropo- how local spin-off effects can be on Svalbard in accordance with the genic climate change and reduce created by petroleum activities objectives of Norway’s Svalbard environmental pressures in the in North Norway. The prospects policy. High North. Norway intends to for the petroleum industry in play a leading role in monitoring the north are good, and sev- We will be at the forefront of climate change, environmentally eral new developments are being 2international efforts to develop hazardous substances and the considered. knowledge in and about the High marine environment in the region. North. The Government will seek to Svalbard is to be maintained as one encourage operators of fields Knowledge is at the core of the of the world’s best managed wil- in the High North to establish High North strategy, and is closely derness areas. The strict environ- qualification schemes for local and linked to environmental manage- mental legislation and comprehen- regional contractors. The authori- ment, utilisation of resources and sive protection measures will be ties will play an active role in pro- value creation. As a nation, we continued and further developed moting local and regional spin-off need more knowledge to fully to meet the challenges that will effects of petroleum developments seize the opportunities ahead and arise as economic activity expands. in the region. We will also start a meet the challenges we are facing In the event of a conflict with other project to establish the likely spin- in the High North. Norway has interests, environmental considera- off effects of petroleum activities in internationally leading centres of tions will prevail. the High North on the basis of the excellence in the fields of petro- experience gained so far. leum, maritime transport, utilisa- The Government’s fundamental tion and management of marine premise is that the management We intend the High North policy resources, environmental protec- of living marine resources is to be 5to play a role in safeguarding tion, climate and polar research based on the rights and duties set the livelihoods, traditions and and research on indigenous peo- out in Law of the Sea, and that it is cultures of indigenous peoples in the ples. The Government intends to to ensure the maximum sustain- High North. strengthen the knowledge infra- able yield from these resources. structure in the region. The integrated management plan Indigenous peoples are stewards for the Barents Sea–Lofoten will of cultural values and have special- We intend to be the best steward be a useful tool for clarifying the ised knowledge of ways of making 3of the environment and natural overall principles for the manage- a living under difficult conditions resources in the High North ment of the resources in the High in subarctic areas. These will be North. useful assets in the implementation We will promote value crea- of our High North policy, and the tion through sustainable use of We will provide a suitable indigenous dimension is an inte- resources while maintaining the 4framework for further develop- gral part of the policy. Integrated structure, functioning and pro- ment of petroleum activities in the resource management in the High ductivity of the ecosystems of the Barents Sea, and will seek to ensure North includes the protection of area. The Government will set that these activities boost compe- the natural resource base used strict environmental standards tence in Norway in general and in by indigenous peoples for their for all activities in the High North North Norway in particular, and economic activity, of their tradi- and will establish a framework to foster local and regional business tional knowledge, and of reindeer protect particularly valuable and development. husbandry areas. It also includes vulnerable areas against nega- protection of the environment tive impacts. The Government along the coast and of traditional
sea-water and salmon fisheries. ment and Norwegian-Russian n examine the need for a new, ice- The Government will develop cooperation. Russia is undergoing class research vessel with a view to existing and new forms of econom- rapid economic development. The increasing the year-round Norwe- ic activity as a basis for Sami settle- changes that are taking place in gian presence in northern waters; ment patterns and to safeguard the the country’s economy, society and Sami culture. We will also promote politics do not affect the objectives n strengthen knowledge build- capacity and competence build- of Norway’s policy, but develop- ing and research in and about the ing in Sami institutions, and these ments will be followed closely and High North through the Research institutions will be encouraged to instruments adapted accordingly. Council of Norway; take active part in international The Government’s policy towards cooperation. Russia is based on pragmatism, n increase maritime safety in the interests and cooperation. waters around Svalbard is to be We will further develop people- increased by such means as apply- 6to-people cooperation in the In following up the main priori- ing the Harbour Act and introduc- High North ties of the High North strategy, ing a mandatory system requiring the Government will: the employment of local people People-to-people cooperation is an with thorough knowledge of the important part of Norway’s High n further develop the active dia- waters around Svalbard to pilot North policy. Health, education, logue with neighbours, partners vessels sailing in these waters; culture, sport, child and youth and allies on High North issues; work and volunteer activities are n strengthen cooperation with key components. Opportunities n raise the profile of Norway’s the authorities in Russia and other for people to come together to High North policy in regional and countries in the fight against ille- take part in joint activities in these international forums and ensure gal, unregulated and unreported areas foster mutual understand- that this is done in a coordinated fishing in the Barents Sea; ing and trust which again foster manner; stability and development in the n build up efforts to implement High North. The Government will n further develop petroleum the integrated management plan seek to ensure that the Barents activities in the Barents Sea area for the Barents Sea–Lofoten area Cooperation continues to play an through an active licensing policy through surveys and monitoring important role in creating meeting that takes into account the need to of the marine environment, and on places and networks for people in follow up exploration results and research on the ecosystems and the High North. the need to open up new areas for how they are affected by human exploration ; the Government will activities; We will strengthen our coopera- also encourage geological surveys 7tion with Russia in the High North; n intensify surveying, monitoring and research efforts relating to cli- In the context of our High North n draw up a proposal for an eco- mate change and environmentally policy, it is vital to maintain close nomic and industrial cooperation hazardous substances in the High bilateral relations with Russia, zone, which would include both North; which is both a neighbour and Norwegian and Russian territory the country with which we share in the border areas of the High n continue Norway’s engagement the Barents Sea. A number of the North; in efforts to ensure nuclear safety challenges in the High North in and emergency preparedness in areas such as the environment and n identify further measures to the High North; resource management can only facilitate border crossing between be solved with Russia’s engage- Norway and Russia; Ü
n increase research and develop- n provide a suitable framework ment efforts to develop environ- for a greater research effort on mental technology for and in the farming cod and other marine spe- High North; cies of interest; n initiate more knowledge-gen- n consider supporting efforts eration and development projects to start up goods traffic along within the framework of the Bar- the Northern East–West Freight ents 2020 programme; Corridor, which is an initiative to provide a transport solution from n establish a grant scheme for Central Asia to North America studies at North Norwegian insti- through the port of Narvik; tutions, , which will be funded via the Barents 2020 allocation; n consider whether there is rea- n develop closer cultural coopera- son for the Government to assess tion in the High North, especially new transport solutions such as with Russia; a railway from Nikel to Kirkenes, and whether there is a commercial n consider measures to increase basis for setting up new flights the recruitment of competent and within the High North; qualified labour to the High North from other countries; n carry out a broad analysis of the existing transport infrastructure in n promote bioprospecting activi- the High North and future needs ties and the development of new in connection with the prepara- products derived from marine tion of the National Transport Plan organisms; 2010–2019. n
10
PART 1 Part 1 A new dimension of Norwegian foreign policy
Predictability and a long-term perspective are essential as- pects of Norway’s High North policy, which is an important part of our foreign policy. They have been the hallmarks of Norway’s policy in the north for many decades.
Norway will continue to take a includes the administrative entities consistent approach that is readily in Norway, Sweden, Finland and recognisable for our neighbours, Russia that are part of the Barents partners and allies. We have shown Cooperation. Furthermore, Nor- firmness in exercising our sover- way’s High North policy overlaps eignty and in fulfilling our respon- with the Nordic cooperation, our sibility to control resource use, but relations with the US and Canada also openness in seeking solutions through the Arctic Council, and in response to new developments our relations with the EU through through cooperation. This pattern the Northern Dimension. is being continued with the intro- From the Arctic duction of the High North as a new This means that many of the are- Council meeting in dimension of our foreign policy. nas in which Norwegian foreign Salekhard, Russia, 16 policy is conducted will be influ- October 2006. This new dimension includes enced by the priority we are now increased activity and a stronger giving to the High North. strategic focus on maintaining longstanding Norwegian inter- Stronger focus on energy and the ests, developing cooperation with environment Russia, and gaining acceptance for There is growing interest in the the importance of sound resource High North as an arena of inter- management and efforts to protect national cooperation. This is the environment and address particularly due to developments climate change. The focus on the in areas such as energy and the High North will make it easier to environment. see these issues, and how they are interrelated, in the context of our The resource potential in the north foreign policy vis-à-vis other coun- and the associated opportunities tries and in international forums. for cooperation have made energy a key dimension of the High North The High North is a broad concept dialogues Norway has been con- both geographically and politically. ducting with the European Com- In geographical terms, it covers mission and with countries such as the sea and land, including islands Germany, France, the US, Canada and archipelagos, stretching north- and our Nordic neighbours. The wards from the southern bound- High North is emerging as a new ary of Nordland county in Norway petroleum province, and as much and eastwards from the Greenland as a quarter of the world’s undis- Sea to the Barents Sea and the covered oil and gas resources may Pechora Sea. In political terms, it Ü
13 PART 1 PART
be located in Arctic areas. Accord- end up in the High North. The and maintenance of Norwegian ing to the Norwegian Petroleum increasing awareness of climate settlements on the archipelago. Directorate, more than two thirds change and pollution is creating a of the undiscovered resources on need for closer international moni- Developments in the High North the Norwegian continental shelf toring of the Arctic environment. have become more dynamic as a are located in the Norwegian Sea result of the stronger international and the Barents Sea. The problem of climate change focus on energy and the environ- is at the top of the environmen- ment. The static Cold War situa- The focus of Norwegian energy tal policy agenda. Climate issues tion has been replaced by a vision policy is thus continuing its his- must, however, also be reflected of broad international cooperation. torical shift towards the north. At in foreign and development policy the same time, energy issues are because it is clear that climate These changes have figured acquiring a foreign policy dimen- change will have an impact on the prominently in the High North dia- sion as energy supply and security security of countries and people logues Norway has been conduct- become increasingly important in all over the world. The Ministry of ing with key Western countries. international relations. In many Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of The purpose of the dialogues is countries, energy is becoming the Environment will intensify their to explain Norway’s interests and more clearly defined as a part of cooperation to ensure that Norway positions in order to gain accept- security policy. fulfils its commitments under the ance for our views of the opportu- Kyoto Protocol and plays an active nities and challenges in the High The main lines of Norway’s petro- role in efforts to achieve a more North, and to identify new areas leum policy are well established. ambitious climate agreement for and forms of cooperation. However, we must be aware of and the period after 2012. respond to the increased impor- The first phase of general briefings tance of energy issues as we imple- Svalbard is therefore gaining has now been completed. In the ment our foreign and security poli- importance as an international envi- next phase, the idea is to explore cy. So that our relations with other ronmental and climate research in greater detail the issues of most countries better reflect the promi- platform. It provides unique oppor- common interest, with a view to nent role energy has acquired, tunities for a wide range of experts identifying specific cooperation the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in to build up knowledge of climate projects that can give the dialogues close cooperation with the Minis- change and the environment, and more substance. try of Petroleum and Energy, will raise awareness of this major global therefore strengthen its capacity to problem. It is vital for Norway to Regional forums handle energy issues. maintain the important role of this The Government intends its High meeting place. North strategy to direct more The High North is increasingly attention towards Norway’s inter- being seen as a barometer of The Government considers it ests and to ensure better coordi- global climate change. The tem- important to continue its efforts nation of how they are presented perature rise is about twice as fast in Svalbard in line with Norway’s in different forums. We consider in the Arctic as in the rest of the policy on Svalbard: consistent regional forums particularly valu- world, and this will have major con- and firm enforcement of sover- able in this connection. sequences for people living in the eignty, proper compliance with the north. Moreover, environmentally Spitsbergen Treaty and control to Norway will give High North hazardous substances from other ensure compliance with the treaty, issues a higher profile in Nor- parts of the northern hemisphere maintenance of peace and stabil- ity in the area, the protection of its distinctive wilderness character Report No. 9 (1999-2000) to the Storting, US Geological Survey, 2000 Svalbard
14 dic cooperation bodies. In close This cooperation was a pioneering other regional issues. Knowledge cooperation with the Storting, initiative when it was launched in about the indigenous peoples in the these issues will be raised in the 1993. It is still a unique forum for region will be developed, for exam- Nordic Council and the Nordic cooperation across old dividing ple in cooperation with centres of Council of Ministers. So far these lines in the north, with a strong expertise in Kautokeino. forums have concentrated on people-to-people dimension, in the Baltic Sea Cooperation. It which the indigenous peoples’ inter- Norway will chair the Arctic is, however, important that this ests play a key role. The Govern- Council from 2007 to 2009. We perspective is supplemented with ment intends to provide favourable will use the chairmanship to gain a stronger focus on the High conditions for the county authori- support for our High North policy. North. In this connection the ties in North Norway, the Sámedig- We have drawn up an ambitious Government considers it impor- gi (Sami Parliament), other public programme for our chairmanship, tant to continue the dialogue with institutions, NGOs and private indi- with particular emphasis on sus- each of the Nordic countries. viduals to continue to strengthen tainable resource management and the Barents Cooperation. efforts to combat climate change. The Government also intends to Through the Arctic Council we will step up its efforts to focus atten- With a view to increasing the effi- also seek to increase international tion on its High North policy in ciency of the Barents Cooperation, understanding of the urgency of European institutions such as the Norway has taken the initiative for addressing climate change. European Parliament. This will be the establishment of an internation- done in close consultation with the al secretariat in Kirkenes. The inter- In connection with Norway’s Storting and Norwegian organi- national secretariat is to be opera- chairmanship, an Arctic Council sations that participate in these tional from 1 January 2008, and will secretariat, which is planned to be cooperation bodies, including the be in addition to the national Bar- operational from 1 January 2007, social partners. ents Secretariat, also in Kirkenes. will be established in Tromsø. The Barents Institute was estab- Sweden and Denmark have We will also fully exploit the poten- lished in the same town to boost agreed that the secretariat should tial of the Barents Cooperation. knowledge about cross-border and continue its work through their Ü
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chairmanship periods, i.e. until systems. These factors together and complex developments on the end of 2013. with economic interests are also the Norwegian continental shelf. putting increasing pressure on the We have thus created conditions We have had good experience Barents Sea. conducive to long-term, large-scale of inviting decision-makers from investments, while at the same other countries to the High North. Norwegian resource management time maintaining full transparency This will be stepped up in the combines active use of national and sound control processes, and years to come, with priority being regulatory authority with cred- facilitating coexistence between given to guests from the US, Cana- ible enforcement of legislation and very different but important users da and Russia. Due to its research international cooperation. Under of these sea areas. infrastructure, particularly in the current international law there is field of climate research, Svalbard a wide range of instruments that Norway has submitted documen- is of particular interest in this Norway can apply in its efforts to tation to the Commission on the connection. develop knowledge- and perform- Limits of the Continental Shelf on ance-based resource management. the extent of its continental shelf, Conflicts of interest In contrast to the situation in many based on the provisions of the Our vision is that the Barents Sea other areas, the combination of Law of the Sea and international should become a “sea of coopera- effective coastal state management cooperation. The same approach tion”. Even during the tension of and extensive cooperation with has been taken to the delimitation the Cold War, relations between other states has made it possible to of the continental shelf and the the countries of the north were rebuild important but vulnerable fisheries zones in the area between orderly and correct. Although fish stocks such as cod and her- Greenland and Svalbard, which there are sometimes differences of ring in northern waters. has now been settled, and to the opinion on certain legal questions delimitation of the continental and points of international law, We have a historic responsibility to shelf in the Norwegian Sea. It is Norway has been commended for continue this. also being used in dealing with the its stewardship in the north, and unresolved questions related to the this is something we will continue Norway takes a systematic, delimitation line between Norway to build on. methodical approach to the open- and Russia in the Barents Sea. ing of new areas for petroleum There is potential for closer activities and for later awards The delimitation of the continental cooperation in the High North, of exploration and production shelf and the 200-mile zones in the but there are also real conflicts of licences, based on clear rules for Barents Sea is an essential basis interest related to the utilisation the authorities, companies and for the exploration and exploita- of fisheries resources and future other actors. tion of petroleum deposits in the offshore petroleum resources. area of overlapping claims, which Our sound regulatory framework covers an area of 175 000 square There is excess capacity in the and predictable and effective man- kilometres. The principal purpose fishing fleet, both worldwide and agement have ensured that impact of a delimitation line is to deter- in Norway’s neighbouring areas. assessments are drawn up, based mine which state has jurisdiction The world’s recoverable energy on the precautionary principle, and over an area for specific purposes. resources have also diminished. the need to adhere to strict envi- Agreement on a delimitation line As a result, it is becoming more ronmental standards. They have will thus make it possible to estab- challenging to ensure responsi- also ensured transparency and par- lish the predictable framework ble resource management and ticipation by international oil com- that is necessary for economic and the conservation of biodiversity panies and contractors with broad other actors, and also for cross- and particularly vulnerable eco- experience and expertise in large
16 border cooperation schemes in the petroleum sector.
The issue of the delimitation of the continental shelf and zones in the Barents Sea can only be resolved through political agree- ment between Norway and Rus- sia. Agreement on a delimitation line would release considerable potential for cooperation between Norway and Russia in the petro- leum sector.
There are differing views on the geographical scope of the Spits- bergen Treaty. Norway’s position has always been that the treaty, in Representatives of accordance with its wording, only Norway’s position is clear and has the Norwegian and applies to the archipelago and the a firm basis in international law: Russian Coastguards territorial waters. With potential as a coastal state we have the right at a debriefing on economic interests in mind, other to unilaterally establish maritime board KV Andenes states have claimed that the treaty zones around Svalbard, and an after the Barents Res- also applies to maritime areas obligation to prevent over-exploita- cue 2006 exercise. outside the territorial waters. This tion of the fisheries resources. was one of the reasons why Nor- way decided in 1977 until further Norway will continue to fulfil its notice to establish a fisheries pro- responsibility in a transparent and tection zone rather than a full eco- predictable way. We expect other nomic zone. One of the purposes actors to comply with national and was to ensure the protection and international rules and regulations. sound management of the living The High North is at the top of our resources. foreign policy agenda, and we will seek the support of our allies and The Norwegian management partners to ensure that Norway is regime in the Fisheries Protection able to address the real challenges Zone has generally been com- we are facing in the High North. plied with in practice. However, Norway’s right to regulate fishing Cooperation with Russia and exercise jurisdiction over the Russia is both our neighbour and continental shelf in this area is not the country with which we share undisputed. For example, Spain, the Barents Sea, and consequently Iceland and Russia have disputed our relations with Russia form the this right with reference to the pro- central bilateral dimension of Nor- visions of the Spitsbergen Treaty. way’s High North policy. Ü
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will be followed closely and meas- ures adapted accordingly. We will maintain a candid dialogue with Russia and will be clear about Norway’s views on human rights, the principles of the rule of law and political rights.
Norway’s policy towards Russia is based on pragmatism, interests and cooperation.
We can only ensure sustainable use of resources and sound environ- mental management in the Barents Sea with Russia’s engagement and Norwegian-Russian coopera- In cooperation bet- Today we are dealing with a dif- tion. The Government therefore ween Gazprom and ferent Russia from the one that intends to strengthen cooperation Hydro, the rig Deepsea emerged in the international arena with Russia on ecosystem-based Delta drilled and tested in the first few years after the dis- management of the whole Barents well no. 7 in the Rus- solution of the Soviet Union. Rus- Sea, both in the Joint Norwegian- sian Stockman field in sia is currently undergoing rapid Russian Commission on Environ- the autumn of 2006. economic development, due in mental Protection and in the Joint particular to large revenues from Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Com- the energy sector and also to a mission. This cooperation includes number of reforms. measures to combat illegal, unre- ported and unregulated fishing. After decades of authoritarian rule and isolationism, Russia is The preparation and ongoing now finding its place in the Euro- implementation of the integrated pean cooperation between demo- management plan for the Bar- cratic states. As a neighbouring ents Sea–Lofoten area has given country, Norway welcomes this Norway valuable experience. We development. cannot expect a Norwegian plan to apply to the entire Barents Sea, It is, however, still unclear how but the principles and approaches Russia will develop in a number of set out in the plan may, in coopera- areas of interest to the surround- tion with Russia, be applied to the ing world. This applies particular- whole sea. ly to key issues such as the rule of law, freedom of expression and Our fisheries cooperation with human rights. The changes that the Soviet Union started as far are taking place in the country’s back as 30 years ago, and has economy, society and politics do been instrumental in ensuring not affect the objectives of Nor- sustainable harvesting of the fish way’s policy, but developments stocks in northern waters. Our
18 joint management of living marine in the whole of the Barents Sea. gian Armed Forces. By strength- resources is based on nearly a cen- Cooperation on health, safety and ening capacity, the Government tury of Norwegian-Russian marine environmental issues will be fur- has made it possible for the Coast research cooperation. ther developed together with the Guard vessels and the Orion air- Russian authorities, the petroleum craft to spend more time at sea and It is the Government’s ambition industry and the social partners in in the air, respectively. than Norway should develop close both countries. We will also build cooperation with Russia on sound further on the existing cooperation Most of the security challenges in exploitation of the petroleum with Russia on maritime safety, oil the High North are cross-secto- resources in the Barents Sea. Both spill response and emergency and ral, and require close cooperation the former and present Norwegian rescue services. between the civilian and military Government accepted President authorities. The armed forces have Putin’s invitation to forge a strate- Norway intends to encourage an important role to play, because gic partnership between Norway stronger ties with Russia at all they have a clearly-defined leader- and Russia in the north. Part of our levels by reducing costs and sim- ship structure and chain of com- efforts related to the High North plifying the procedures involved. mand, and other capacities that will be aimed at giving substance We have therefore negotiated a can be put to use as required. to this partnership – or vision. visa agreement with Russia. This agreement, which is expected to One of the primary tasks of the In this connection the Government enter into force in the first half of armed forces is to provide back- intends to draw up a proposal for 2007, will simplify visa procedures ground information for national an economic and industrial coop- for many categories of Norwegians decision-making through up-to- eration zone which would include and Russians. It is particularly use- date surveillance and intelligence. both Norwegian and Russian ter- ful that the agreement will make Given the challenges in the north, ritory in the border areas of the it easier to obtain multiple-entry it is very important that Norwe- High North. The zone would help visas that are valid for longer peri- gian authorities have up-to-date to promote Norwegian-Russian ods of time. information on the situation at onshore cooperation relating to the their disposal at all times, both prospective petroleum activities in Agreement has also been reached as regards natural resources and the Barents Sea. on extending the opening hours at the environment and as regards the Storskog border crossing, and civilian and military developments. In this connection, it will be impor- the Government will facilitate their Surveillance and intelligence will tant to assess to what extent exist- speedy introduction. The Govern- continue to be a key task for the ing instruments can be applied. ment will also carry out a broad armed forces in the north. Once Norway has prepared a review of existing rules and pro- proposal, it intends to present it to cedures with a view to facilitating It is important to maintain the the Russian authorities. It could border crossing between Norway presence of the Norwegian Armed then be further developed by a and Russia at Storskog. In this Forces in the High North both Norwegian-Russian working group connection the practice followed to enable Norway to exercise its established for this purpose. by other countries in the Schengen sovereignty and authority and area, and particularly Finland, will to ensure that it can maintain its Norway will advocate ambitious be studied. role in resource management. environmental goals in both The presence of the armed forces countries and seek to promote Presence of the Norwegian Armed increases predictability and stabil- the establishment of high health, Forces ity, and is decisive for our ability safety and environmental stand- The changes in the north are also to respond to emergencies in the ards for the petroleum activities affecting the role of the Norwe- High North. Ü
19 PART 1 PART
By taking action on breaches national servicemen now takes Defence cooperation between of the rules designed to protect place there. The Army has key Norway and Russia is also building natural resources, Norway is mak- units in Troms, which will contin- mutual trust and increasing our ing it clear that international and ue to play an important role in the capacity for joint problem-solving. national obligations are to be taken future, and South Varanger Gar- The Kursk and Elektron incidents seriously. Infringements of Nor- rison in Finnmark is another high demonstrated how valuable estab- wegian fisheries legislation will priority unit. lished contact between regional therefore be acted upon in a cred- military authorities is when ible, consistent and predictable For many years we have been emergencies or delicate situations way. With this in view, the already cooperating closely with allied arise. We will make active efforts close cooperation between the countries on military activities in to intensify our defence-related Norwegian Coast Guard, the pros- the north, mainly in the form of dialogue with Russia. n ecuting authority and the police joint exercises and training. These will be further developed. The are valuable because they make cooperation between the Norwe- our allies familiar with the condi- gian Coast guard and the Russian tions in the north, and ensure Coast Guard will also be further greater general coordination in developed in order to ensure opti- allied operations. The Government mal coordination of the fisheries will seek to maintain our allies’ and control in the Barents Sea. partners’ interest in the north, and will encourage increased participa- The Army’s activities are to a large tion in military exercises and train- extent concentrated in North ing in the region. Norway, and nearly all training of
20
PART 2 part 2 Knowledge generation and competence building
nowledge is at the core of the High North policy, and K High North. The Norwegian Polar is closely linked to environmental management, utilisation Institute also administers large of resources and value creation. As a nation, we need more resources for knowledge genera- knowledge in order to fully seize the opportunities ahead tion in and about the High North. and meet the challenges we are facing in the High North. The Government will use the existing institutions and instru- ments in its efforts to promote knowledge-generation. We must take a long-term approach We have a good starting point, to knowledge generation. Norway and we have good prospects for The budget proposal for 2007 must build a broad knowledge success. We have a well developed includes two major alloca- base. The Government’s focus on knowledge infrastructure over the tions that directly target the education is therefore central. Edu- whole of the country, including the High North. One is a signifi- cation, competence and knowledge north. We have leading centres of cant increase in funding for will provide the key to realising the excellence at international level polar research in connection opportunities in the High North. within important areas such as with Norway’s participation in It is important that the popula- petroleum production, maritime the International Polar Year. tion in the north has good educa- transport, utilisation and manage- The other is the Barents 2020 tional opportunities at all levels. ment of marine resources, environ- programme. This means that we must focus on mental protection, climate issues, improving the quality of educa- polar and space research, and The Research Council of Norway tion from the first years of school research on the Sami and other is a key player in the Govern- and upwards, and seek to prevent indigenous peoples. Considerable ment’s efforts to increase focus young people from discontinuing funding is already being provided on knowledge relating to the High upper secondary education. for knowledge generation in and North. Funds from almost all the about the High North through the ministries are channelled through Norway as a nation must carry out national research system. the Research Council to a number surveying, monitoring and research of different High North research activities that can ensure sustain- Efforts to strengthen knowledge programmes and projects. The able utilisation of natural resources. in and about the High North will Research Council of Norway Cross-cutting knowledge is to be require increased investments is responsible for maintaining developed in cooperation between through several ministries’ budg- an overview of these funds and the public authorities, the business ets. In 2006, the Research Council how they are used. The Govern- sector, knowledge institutions in of Norway will allocate around ment will seek to strengthen civil society and educational and NOK 350 million to research that High North research through the research institutions. Knowledge is directly related to the High Research Council. and expertise about the High North. In addition, universities, North is to be built up in the region university colleges, and research The Government sees a need at the same time as close connec- and management institutions to direct the overall system of tions are maintained with centres receive funding from other education and research in North of excellence in other parts of the sources, and research activities Norway more towards industrial country. We must also cooperate are also carried out in the business needs. Coordination between the with centres of expertise outside sector. For example, the Institute business sector and the research Norway, particularly in Russia. of Marine Research has an annual system in the region also needs budget of nearly NOK 300 million to be enhanced. Research car- for its activities in and about the ried out and funded by industry in Ü
23 PART 2 PART
North Norway is approximately 30 the High North, and these institu- a course of study up to doctorate per cent of the national per-capita tions will play an important role in level in this field. average (2003). This is partly due the priority that will now be given to the predominance of industries to competence building in the The higher education institutions based on natural resources with a region. However, it is important in the north initiated a review of traditionally low level of research, to direct the education system in institutional structure, cooperation and partly due to the absence of the north more towards industrial and student recruitment, which blue-chip companies in the region. and technological needs in order resulted in the report Universi- to strengthen links with the private tas Borealis?, published in April The Research Council of Norway, sector. Today the High North is this year. This discusses various together with Innovation Norway home to important knowledge scenarios for the institutional and the Industrial Development institutions, especially the Univer- structure of higher education in Corporation of Norway, is respon- sity of Tromsø and the university North Norway and for cooperation sible for stimulating companies colleges, for example those in between institutions. The Govern- to increase their research effort Narvik (technology) and Bodø ment will enter into a dialogue with and to enhance coordination (economics). The Government the institutions on the follow-up to with the research system. These considers that such educational this study. institutions are expected to review opportunities should be increased industry-oriented funding instru- in the High North, and will stimu- The Government’s main pri- ments with a view to making late expansion in this area. orities for knowledge generation them more closely targeted to and competence development the challenges we are facing in It is important that we build on in and about the High North are the High North. New approaches the existing institutions and avoid described below. are needed in the international spreading resources too thinly. cooperation between the business Therefore the Government takes Meeting the knowledge needs sector and research communities. a positive view of the cooperation identified in the integrated This is particularly relevant in the that is being developed between management plan cooperation with Russia. the Norwegian University of The purpose of the white paper on Science and Technology (Trond- an integrated management plan The Government wishes heim), the University of Stavanger, for the Barents Sea–Lofoten area the University of Tromsø, Tromsø (Report No. 8 (2005-2006) to the Norway to be at the fore- University College, Narvik Uni- Storting) is to provide a framework front of international efforts versity College and Finnmark University College in connection The Government wishes to to develop knowledge in with development of the Snøhvit strengthen the knowledge and about the High North. field off the coast of Finnmark. This is an example of how educa- base needed for eco-sys- Strengthening knowledge in- tional establishments, research tem-based management of frastructure in the High North institutions and companies can resources in the northern sea and cooperation between work together to develop courses of study that meet the needs of areas by meeting the know- institutions has been defined the local business sector. Another ledge needs identified in the as a goal in its own right. example can be found in the field of tourism, where the university integrated management plan colleges of Finnmark, Harstad and for the Barents Sea–Lofoten The university and university col- Bodø are cooperating with the lege system is well developed in University of Tromsø to develop area.
24 for the sustainable use of natural ing pollution levels, will require resources while maintaining the further research to establish back- structure, functioning and produc- ground levels for environmentally tivity of the ecosystems of the area. hazardous substances and contin- A sound and well-documented ue the development of indicators. knowledge base is essential if this goal is to be reached, and if Surveying the seabed and the seabed Norway is to win credibility and environment become the best steward for the The implementation of the MAR- High North. It is also essential EANO programme to develop a for Norway’s opportunity to influ- marine areal database for Norwe- ence international cooperation gian waters will increase knowl- and negotiations on environmen- edge of physical, biological and tal protection and the manage- chemical conditions on the seabed. ment of living marine resources MAREANO will be an important in the region. tool in establishing integrated eco- system-based management regime In drawing up the integrated and providing a framework for management plan, which will be increased value creation. updated in 2010, it became clear that there are considerable gaps n The Government intends the in our knowledge of ecosystem whole of the Norwegian seabed interactions and the impacts of from the Lofoten Islands to the human activity. It will therefore be Russian border, including the necessary to strengthen research, southern part of the Barents Sea, monitoring and surveying in the to be surveyed by 2010. management plan area in order to fill the knowledge gaps that have Surveying and monitoring seabird been identified. The Government populations will increase knowledge genera- The SEAPOP (Seabird Population tion in the period up to 2010. Management and Petroleum Oper- ations) programme is intended to The main elements of the improve knowledge of seabirds in knowledge generation initiative Norway and provide a better basis will be: for decisions in questions relat- ing to the petroleum activities and The introduction of a coordinated their impacts on seabirds. monitoring system for the marine environment Surveys and research on environ- Ecosystem-based management mentally hazardous substances of resources requires continuous Knowledge about hazardous assessment of the state of the envi- substances in the sea will be ronment in relation to the environ- increased. In particular, system- mental goals that have been set. atic development of knowledge The introduction of a coordinated on the transport routes, levels monitoring system for the state of and effects of environmentally the marine environment, includ- hazardous substances is needed. Ü
25 PART 2 PART
This would make it possible to set example, changes in the migration will form an important part of the reduction targets and to consider patterns of important fish species infrastructure for this research measures to combat such pollu- may have significance for the man- effort. Promising results have tion at both national and interna- agement of fisheries in the future. been achieved in cod farming, but tional level. The establishment of much basic research needs to be an environmental specimen bank The Government will strengt- done before large-scale cod farm- will be considered. ing is commercially viable. hen marine research with Geological surveys particular emphasis on the There is an urgent need for knowl- Seismic data coverage for the edge on the environmental effects areas off the Lofoten Islands is low farming of cod and other new of all types of fish-farming and sea- at present, and the quality of the species, and marine biopro- ranching activities as a basis for seismic data that has been collect- specting (i.e. searching for taking effective steps to minimise ed is in general moderate to poor. such effects. This is particularly In its integrated management plan, valuable biochemical and the case with cod farming. the Government has announced genetic resources from living that surveys will be carried out to n The Government will improve improve knowledge about the are- organisms). This research will knowledge and expertise in this as off Nordland VII, Troms II and strengthen the knowledge area so that we are able to deal the Eggakanten area off Troms. with problems such as pressure base for both management on wild fish stocks, cod diseases, n The government budget for and commercialisation. developing vaccines, feed, and 2007 proposes an allocation of ensuring normal development NOK 70 million for seismic sur- from larvae to harvestable fish. veys of Nordland VII and Troms II, n The Government will promote so that this work, which will take increased efforts in data collection Marine biosprospecting several years, can be started. The and the development of models Marine bioprospecting is the seismic surveys will provide a bet- that can be used to forecast the search for valuable biochemical ter basis for decision-making when effects of changes in the marine and genetic resources from living the integrated management plan is ecosystems in the High North. organisms. Rapid advances are revised in 2010. being made in marine biotechnol- Fish farming ogy, including bioprospecting. The Marine research Efforts to expand fish farming to northern seas contain interesting Long-term management-related include new species have in recent organisms that are adapted to the research years focused on cod, and this is cold environment. Better knowl- The integrated management plan’s one of the Government’s priority edge about marine biodiversity approach is to ensure that impacts areas. Large-scale cod farming and technological expertise are and pressures on all components will have to take place along the needed with a view to realising the of marine ecosystems are assessed coast of North Norway, where the potential for value creation within before harvesting strategies are necessary natural conditions and marine biotechnology offered by drawn up. This requires data and expertise are to be found. these abundant natural resources. models that make it possible to Significant research is being car- produce prognoses over several The Norwegian Institute of Fisher- ried out in the High North and an years. These prognoses will be ies and Aquaculture Research in industry is beginning to take form. particularly important for assess- Tromsø is already giving priority These efforts require expertise ing the likely impacts of climate to cod farming. Brood stock facili- and resources, including entre- change on the northern seas. For ties elsewhere in North Norway preneurship and venture capital.
26 The first products are already on the market: enzymes from by- products, omega 3 products and gelatine from fish skin. Possible future products include anti-bacte- rial agents, genetic superglue and super enzymes.
A centre for research-based inno- vation within this area is being established in Tromsø. The MAR- EANO programme will provide valuable information for marine bioprospecting in the High North. n The Government will promote commercially and environmentally sustainable development of marine biotechnology in the High North. gian continental shelf and reduced This will involve strengthening their environmental impact. Tech- knowledge generation in the field, nological advances are prima- as well as increasing the techno- rily made in connection with the logical, industrial and marketing development of new fields, as is expertise needed to realise the currently being illustrated by two opportunities for value creation major, highly advanced develop- offered by marine bioprospecting. ment projects: Snøhvit and Ormen Framework conditions and legisla- Lange. tion are currently being developed to govern commercial and intellec- Petroleum-related research tual property rights to the genetic resources in the sea and on the and development is another seabed. important area for the Go-
Petroleum research and vernment. Priority will be development given to research aimed at The Government’s focus on the meeting the technological High North will promote the fur- ther development of expertise and and environmental challen- technology that will enable petro- ges in the High North. leum exploration and production in the High North to be carried out in a responsible and efficient way. These projects are good exam- ples of how Norway’s oil and gas The considerable technological expertise is being successfully developments in recent decades developed in cooperation between have increased the efficiency of companies, research centres and petroleum activities on the Norwe- higher education institutions. Ü
27 PART 2 PART
Today, Norwegian expertise is in However, in addition to the resources is an important part of demand and is highly competitive increased efforts on the part of the basis for political decisions on in the international arena. the authorities, the oil companies petroleum operations in the High will also have to step up their North. OG21 (Oil and Gas in the 21st research and development efforts Century) is a research and devel- in cooperation with the centres n The Government will promote opment task force, made up of rep- of excellence. This will create efforts to strengthen geological resentatives of oil companies, con- considerable opportunities for the surveys in the High North in the tractors, research institutions and research and knowledge institu- years ahead. universities. OG21 gives advice on tions in the High North. private and public sector petro- Monitoring and notification for leum research, and has drawn up n The Government will strength- environmental, resource and strategies for a number of areas of en knowledge about oil spill emergency response purposes technology, including an emphasis response operations in Arctic The Government will take the on developing new solutions for areas, particularly as regards oil initiative to improve coordination the Arctic. spills in ice and response meas- between the various monitoring ures in the dark. and research actors, with a view to There is broad agreement within establishing an integrated monitor- the Norwegian petroleum cluster This expertise will be devel- ing and notification system for the that the challenges in the High oped through field studies in the High North for the most important North can be met through further marginal ice zone in the Barents environmental and resource indica- development of the knowledge and Sea, the development of chemical tors, and to ensure the collection of expertise gained in the North Sea beach-cleaning methods, the gen- long time series of data for research and the Norwegian Sea. However, eration of knowledge about the purposes. Close cooperation with the expansion of petroleum activi- use of chemical dispersants in other Arctic nations will be essen- ties in the High North will present cold conditions, and the assess- tial. The system should provide particular challenges that will have ment of various vessel sensors other users with access to informa- to be met through the develop- that can detect oil in the dark. tion about: the seabed (e.g. through ment of new knowledge and skills. The Government will consider MAREANO); the water masses providing partial funding for (including data on ecosystems); The Government will strengt- these efforts through the Barents the sea surface (e.g. maritime hen geological surveying in 2020 programme. transport); the atmosphere (e.g. pollution and climate change); and the High North. Geological surveys meteorological observations. These One of the Petroleum Directorate’s efforts should also be seen in con- The public sector spends around tasks is to carry out surveys of nection with the implementation of NOK 400 million a year on petro- the resources on the Norwegian the integrated management plan, leum-related research. Most of the continental shelf. This includes research effort is directed towards collecting seismic data and shal- The Government will seek to research problems relating to the low drilling to provide the Nor- provide an integrated civilian whole continental shelf, including wegian authorities with the best the Barents Sea. possible insight into the geology monitoring and notification and potential resources of the system for the most impor- n A greater research effort must continental shelf. It is in Norway’s be directed towards specific issues interest to carry out geological tant environmental and relating to the High North. surveys in northern waters. Sound resource indicators in the knowledge about the potential for High North.
28 including its focus on monitoring will therefore be forecasting the the implementation of the ACIA the state of ecosystems. impacts of climate change in our recommendations. part of the Arctic region. These monitoring efforts should n Norway will carry out a sepa- form the basis for one of the In the long term, climate change rate study of the impacts of anthro- elements in an publicly avail- may make it necessary to develop pogenic climate change on the able web-based information new national strategies for the environment and natural resources service on the environment and management of the High North. It in the High North (NorACIA), resources in the Barents Sea is therefore important to gener- which should be completed during or in a larger part of the High ate knowledge that can be used the course of 2009. North. Various projects, includ- in prognoses. Long-term moni- ing the recently completed pilot toring and research efforts will The Government will furthermore project Barents Online, will be be essential in this connection. A ensure the dissemination of new relevant in establishing such a stronger knowledge base will also knowledge in a way that raises system. These projects will be give greater room for action with awareness of climate change at considered more closely by the regard to utilisation of the resourc- national and international level. Management Forum responsi- es in the High North. Norway and other Arctic countries ble for the implementation of the have an important responsibility integrated management plan and The Arctic Climate Impact Assess- here, as the Arctic can provide may be included in the research ment (ACIA) has documented a unique insight into the climate and development efforts under alarming climate change in the change that is already taking place Barents 2020. Arctic, where the temperature and that can be expected to take rise is about twice as fast as in the place in other parts of the world at Climate and polar research rest of the world. During Nor- a later stage. Climate way’s chairmanship of the Arctic It is believed that the effects of Council, the Government will give Environmentally hazardous global warming will be greatest priority to dialogue on climate substances and will first be felt in the Arctic. change with the other Member The Arctic region is in general One of the tasks in the years ahead States, and will actively promote an important area for monitoring Ü
29 PART 2 PART
The Government will promote involve Russia and other leading the interests of indigenous peoples efforts to develop knowledge polar countries. Efforts in connec- in the High North. tion with the IPY will also lead to about climate change and the better utilisation of Norway’s polar Strengthening the knowledge challenges it is creating in the research infrastructure. infrastructure in the High North Svalbard as a research platform High North. Indigenous peoples Svalbard is an important arena The indigenous dimension in the for international cooperation on long-range transport of environ- development of knowledge relating higher education and research. Its mentally hazardous substances, to the High North is important. We situation in the High Arctic pro- including both regional and glo- will give priority to the indigenous vides excellent opportunities for bal pollutants. Various physical, perspective in relation to climate scientific studies, climate research chemical and biological factors, change and adaptation measures and monitoring the marine and including the cold climate, tend in the Arctic Council. The Indig- terrestrial environment and the to result in high levels of environ- enous People’s Research Network atmosphere. In recent years, mentally hazardous substances in will also be strengthened and Norway has made substantial species at the top of food chains in expanded. The network links aca- investments in the research infra- the High North. The Government demic institutions in Norway and structure in Svalbard. Education therefore attaches importance to other countries that study issues of and research, in addition to coal improving knowledge of the pres- particular relevance for indigenous mining and tourism, are the main ence, spread and impacts of envi- peoples, and helps to ensure high Norwegian activities in Svalbard. ronmentally hazardous substances quality education and research in in the region. this field at various institutions. n The infrastructure that has been built up in Svalbard should be uti- Polar research The Government will further lised more efficiently in the future, Norway has long traditions as a by both Norwegian and interna- polar nation and strong centres of develop the Indigenous tional researchers and students, excellence within this field. The People’s Research Network. and the Government will take International Polar Year (IPY) is a steps to facilitate this. The aim is to worldwide focus on polar research strengthen cooperation and coordi- that will extend from 1 March 2007 Many of the challenges facing rein- nation between the various institu- to 1 March 2009. More than 50 000 deer husbandry are common to all tions in Svalbard. The research researchers from at least 60 coun- the countries in the High North. activities and infrastructure will tries will take part. The International Centre for Rein- therefore be assessed with such deer Husbandry was established improvements in view. n Norway will play a leading role in Kautokeino in the autumn of in the International Polar Year. The 2005 for the exchange of informa- Research vessels Government is therefore giving tion between reindeer herders, Some of the Norwegian research high priority to the IPY, and has researchers and administrators in vessels are getting old, and it may proposed an allocation of NOK 80 the various countries, and to pro- be appropriate to invest in new million in the budget for 2007. mote cooperation between these ones. One possible solution would countries. be to invest in a new, larger ice- In connection with the IPY, class vessel to replace the two we Norway will strengthen its polar n The Government will strength- have at present. A new ice-class research efforts and build up its en exchange and cooperation of vessel would increase the year- international network. Most of this type with a view to promoting round Norwegian presence in the Norwegian IPY projects will northern waters and strengthen
30 The research ves- sel G.O.Sars. The Government will consider the need for a new ice-class vessel for use in the High North.
The Government will strengt- knowledge development in the also play a part in the emergency High North. response services for the Norwe- hen education and research gian fisheries zone and for oil and in Svalbard. The Government will consider gas activities in the Barents Sea. the need for a major new ice- There is activity on Jan Mayen the development of interdisci- in connection with the operation plinary knowledge in the High class research vessel for use in of the LORAN-C radio navigation North. the High North. station and Telenor’s coastal radio service, in addition to the activities A new research vessel would have of the Norwegian Meteorological to meet a number of research and n The Government will examine Institute. If/when the LORAN-C management requirements, relat- the need for Norwegian research station on Jan Mayen is closed ing to fields such as the environ- vessels for use in the High North. down, the Institute will be virtually ment, climate, fisheries and the the only organisation with a per- petroleum industry. It should The Norwegian Meteorological manent presence on the island. be possible to use the vessel for Institute year-round marine research in the The Norwegian Meteorological The Government’s intention of polar areas and as an expedition Institute operates three weather maintaining a Norwegian pres- vessel for both Arctic and Antarc- stations in the Arctic, on the ence on Bjørnøya, Hopen and Jan tic expeditions. It should have the islands of Bjørnøya, Hopen and Mayen thus requires the Norwe- equipment necessary for studies Jan Mayen. These stations fulfil gian Meteorological Institute to in oceanography, geology and important tasks in addition to maintain its level of activity on Ü marine biology and meteorologi- their meteorological functions. On cal observations. It should also be Bjørnøya and Hopen, the Insti- The Government will equipped for teaching purposes. A tute is the only organisation that maintain Norway’s presence ship of this kind would strengthen employs permanent staff, and Norway’s position as a pioneer of thus ensures a Norwegian pres- on the islands of Jan Mayen, ence on the islands. The stations Bjørnøya and Hopen.
31 PART 2 PART
The cooperation between Bodø Uni- versity College and MGIMO University in Moscow could serve as a model for joint Norwegian-Russian doctors and masters degree programmes.
the islands. The Government will research, particularly in the field and will consider establishing a initiate a review of the basis for a of health, with the participation of new grant scheme for Russian stu- continued Norwegian presence on a number of institutions in both dents, based on the same pattern the islands and will consider what countries. The Government will as the quota programme, through types of activity and infrastructure take the initiative vis-à-vis the Rus- the Norwegian State Educational should be maintained on them in sian authorities for schemes that Loan Fund. This will promote edu- the future. can ensure better coordination of cational cooperation between Nor- our joint efforts. This will make it wegian and Russian institutions. International cooperation on possible to take a more integrated Targeting these efforts towards education and research approach to bilateral cooperation masters and doctors degree stu- The other Arctic Council Member on knowledge generation and com- dents will also be considered. States – the Nordic countries, Rus- petence building. sia, the US and Canada – and key n The Government will establish EU countries are some of our most n The Government will examine a special grant scheme for studies important cooperation partners. the possibility of establishing joint at educational institutions in North The Government also wishes to Norwegian-Russian doctors and Norway, to be financed via Barents establish closer cooperation with masters degree programmes. The 2020. NOK 3 million a year will be other countries, including Japan, cooperation between Bodø Uni- allocated for the period 2007-2009. India and China. Exchanges of versity College and the Moscow The scheme will focus on studies pupils, students and researchers State Institute of International in the fields of tourism, fisheries, will play a central part in the coop- Relations (MGIMO University) petroleum, indigenous peoples and eration with all these countries. could serve as a model. business economics.
However, Russia is in a special n The Government will consider n The Government will renew position as cooperation partner in increasing the number of Russian and strengthen its cooperation the High North. A broad coopera- students in the quota programme, programme with Russia on educa- tion with Russia has developed which provides opportunities to tion and research. over the years on education and study at Norwegian institutions,
32 n The Government considers it strengthening knowledge about development of the relevant edu- important to continue and further public health, preventive medicine, cational and research networks develop the cooperation that has epidemiology and the development in the High North and increased been established between schools of telemedicine. cooperation with institutions in in Northwestern Russia and the rest of the country. Finnmark county. Troms county n Expertise in public health is to will now be included in this coop- be strengthened in Russia through Cooperation between Norwegian eration, and the number of schools Norwegian and Nordic support research institutions that are taking part will be increased. The for a masters degree programme. studying the High North from cooperation includes exchanges Knowledge about the effects of the perspective of sociology, law of pupils and teachers. It fosters environmentally hazardous sub- and natural sciences should be cross-border friendship and under- stances on the health of mothers strengthened in order to ensure standing, and mutual learning. and children in the High North is national coordination and knowl- also to be improved. edge development. It is also impor- Learning about each other’s lan- tant to strengthen expertise on key guages and learning the languages The Government will strengt- foreign policy aspects of develop- themselves has also been an hen international education ments in the High North. The important part of this cooperation, possibility is being considered of and these efforts will be strength- and research cooperation in establishing a special High North ened in the years to come. The and about the High North, programme under the Research use of IT facilitates contact over Council of Norway, with particular the border, and joint websites and particularly its cooperation focus on the links between geopoli- teaching aids are being devel- with Russia. tics and the energy sector. oped. The school system in Russia has valuable expertise in science The University of the Arctic teaching and the use of art and cul- n The Government will promote The University of the Arctic is a ture in schools, which Norway can efforts to strengthen research in network of higher education insti- learn from. Norwegian schools, the fields of social sciences and the tutions around the North Pole. Its on the other hand, have a stronger humanities in the High North. activities include coordinating the tradition of adapting teaching for mobility programme north2north, pupils with special needs, and we The objective is to increase knowl- running the Bachelor of Circumpo- can also provide expertise in pupil edge about macroeconomic and lar Studies course and various field participation and democracy. political relations and living condi- courses. Within this network, the tions in the region. Key topics will Sami University College runs a It is important that pupils on both be differences in welfare stand- project on reindeer husbandry tar- sides of the border gain knowledge ards between Norway and North- geted towards Russian indigenous and understanding of environmen- western Russia, migration, the peoples. tal problems both in their region livelihoods of indigenous peoples and at global level. The cooperation and features of the climate and n The Government will support gives high priority to this area. natural conditions that are specific efforts to strengthen cooperation to the region. Basic research on between knowledge institutions in Cooperation in the health sec- the history, society and culture the circumpolar region through Ü tor and efforts to improve pub- will be necessary for studies of lic health in the High North are these issues. The gender perspec- The Government will enco- based on exchange of information tive should be in focus in this con- and transfer of expertise. Impor- nection. Increased efforts within urage further development of tant areas for future efforts are this area will require further the University of the Arctic.
33 PART 2 PART
increased exchange of teachers The concrete tasks that are to be n Among the projects that will and the establishment of a masters solved under the Barents 2020 be considered in connection with degree programme. umbrella will be assigned on an Barents 2020 are “Barents Online”, ongoing basis and will be based cooperation with Russia, in par- Barents 2020 on this strategy and input to the ticular Northwestern Russia, on In the autumn of 2005, the Govern- Government from the committee health, environment and safety, ment launched Barents 2020. This of experts on the High North and business development and innova- is a new arena for cooperation on the Research Council of Norway. tion, and a project on oil activities knowledge generation between The integrated management plan and oil spill response operations Norwegian and foreign centres has identified important chal- in ice. The Government will also of knowledge, business interests lenges relating to the management consider financing a study of the and public bodies, and provides its of the marine environment that opportunities and framework con- own grant scheme. With its focus can be followed up through spe- ditions for business development on generating knowledge in and cific projects, and in cooperation in Sami areas. n about the High North and cross- with other countries. The report border activities, Barents 2020 is a presented to the Minister of For- new instrument of Norway’s High eign Affairs on Barents 2020 has North policy. identified key issues and possible projects relating to the develop- n An allocation of NOK 20 million ment of petroleum technology. has been proposed for Barents 2020 in the budget for 2007.
34
PART 3 Part 3 Issues relating to indigenous peoples
Indigenous peoples possess an important body of knowl- edge on nature, the climate, the environment and tradi- tional practices. They are stewards of cultural values and have specialised knowledge of ways of making a living under marginal conditions in subarctic conditions. These are resources that the Government wishes to utilise in its High North policy.
Integrated resource management ment patterns and to safeguard in the High North includes the Sami culture. protection of the natural resource base for indigenous peoples’ n The Government has appointed economic activity, of their cultural a committee to review the rights of heritage and traditional knowl- the Sami and others to fish in the edge, and of reindeer husbandry sea off Finnmark. areas. It also includes protection of the environment along the n The Government will intensify coast and of traditional sea-water efforts to safeguard reindeer hus- and salmon fisheries. bandry areas, for example through the proposed amendments to the There has been some uncertainty Reindeer Husbandry Act. about how the land and natural resources in Finnmark should n The Sami Rights Commission is be administered and about the currently examining the use and scope of collective and individual management of land and natural rights of use and ownership on resources in areas used by the state-owned land. Pursuant to the Sami people outside Finnmark Finnmark Act, government-owned county. land has been taken over by a new local entity, Finnmarkdseiendom- The Arctic Climate Impact Assess- men, and a commission is to be ment (ACIA) documents how established to investigate rights to indigenous peoples have adapted land and water in Finnmark as well to earlier climate change. The as a special court to settle disputes climate change currently taking concerning such rights. This also place may have major impacts on forms the basis for clarifying the the way of life of indigenous peo- rights of indigenous peoples to the ples, and priority will be given to land in Finnmark. knowledge-building in this field, in cooperation with other countries in n The Government will develop the High North. existing and new forms of eco- nomic activity as a basis for settle n The Government is inviting rep- resentatives of indigenous peoples Ü
37 PART 3 PART
to take part in close cooperation The Government’s policy is in- Indigenous peoples must have on the development of a national opportunities to build up their own adaptation strategy. The Govern- tended to safeguard the live- capacity and competence so that ment will seek to give high priority lihoods, traditions and culture they are able to exert real influence to the knowledge and observa- of indigenous peoples in the and participate fully in the general tions of indigenous peoples in development of society, particularly its efforts to follow up the ACIA High North. The indigenous in the High North. recommendations. dimension is an integral part n The Government will con- Increased internationalisation of the High North policy. tribute to capacity building in offers new opportunities, but also research relating to indigenous increases the pressure on the cul- between indigenous peoples and peoples in Sami educational and tures and livelihoods of indigenous with other relevant partners in the research institutions. n peoples. If indigenous communi- High North. ties are to survive these processes of global change, it is vital that n The Government will seek to their rights are safeguarded in the promote the development of com- utilisation and management of the mon standards concerning indig- environment and resources in the enous peoples, to apply to all eco- High North. nomic activity in the High North. n The Government wishes the n Cooperation on the situation of indigenous peoples in the High indigenous peoples is a natural and North to have a strong position important part of Norway’s coop- and to play a key role in their own eration with Russia. development. It will therefore involve indigenous peoples in High n The Government will present a North issues and will maintain white paper on the main principles regular contact with the Sámediggi of Norwegian Sami policy in the (Sami Parliament). autumn of 2007, which will discuss further the indigenous dimension n The Government will seek to of the High North policy. increase opportunities for trade
38
PART 4 PART 4 People-to-people cooperation in the north
The cooperation in the Barents region is characterised by broad popular participation, which makes it unique in an international context.
The harsh climate and the long measures to encourage more peo- distances are two challenges that ple to move to North Norway. particularly affect living conditions for the people in the High North. Children and young people The population of the region is Ensuring good living conditions declining, particularly on the Rus- for young people in the north is sian side of the border. The popula- not just a question of providing tion in the northernmost counties employment and health serv- of Norway has also fallen over ices; good cultural services and the last ten years, and the birth opportunities to participate in rate is low. However, there are the development of society are also vital. The Government will The Government will seek foster the development of entre- to facilitate the continued preneurship among young people in the High North. Importance efforts of the local authorities will also be attached to measures in North Norway, the Sámi- to encourage children and young people to take part in organisa- diggi (Sami Parliament), other tions, which will help to strength- public institutions, non-go- en civil society and democracy vernmental organisations and in the region. The Government is contributing to such efforts private persons to strengthen through the Barents Cooperation cross-border cooperation in and measures such as the Bar- ents Youth Cooperation Office in the north. Murmansk, which was set up to provide information and guidance signs that the tide is beginning to for youth groups, organisations turn in North Norway. The rate of and networks that are working population decrease is slowing and with cross-border youth projects employment is increasing, despite in the Barents region. This sup- the fact that the ratio of women port will be continued. In addition, to men is still low in this part of priority will be given to coopera- the country. In order to ensure tion through the Barents Regional progress in the High North, new Working Group on Youth Issues. opportunities need to be created for women, and young people must Health be offered incentives to settle and In helping to improve public health start families in the region. The in Northwestern Russia, we are Government will also implement also reducing the risk of disease on the Norwegian side of the bor- Ü
41 part 4 part
der. In the years ahead, the Gov- volunteer centres in operation in ernment will therefore continue Northwestern Russia. its cooperation with Russia in the health sector, with focus on devel- n The Government will promote oping expertise on public health, contact between Russian and Nor- preventing infectious diseases and wegian volunteer centres. improving the general health of vulnerable groups, such as chil- Culture and cultural cooperation dren, young people and inmates in The Government will strengthen Russian prisons. cultural cooperation with Russia in the north, and aims to draw up a Sport specific strategy for this purpose. Sports cooperation in the High Cultural contact promotes under- North is now well established. standing and communication. Sports are subject to common Cultural activities create meeting rules regardless of linguistic or places and networks, build trust cultural differences. Cross-bor- and can often lead to cooperation From “Girls on the der sports cooperation is thus in other areas. In the Foreign Min- Bridge” by the Samovar an important opportunity for istry’s part of the Government’s Theatre at the Barents increasing people-to-people con- budget proposal for 2007, NOK 10 Spectacle culture and tact and cultural understanding. million is earmarked for cultural arts festival in 2006 – a Within the Barents region, there and information measures in the cooperation project is ongoing cooperation between High North, with focus on coop- between artists from sports organisations in Norway, eration with Russia. the Barents region and Sweden, Finland and Russia. The the Caucasus. Norwegian Olympic Committee The Government will promote and Confederation of Sports has closer cooperation within music, established a special committee to dance, literature, theatre, film and organise Norway’s sports coopera- museum activities. With this in tion efforts in this region. view, we will:
n The Government will work to n promote exchange programmes facilitate the further development for music ensembles, choirs and of people-to-people cooperation dance groups; under the auspices of the sports n consider developing a pro- organisations in the High North. gramme for visits to and between museums in the High North; Volunteer activities n promote the translation of con- In cooperation with various vol- temporary works of literature to untary organisations, the Gov- relevant languages in the region, ernment has supported a pilot and the role of libraries as meeting model for volunteer centres in places; Russia, primarily with a view to n promote theatre exchanges and recruiting and organising local festivals; volunteers. The model was tried n further develop and strengthen out in two municipalities to begin film activities in North Norway. with, and now there are eight
42 Sami culture North, and supports and inspires Practitioners of Sami culture and cross-border film activities in the the Sami population as a whole region. The Nordic Youth Film have a natural place in the broader Festival (NUFF), which is held cultural cross-border cooperation once a year in Tromsø, brings in the north. together young film-makers from the Nordic countries. The festival Sámi Radio is a division of the also cooperates with youth groups Norwegian Broadcasting Corpora- from Russia. The annual Sami film tion (NRK). Sami radio stations festival in Kautokeino presents have also been established in the latest indigenous films from Finland and Sweden; and in 2003, all over the world. a Sami radio station was set up in Russia, currently in the form of a n The Government will promote pilot project. film cooperation in the High North by creating meeting places for film n The Government will help to enthusiasts, film makers and the further develop the cooperation whole film industry. n NRK, Sámi Radio between Sami radio stations in the High North and will support the establishment of a joint radio chan- nel once the digital radio transmis- sion network has been fully estab- lished in the Nordic countries. The Government will also seek to promote the establishment of a permanent Sami radio station in Northwestern Russia in coopera- tion with the Russian authorities.
Film cooperation Film is one of the most popular cul- tural genres today, and is form of expression that deals directly with contemporary issues. Children and young people are major consum- ers of film and audiovisual produc- tions. Cinemas and film festivals are natural meeting places for peo- ple of different cultures, linguistic groups and ages.
There are several important film festivals in the north: the Tromsø International Film Fes- tival is a central meeting place for film enthusiasts in the High PART 5 PART 5 The environment
he last large wilderness-like areas in our part of the T environmental value of the region world are to be found in the High North. The natural envi- for future generations and to halt ronment and cultural heritage of the region together make the loss of biodiversity by 2010. In up a unique heritage that must be protected for future this connection, the Government will propose a new Act on the pro- generations. This is why the environment and natural tection of the natural environment, resources in the north must be protected against pollution landscape and biological diversity and over-harvesting. It is also important to prevent devel- in the course of 2007. opments from causing damage to the environment, and Svalbard will be maintained as to prevent wear and tear and disturbance from increased one of the world’s best managed traffic. wilderness areas. The strict envi- ronmental legislation and com- prehensive protection regime will be continued and further devel- oped to meet the challenges that Norway intends to be a leading infrastructure, growing industrial expanding economic activity on nation as regards environmental activity and rising transport vol- and around the archipelago poses. policy and will play a long-term and umes associated for example with In the event of a conflict between credible role as a steward of the the petroleum industry. Motor traf- environmental targets and other natural and cultural heritage in the fic in vulnerable natural environ- interests, environmental considera- High North. This means that we ments is also a growing problem. tions are to prevail. must be at the forefront of efforts to monitor the climate, pollutants It is therefore necessary to protect The northern seas will be main- and the marine environment in the the natural and cultural environ- tained as some of the cleanest, High North. ment and remaining wilderness- richest and most productive like areas in North Norway and marine areas in the world. An inte- The Government will set high envi- Svalbard, and to raise awareness grated, ecosystem-based manage- ronmental standards for all activi- of the value of this unique heritage ment regime will be established as ties and establish a framework to and its importance for welfare and set out in the management plan for protect particularly valuable and value creation. The outstanding the Barents Sea–Lofoten area and vulnerable areas against nega- natural and cultural heritage is of the plan for marine protected areas tive environmental pressures and growing interest for the expanding will be implemented as one means impacts. The Government will also tourist industry, which offers new of achieving this aim. strengthen international coopera- opportunities for development in tion to mitigate climate change and the north. More knowledge is also Climate change and long -range reduce environmental pressures needed about the effects of use, transboundary pollution and impacts in the High North. particularly more intensive use of Transboundary environmental The development of environmental vulnerable areas and of areas of problems are a serious concern in technology will be important in particular cultural importance to the High North, and can only be this context. indigenous peoples. dealt with through close, binding cooperation with other countries. There is growing pressure on the The Government will lay down a Dealing with these problems natural and cultural environment clear environmental framework requires coordinated efforts in a as a result of more intensive use of for all public- and private-sector variety of forums, including the areas on land and at sea and of liv- activities in the High North. Steps Arctic Council and the Nordic ing resources, the development of will also be taken to maintain the Council of Ministers. Ü
45 risk of extinction. Higher tempera adapted to, while others will be at perature and conditions they are to areas where they find the tem species will shift their distribution trial ecosystems will change; some bution of both marine and terres ture of the Barents Sea. The distri be affected by a rise in the tempera harvesting marine resources will high waves. Our opportunities for severely affected by storms and Coastal communities will be more of people who live in the region. will have impacts on the livelihoods fast as in the rest of the world. This the region is rising about twice as Arctic climate. The temperature in document alarming changes in the mate Impact Assessment (ACIA) The reports from the Arctic Cli possibly othermetals. and onmercury global instrument alegallybinding will worktowards n transport. long-range through High North substancestothe tally hazardous inputsofenvironmen to control needed solutionsare International such substances. of theuseandreleases reduce to efforts international in further strategicimportance be ofgreat will intheHighNorth occurrence Betterknowledgeoftheir Arctic. in plants,animalsandpeoplethe ofpollutants out extensivesurveys (AMAP)hascarried Programme MonitoringandAssessment Arctic high.The alarmingly are North andmammalsintheHigh of birds species ous substancesincertain hazard Levels ofenvironmentally PART 5 Internationally, the Government Internationally, theGovernment ------Norway meetsitscommitments Norway that willensure The Government pollutants. environmental and climate Arctic the for strategy Nordic the up follow to Norway for opportunity an provide also will chairmanship Norwegian The environment. cultural and natural the for consequences its and environment marine the on change climate of impacts the of knowledge improving by ple exam for 2006, August in byen Longyear in environment the of ministers Nordic the by adopted change climate to adapting on declaration ministerial the up foll also will Government The follow-up oftheACIAreports. active issues andseektoensure other memberstatesonclimate priority toclosedialoguewiththe willgive Council,Norway Arctic n routes eastwards. nities for new maritime transport the sea ice and open up opportu tures will also reduce the extent of in the High North. in theHighNorth. on theimpactsofclimatechange change andknowledgegeneration will intensifymonitoringofclimate on climateissues,theGovernment n after 2012. fortheperiod climate agreement ambitiousglobal achieve amore to inefforts plays anactiverole and under theKyotoProtocol During its chairmanship ofthe During itschairmanship As a basis for its further work As abasisforitsfurther 46 o - - w - a frameworkforthesustainable whichisintendedtoprovide area, managementplanforthe Norway’s Thisdescribes to theStorting). No.8(2005-2006) Islands (Report theLofoten off and theseaareas Sea oftheBarents environment grated managementofthemarine awhitepaperoninte presented In spring2006,theGovernment seas northern Integrated management ofthe integrated monitoring systemfor asystematicand introduce fore n that havebeenestablished. goals tothe environmental relation inecosystems ments oftrends assess must bebasedonregular Ecosystem-based management management. ecosystem-based quality through and high environmental harvesting sustainable mented toensure willbeimple achieved, measures n lems havebeenidentified. prob where good andisimproved itis ismaintainedwhere ronment thatthestateofenvi ensure intendedto Thesegoalsare area. Sea–Lofoten ment oftheBarents set ambitiousgoalsformanage has In theplan,Government waters. ing andnewactivitiesinthese overall frameworkforbothexist Theplanclarifiesthe of thearea. oftheecosystems and productivity functioning maintain thestructure, andatthesametime Lofoten area Sea– theBarents derived from andgoods use ofnaturalresources The Government willthere The Government To thatthegoalsare ensure ------From the industrial town of Nikkel on the Kola peninsula.
the Barents Sea–Lofoten area. The Cooperation with Russia on the Kola Peninsula is still the gaps that have been identified in The Government will strengthen most important source of pollu- our knowledge will be filled by sys- its broad-based environmental tion in eastern parts of Finnmark, tematically building up knowledge cooperation with Russia. Coopera- and inputs from various sources in of the area, for example through tion on the marine environment Russia are contributing to the high surveys of the marine environ- will be given high priority. Other levels of environmentally hazard- ment, seabirds and pollutants. important fields of cooperation ous substances in the High North. are environmental protection in The management plan also focuses areas near the Norwegian-Russian Although the levels of radioactiv- on the prevention of acute pollu- border and building up compe- ity from human activity are gener- tion from maritime transport and tence particularly in relation to ally low in the High North, the petroleum activities. There are cer- polluting industries. many nuclear facilities in North- tain parts of the management plan western Russia still represent a area where the environment and n The Government will use the substantial security risk and pollu- natural resources have been identi- principle of integrated, ecosys- tion hazard. They include facili- fied as particularly valuable and tem-based management as a basis ties that are still operating as well vulnerable. The Government has for its cooperation and dialogue as others that have been closed established that activity in these with Russia and other countries in down. Power generation from areas requires special caution, but the High North, and is prepared the old reactors at the Kola and also that precautionary measures to provide substantial funding to Leningrad nuclear power plants is must be adapted to the character- ensure environmental monitoring of particular concern to Norway. istic features of each area, such of the entire Barents Sea in coop- It is essential to give high priority as why it is vulnerable and how eration with Russia. to nuclear emergency response vulnerable it is. arrangements so that the popula- In Northwestern Russia, there are tion, business interests and the The management plan is to be still problems related to environ- environment can be protected updated for the first time in 2010. mental damage from industrial and against radioactive pollution. military activity. Heavy industry Ü
47 for metals. heavy bear isbeingtested rivers. Here apolar ocean currents and to theArctic by air, northwards ported Pollutants are trans PART 5 - ous substances in the Arctic at ous substancesintheArctic hazard issues andenvironmentally onclimate to buildupexpertise willtakesteps The Government in Building upexpertise T the region. in sources energy of alternative theuse topromote itsefforts force willalsorein completed. Norway taskshavebeen most important Russiauntilthe Northwestern in the nuclearsafetyproblems inresolving tinue toplayapart n independent role. mustalsoplayamajor Norway but asaneighbouringcountry, Russia, inNorthwestern problems tothenuclearsafety approach totakeaninternational important considersit The Government Norway will therefore con willtherefore Norway 48 romsø - - - management planandtheInstitute scientific aspectsoftheintegrated and overallimplementationofthe forthecoordination responsible thatistobe Management Forum gian PolarInstitutewillheadthe TheNorwe in theHighNorth. monitoring and environmental Sea–Lofotenarea for theBarents the integratedmanagementplan larly withaviewtofollow-upof particu institutions inTromsø, key role inthiswork. key role willplaya department, Tromsø includingits of MarineResearch, n - -
PART 6 part 6 The management and utilisation of marine resources
Large parts of the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea are under Norwegian fisheries jurisdiction. The most im- portant Northeast Atlantic fish stocks spend part or all of their life cycle in our sea waters. The harvesting of marine resources depends on the overall functioning of the eco- systems and thus requires extensive knowledge of all the elements of these ecosystems and of ecosystem structure and functioning.
Resource management – a basis Norway plays an important role in for value creation the International Council for the A marine environment that is Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and clean and rich in resources, we base our fisheries management sustainable, ecosystem-based and out management cooperation management with a long-term with other countries on recommen- perspective, and systematic dations from ICES. generation of knowledge form an essential basis for the utilisa- n To achieve a sound fisheries tion of living marine resources management regime, it is nec- and hence also for realising the essary to develop a common value potential in the High North. understanding based on the best The proximity to top quality fresh possible scientific knowledge. raw materials in the northern sea Norway will therefore give pri- areas gives Norway a competitive ority to marine research in the advantage that the Government High North. considers important to utilise. Cooperation with Russia The Government’s goal is to make Norway and Russia share the main the Norwegian Sea and the Bar- responsibility for sustainable man- ents Sea some of the best managed agement of the environment and sea areas in the world. Manage- the resources in the Barents Sea. ment of the living marine resourc- The habitats of important stocks of es is to be based on the rights and fish, seabirds and marine mam- duties that follow from the Law of mals include both Norwegian and the Sea, and the principle of opti- Russian areas. Management and mal utilisation of these resources commercial activities thus have within a sustainable framework. cross-border impacts on the envi- The integrated management plan ronment and resources. for the Barents Sea–Lofoten area clarifies the overall principles that Norway and Russia have been will apply to management of Nor- cooperating on marine research wegian sea areas. for almost 100 years, and have for 30 years also been cooperating efficiently on fisheries manage- Ü
51 part 6 part
Fisheries control in the northern areas will be stepped up.
ment with the overall objective of and third countries. The Commis- The Government is currently ensuring sustainable harvesting of sion is now giving greater priority the fish stocks in the High North. to more long-term management drafting legislation on marine Russia’s engagement and Norwe- strategies. This is in line with the resources, which will ensure gian-Russian cooperation are of recommendations of marine scien- an up-to-date management crucial importance in ensuring tists, and ensures greater predict- sustainable utilisation of resources ability for the fisheries than annual regime covering all utilisation in the Barents Sea. management decisions. of living marine resources and n The Government will strength- Illegal, unregulated and unregis - genetic material derived from en cooperation with Russia on tered (IUU) fishing them. ecosystem-based management of The main obstacle to achieving the whole Barents Sea. The Gov- sustainable fisheries in the Barents ernment will also strengthen the Sea is illegal, unregulated and On 15 November 2006, following cooperation between regional fish- unregistered (IUU) fishing. IUU an initiative by Norway, the North eries organisations. Funds will be fishing is against everyone’s inter- East Atlantic Fisheries Commis- earmarked for these efforts under ests, and Norway has engaged in sion (NEAFC) agreed on a new the budget allocation for project broad efforts to bring it to a halt. port state control system for the cooperation with Russia. region. This is a historic decision Norway is developing new legis- in relation to control of the fisher- The Joint Norwegian-Russian lation that will make it possible ies in our part of the world. Once it Fisheries Commission is a corner- to take more action against IUU has been implemented, the control stone in the management of the fishing. This will include the legal system will close all European High North. The Commission sets authority to deny vessels that ports to landings of illegally caught total allowable catches (TACs) for have been involved in illegal fish- fish. The EU, Iceland, the Faeroes, shared fish stocks for the whole of ing the right to call at ports or use Greenland and Russia are behind their distribution areas, and splits port services. the control system. them between Norway, Russia
52 n The Government will seek to sels in the Russian economic zone. strengthen cooperation on fisher- Inadequate coverage of the distri- ies management in international bution areas of fish stocks means forums, particularly in the Joint that TACs are set using incomplete Norwegian-Russian Fisheries scientific data. The best possible Commission and the North East decision base for setting TACs can Atlantic Fisheries Commission only be achieved if researchers (NEAFC). Norway will be a driv- from both countries have access to ing force in efforts to ensure that the whole of the Barents Sea. Nor- any decisions that are made are wegian marine scientists should be implemented and enforced. able to work in the Russian zone under the same conditions as those n The Government will continue that apply to Russian scientists in cooperation with the authorities in the Norwegian zone. Russia and other countries in the fight against IUU fishing. Efforts It is increasingly being found that to prevent illegal catches being applications from other countries landed in foreign ports will be for consent to carry out research Norwegian inspec- intensified. Furthermore, meas- cruises in Norwegian waters tion of the catch ures will be implemented to deny include activities that go beyond on board a foreign the vessels involved access to research and are more designed vessel. Norwegian ports and port serv- to serve commercial interests. ices. We will also seek to establish The regulation of such activities tracing systems that can disclose has become particularly important sales of illegally caught fish. due to the interest in bioprospect- ing targeting cold-water corals and n The Government will make sponges on the Norwegian conti- it possible for the Norwegian nental shelf . Coast Guard to carry out more extensive fisheries control in the Marine bioprospecting must be northern sea areas. The coopera- regulated in a way that allows tion between the Norwegian Coast Norwegian institutions to fur- Guard and the Russian Regional ther develop their knowledge Coast Guard will be further devel- and expertise on marine genetic oped to ensure that control of fish- resources and safeguards Nor- eries in the Barents Sea is coordi- way’s rights and a share of any nated as closely as possible. The ensuing financial gain. police and prosecuting authority will consistently take action when- n The Government will draw up ever illegal fishing is detected, in new rules on marine bioprospect- cooperation with the law enforce- ing in the seas under Norwegian ment bodies in Russia. jurisdiction, for example in connec- tion with the drafting of new legis- The Russian authorities have for lation on marine resources and on several years imposed unreasona- the protection of the natural envi- ble restrictions on research cruises ronment, landscape and biological by Norwegian marine research ves- diversity. n part 7 part 7 Petroleum activities
There will be considerable development activities in connection with petroleum operations in the southern Bar- ents Sea in the next few years. This may be of major signifi- cance for competence-building and for local and regional business development in the future.
The Government’s aim is that Norway will be the best stew- ard of resources in the High North, with oil and gas opera- tions that meet very stringent environmental standards, and with continual knowledge generation, research and development in the petroleum sector.
The resources in the Barents Sea areas are ensured satisfactory The Government will encourage are strategically well positioned protection. operators of fields in the High in relation to the rapidly growing North to establish qualification transatlantic liquefied natural gas There is now considerable interest schemes for local and regional con- (LNG) market, and could also and optimism regarding petroleum tractors in connection with these make an important contribution activities in the southern Barents developments. Petroleum activi- to meeting the growing demand Sea. More and more companies ties on the scale that we are now for pipeline gas in Europe. It is want to participate actively in glimpsing the contours of will be also likely that the Barents Sea this area, which may become an an important stimulus for growth will become increasingly impor- important petroleum province in in the counties of Finnmark and tant in the global energy sup- the future. This can have impor- Troms, and will provide a consider- ply context due to the political tant spin-off effects on local and able number of jobs in the region. will in many countries to reduce regional business development. This will again make demands on dependency on supplies from the education system. The Gov- the Middle East. The resources The development of the Snøhvit ernment will therefore strengthen in the Barents Sea could provide field off the coast of Finnmark is higher education capacity in this long-term secure energy supply the first milestone in the establish- part of the country. to the markets in Europe and the ment of petroleum operations in US within an environmentally the southern Barents Sea. The It is also important to ensure suffi- sustainable framework. In its future prospects are good, and sev- cient exploration activities so that integrated management plan for eral new developments are being additional reserves can be proven the Barents Sea–Lofoten area, considered. The development of and produced. Attention must the Government has established Goliat, the oil zone in the Snøhvit be directed both to the relatively a predictable framework govern- field and the building of a second mature areas near Snøhvit and ing where in the Barents Sea, and gas processing unit on the island Goliat and to the immature areas under what conditions, petro- of Melkøya off Hammerfest could in other parts of the southern Bar- leum activities can be carried lead to development activities in ents Sea. Blocks were awarded out. Large areas have been made the area well beyond 2015, and in the 19th licensing round at the available, at the same time as par- could involve investments of over same time as the publication of ticularly valuable and vulnerable NOK 50 billion. the integrated management plan, and the conditions are in line with Ü
55 Part 7 Part
the plan. The exploration of these Barents Sea, and future Russian blocks will provide information on petroleum activities could be an larger areas. This will be impor- important market for Norwegian tant in the long-term exploration industry. of the Barents Sea. n Given its geographical posi- n The Government will follow an tion, Finnmark could benefit from active licensing policy that takes positive ripple effects from the into account the need to follow up development of the Russian part exploration results and the need to of the Barents Sea as well as the open up new areas for exploration. Norwegian part. The Government The expansion of petroleum activi- will cooperate actively with Russia ties eastwards in the Barents Sea in the petroleum field to encourage would have a positive effect on the such benefits. n development of eastern Finnmark. Considerable resources have been proven in the Russian part of the
The Government will pursue an active licensing policy, following up on exploration results and responding to the need for further areas for exploration.
56 part 8 part 8 Maritime transport – safety and emergency response systems
It is in Norway’s interest, and also the responsibility of any coastal state, to ensure high standards for safety at sea, search and rescue services, and oil spill response in order to protect the riches of the sea. Increased activity on both the Norwegian and the Russian side of the border in the High North will lead to an increase in the volume of maritime transport and add to the environmental pressure.
Increasing economic activity in (Automatic Identification System) the High North is making reliable stations, which means that it will monitoring of maritime transport be possible to monitor traffic from increasingly important. the vessel traffic service centre in Vardø. The establishment of the In the spring of 2006, Norway scheme will improve maritime submitted a proposal to the Inter- safety and mean that assistance The cruise ship national Maritime Organization can be provided more rapidly if a Hanseatic ran (IMO) for the establishment of a vessel is in difficulties. aground in Mur- ships’ routeing and traffic separa- chisonfjorden in tion scheme outside Norway’s ter- n The Government will improve Svalbard in July ritorial waters between Vardø and maritime safety in the waters 1997. Røst (i.e. from eastern Finnmark around Svalbard. to the southern tip of the Lofoten Islands). The scheme, which is We will strengthen maritime expected to be finally approved by IMO in December 2006, will be a safety in the waters around milestone in Norway’s efforts to Svalbard, for example by improve safety at sea and oil spill response. Ships’ routeing and extending the scope of the traffic separation are necessary Harbour Act and establishing to meet the challenges associ- a mandatory system requiring ated with increasing oil transport along the coast of North Norway. the employment of local peo- According to the proposal, all tank- ple with thorough knowledge ers and cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of more than 5000 that of the waters around Svalbard are engaged in international trade to pilot vessels sailing in these will be routed further out from the coast, to about 30 nautical miles waters. from land. The scope of the Harbour Act will Shipping following the routeing be extended to include Svalbard system will be within the cover- so that fairways can be regulated age area of the Norwegian Coastal in the same way and accord- Administration’s chain of AIS ing to the same rules as on the Ü
59 part 8 part
In early December 2006, IMO approved Norway’s proposal for the establish- ment of a ships’ routeing and traffic separation scheme along the coast of North Norway.
mainland. A mandatory system north. This would be particularly requiring the employment of local useful in the Norwegian Eco- people with thorough knowledge nomic Zone, the Fisheries Protec- of the waters around Svalbard tion Zone around Svalbard, the to pilot vessels sailing in these fisheries zone around Jan Mayen, waters will also be established. the Banana Hole , the Loophole On 9 July 2006 the Government and the eastern Barents Sea. A submitted a draft maritime safety satellite-based AIS system would act to the Storting and proposed help Norway to exercise its sov- that the act should be applicable ereignty and monitor resources in Norwegian territorial waters more effectively. It would also be around Svalbard and Jan Mayen. a supplementary tool for monitor- This would pave the way for ing tanker traffic and releases of strengthened port state control of pollutants and would help to make foreign vessels in the archipelago. search and rescue operations more effective. n The Government will consider establishing a satellite-based AIS We aim to be leaders in the system as a supplement to the field of safety at sea, rescue existing land-based AIS system along the entire coast of mainland services and oil spill response Norway. in the north.
A satellite-based system would not provide continuously updated traf- Norway and Russia have devel- fic information, but would cover oped close and effective coop- Norway’s entire sea territory eration on maritime safety and oil and other areas of interest in the spill response in the north. This
60 cooperation has led to the deci- sion to jointly establish the Barents VTMIS (Vessel Traffic Manage- ment and Information System). These measures, combined with the new vessel traffic service cen- tre in Vardø, will help to improve the monitoring and control of mari- time traffic in the north.
Increased activity in the Barents Sea is creating a need to step up search and rescue services cor- respondingly. Round-the-clock readiness was introduced at the SAR helicopter base at Banak in 2006. In its 2007 budget, the Government proposes allocating NOK 16.5 million in order to make it possible to introduce round- Increased activity means new ment considers it important to the-clock readiness at the SAR maintain activity and settlement on helicopter base at Bodø as well in opportunities for Norwegian the island. the second half of 2007. The Gov- shipping, but also new chal- ernment also intends to cooper- lenges related to safety and Increased activity in the High ate closely with other countries in North, both on land and at sea, the region on search and rescue emergency preparedness. requires high-quality meteorologi- services and emergency response Priority must be given to ac- cal services. It is therefore neces- within the framework of the Bar- sary to develop and improve the ents Cooperation. cident prevention. meteorological observation system in the High North. n Measures and infrastructure to improve maritime safety, oil spill the Arctic Ocean, the installations response and search and rescue on the island are an important services will provide a framework part of Norway’s infrastructure. for safe, environmentally sound They are also important in connec- and efficient transport corridors in tion with the development of safe the High North. This will be neces- and efficient transport corridors sary to ensure a good transport in the High North. In addition, system, particularly for petroleum Jan Mayen is used as a depot for products, to the markets. Thus, aircraft fuel. The Government has Norway is playing an active role in decided to maintain the operative creating a framework for the use of status of the LORAN-C radio navi- large sea areas, and also maintain- gation station until the end of 2009. ing a presence in these areas. This has a bearing on the level of activity on Jan Mayen, since one Because of the strategic position of of the four Norwegian stations is Jan Mayen in the western part of located on the island. The Govern- part 9 part 9 Business development
well-functioning labour market and business sector A in North Norway as part of its are essential in order to ensure economic development regional policy. In the govern- and prosperity in the north. It is important for the northern ment budget for 2007, a total of parts of country to develop a diversified business sector NOK 483.6 million is earmarked for the three counties in North that it is less vulnerable to cyclical and structural changes Norway and to Innovation Nor- in individual markets. way for this purpose.
In addition, there are national programmes and a compensation In line with its policy platform, the The potential for value creation in scheme for employers’ contribu- Government intends to further the High North should be realised tion. In the light of the opportuni- develop industry and promote new within a predictable framework ties and challenges arising from industrial activity in North Norway, and in line with the principles of the oil and gas activities in North as in other parts of the country. sustainable development. The Norway, the Government intends integrated management plan for to review these programmes and North Norway has a considerable the Barents Sea–Lofoten area is measures in 2007 to assess wheth- energy-intensive industry that ben- an important part of this frame- er they can promote innovation in efits from, or has benefited from, work. The Government will also the business sector in North Nor- long-term electricity contracts facilitate further development of way more effectively. with prices determined by the the cross-border economic coop- authorities. The Government has eration with our neighbouring n Efforts will be made to ensure launched a broad review aimed countries in the north. that a robust Norwegian set- at identifying optimal solutions tlement is maintained in Long- to improve the electricity supply n North Norway continues to yearbyen. We will continue to situation and provide industry with be the part of the country that is develop a sustainable community stable, long-term electricity con- given highest priority in the alloca- in Svalbard, taking into account tracts at competitive prices. tion of regional policy development considerations of environmental funds for direct business support management, research, advanced and general business development. technology, coal mining and tour- ism in such a way as to ensure that The Government intends to The reintroduction of the dif- the archipelago is preserved as pursue a proactive and fu- ferentiated employers’ contri- one of the world’s best managed bution provides the business wilderness areas. ture-oriented business policy sector in the north with particu- in the north by making use of larly favourable opportunities to Resource -based business activity develop both knowledge-based The Government’s strategy is North Norway’s comparative and labour-intensive business that the natural resources in the advantages and focusing on activities. This scheme replaces High North should be further sectors where the region is the sector-based schemes that developed and utilised in a sus- were introduced to compensate tainable way that increases value particularly competitive, like for the changes to the employers’ creation in Norway as a whole as the marine and maritime contribution scheme in 2004. well as in the region. sectors, environmental tech- n The Government is allocat- In a European context, North Nor- nology, energy and tourism. ing considerable funds to busi- way has vast wind energy poten- ness development and innovation tial. This is particularly the case in Ü
63 part 9 part
The Government will im- The fisheries are, and will contin- n The Government intends to ue to be, one of the cornerstones promote growth in the fisheries plement measures aimed of business activity and settlement, sector by stimulating cod farm- at compensating for the and thus of Norwegian presence, ing and catch-based aquaculture. seasonality of the fisheries in the north. The northern sea This will play an important role in areas are among the most produc- providing the processing industry in the north. North Norway’s tive in the world, and the marine with more stable access to raw proximity to the fisheries is fish stocks are at sustainable materials, compensating for the levels and well managed. There is seasonality of the fisheries in the an advantage that should be demand for Norwegian fish prod- north and improving the sector’s exploited. ucts in the international markets, ability to meet the markets’ deliv- and Norwegian fish achieves good ery requirements. Finnmark county. At present, there prices. Employment in the fisher- are two wind farms in Finnmark ies and processing industry has n A marine value creation pro- with a combined capacity of 80 been declining for many years, gramme has been developed, MW. In addition, prior notification partly as a consequence of mod- aimed at increasing market focus and applications for the construc- ern fishing vessels, less labour- and strengthening the profit- tion of facilities totalling 600 MW intensive production methods and ability of the marine sector in have been submitted, and further the fact that processing is increas- areas that have particular need for projects are at the planning stage. ingly carried out abroad. However, restructuring. However, the current transmis- export volumes are stable, and the sion capacity will only allow for an total export value is on the rise, The aquaculture sector has sig- increase of about 120 MW. A pos- which means that value creation nificantly increased its production sible extension of Snøhvit’s train among the active players in the and productivity during the recent II could increase local electricity sector has increased. period, due in part to restructur- consumption by a few hundred ing. However, the sector still has megawatts. North Norway’s proximity to the major growth potential, particu- fisheries is a particular advantage larly in North Norway. The Government is drafting that should be exploited. In its policy platform, the Government n The Government will promote a new act on the acquisition declared that it would draw up a aquaculture based on new species, and exploitation of mineral national strategy for the develop- and is in the process of awarding resources, which will pave the ment of the fishing industry based 10 new licences for salmon and on the advantage we have due to trout farming in Finnmark. way for sound utilisation of our access to fresh raw materials mineral deposits in the north. of high quality. The strategy is now Strengthening Norway’s sea food being developed. sector, both in terms of value creation and marketing, will cre- n In October 2006 the Govern- The Government considers it ate opportunities for investment ment presented a new support important that the fisheries should downstream in the value chain. scheme for renewable electricity, continue to play an important role The authorities can contribute by under which wind power produc- in securing settlement and busi- helping to develop expertise and ers will receive NOK 0.08 per pro- ness activity in rural areas, and networks. duced kilowatt-hour for 15 years that the revenues generated by the from 2008. fisheries should benefit the com- The Government considers it munities that are most dependent important to promote development on this sector. in the agricultural sector in the
64 north, as this can help to secure The Government is currently on seizing the opportunities settlement and robust local com- drafting a new act on the acquisi- in the resource-based sec- munities. Measures in this area tion and exploitation of mineral tors. A strong knowledge base will primarily be drawn up in con- resources. It is important that the in North Norway will also be nection with the annual agricultur- exploration and exploitation of important for the development al settlements. The further devel- mineral resources is conducted of cross-border business activity opment of the agricultural sector within a well-regulated framework between Norway and Russia. in Arctic areas based on regional to ensure that local communities advantages would strengthen food benefit from ripple effects in the Industrial restructuring has production and value creation, and form of value creation and employ- made expertise and labour would also promote innovation and ment. The Government wishes available in North Norway, greater diversity. to strengthen societal control to and this has resulted in new, ensure that resources are uti- future-oriented employment Being one of the world’s richest lised in a responsible manner that opportunities in the region. The areas in terms of mineral deposits, takes both environmental and Government’s industrial policy northern Scandinavia is attracting indigenous peoples’ concerns into will provide the conditions nec- considerable international inter- account. In drafting this legisla- essary for centres of industrial est. Northern Sweden and north- tion, importance is being attached expertise to develop. ern Finland have recently seen a to sector expertise, public control marked increase in mineral explo- and safety and clean-up. The development and operation ration and extraction. The mineral of oil and gas fields on the Nor- sector is important for business Knowledge -based business wegian continental shelf has led development in North Norway as activity to considerable activity in the well, both locally and regionally. It is the Government’s strategy contractor industry. The industry There are favourable conditions to facilitate the further devel- employs about 50 000 persons in for more extensive Norwegian- opment of a knowledge-based all counties, but the heaviest con- Swedish cooperation in this sector. business sector in the High centration is southwards down the North, with particular focus coast from Central Norway. The Ü
65 part 9 part
As regards Norwegian industry’s participation in petroleum activities in Russia, the Government will sup- port the work that is being done by contractor networks and business associations to improve local com- panies’ capacity to pre-qualify for complex tendering processes.
n The authorities will encourage partnerships between established local companies and larger, com- petitive oil and gas companies, for example through the Federation of Norwegian Industries, INTSOK and Innovation Norway.
North Norway has development of the Snøhvit field Russian companies have expressed very high wind is an example of the local ripple an interest in using Norwegian power potential. effects that the petroleum activi- services and/or infrastructure in ties can create in North Norway. North Norway in connection with Companies from North Norway the transport of oil and conden- have signed contracts worth more sate products. This is a new type than NOK 3 billion, of which 2.2 of activity that has considerable billion has gone to companies from economic potential for the actors Hammerfest and Alta. involved, and that may have con- siderable positive ripple effects The Government will seek to for the coastal communities in the north. This is, however, contingent ensure that the petroleum on activities being conducted in activity in the Barents Sea has an environmentally sound manner and in compliance with appli- as positive an effect as pos- cable environmental and safety sible on local and regional legislation. business development. There is considerable space- related activity in North Norway n It is the Government’s goal and Svalbard. This is playing an to ensure that the ripple effects increasingly important role in of increased petroleum activi- business development in the High ties in the Barents Sea benefit business development in North The Government will facilitate Norway. Therefore, the Govern- the development of the space ment intends to launch a project to industry and space-related identify ripple effects based on the experience gained so far. infrastructure in the north.
66 North. The activities span from among the world’s most advanced scientific education and research and are therefore well suited to to the production of goods and operate in northern waters. services by advanced technology companies. The Government will enco- n Through cooperation with urage the Norwegian ship- actors like the Norwegian Space ping and maritime sectors to Centre, the Government will pro- mote further development of the participate actively in econo- space industry in the north and of mic activities in the High space-related services in Tromsø, at Andøya and in Svalbard. North.
Efforts in this area include par- n Norway will work actively in ticipation in the development of the EU and IMO to ensure that space-related infrastructure similar maritime transport in the north is to the Galileo programme. Such environmentally friendly and safe. The Government infrastructure is also becoming We will also look into whether cur- will provide a good increasingly important for other rent international rules for the con- framework for the Norwegian business activities, for struction and operation of ships development of example the utilisation of resourc- in Arctic areas are adequate, or tourism in Finnmark es like fisheries, oil and gas, and whether Norway should take the and the rest of for environmental monitoring and initiative to change the rules. North Norway. management. Tourism is to an increasing degree There are many companies that providing employment and value possess a high level of expertise in creation in the High North, but maritime transport and logistics in there is still room for further Norway or under Norwegian con- growth in this sector. The authori- trol. The maritime sector is among ties will therefore continue their our most international sectors, and efforts to promote North Norway it has a broad interface with the and Svalbard as tourist destina- service sector. Container transport tions. It is, however, important to of industrial goods and raw materi- ensure that the natural and cultural als still has a dominant position, heritage, on which the tourism is but the development is towards largely based, is safeguarded. increasingly specialised ships Ü designed to carry one specific type of cargo. The Government intends to It is the Government’s aim that Norwegian shipping and Norwe- intensify efforts to promote gian maritime industries should North Norway and Svalbard participate actively in economic activities in the High North. Norwe- as tourist destinations. gian ships and offshore vessels are
67 part 9 part
n The Government will provide cooperation, the funds, which are a favourable framework for the located in Tromsø and Bodø, are development of culture-based tour- intended to ensure that companies ism in North Norway. in the whole of North Norway have better access to risk capital. North Norway and Svalbard will be promoted as attractive destina- Infrastructure tions in the colder seasons as well. At the end of 2008 or beginning The purpose is to increase activity of 2009, the Government is plan- in the tourism sector during peri- ning to present a white paper on ods when there is a lot of surplus the National Transport Plan for capacity and the level of activity the period 2010–2019. During the is generally low. In cooperation preparation of the plan, the Gov- with public and private actors, ernment will discuss infrastructure Innovation Norway has launched needs in the High North with the a three-year marketing campaign Nordland, Troms and Finnmark in selected markets abroad to pro- county authorities, with a view to Gimsøy bridge. mote Finnmark in particular as a reducing distance costs for individ- winter tourist destination. uals and businesses. The county authorities will first be asked to n The Government will develop a share their views on how a trans- national tourism strategy, built on port policy for the High North closeness to nature and culture. should be designed, and subse- It will be in line with the efforts to quently invited to discuss infra- promote green tourism and will structure projects and particularly seek to develop the role of the tour- important measures. The transport ism sector as a regional industry. infrastructure in North Norway must provide for good communica- Access to seed capital may be cru- tion north–south and east–west. cial for companies with consider- able potential for development and n A well-developed road network value creation. The Government will increase the efficiency of the has therefore established two business sector in the region. For rural seed capital funds in North the period 2006–2015, there are Norway with a total of more than plans for several large construction NOK 510 million, of which the projects (in Helgeland, Ofoten and Government has contributed NOK 350 million. Through public-private Good infrastructure is a pre- requisite for the development The Government has estab- of trade and economic acti- lished two seed money funds vities. It is the Government’s targeted at rural areas in strategy to further develop North Norway to ensure that the infrastructure in the businesses in the region have north, particularly with this in access to risk capital. view.
68 The port of Narvik will play an im- portant role in the North East West Freight Corridor.
Alta) on the trunk roads as well as port service between Bergen and The Government supports measures to improve the stand- Kirkenes, and freight transport the initiative to establish an ard, maintenance and operation of between Tromsø and Kirkenes. In other national roads. Preventive the budget proposal for 2007 we international transport corri- measures against avalanches and have therefore proposed introduc- dor from Central Asia to North snowdrifts are also intended to ing a net wage scheme for employ- improve transport conditions. ees on the vessels that provide the America through the port of services on this route. The coastal Narvik. n The Nordland railway line steamer service is also important plays an important role in freight for the development of the tourist tion from Narvik to North America. transport. In order to maintain sector in the north. The port of Narvik would be con- this important role, priority will be nected by rail with the Russian rail- given to measures that increase It is important to secure North way network via the Ofoten railway speed and capacity and improve Norway direct access to major and the Swedish and Finish railway punctuality. international markets, since networks. In line with its policy this will open up new opportuni- platform, the Government will sup- n The Government will ensure ties for industrial and business port the development of Narvik’s good transport services along the development. port facilities and railway terminal coast from Bergen to Kirkenes. as freight volumes increase. It In this connection, implementa- n The Government supports the these volumes grow significantly, it tion of the agreement between the initiative to establish an interna- will be necessary to build efficient, authorities and Hurtigruten Group tional transport corridor through modern port and railway terminal regarding public purchase of coast- the port of Narvik. facilities. Initially, only minor modi- al steamer services between these fications to the existing infrastruc- two points in the period 2005-2012 The corridor, known as the North ture would be needed to handle is important. East West Freight Corridor, con- smaller volumes. Should the need The agreement ensures a direct, sists of a rail link between Central for increased capacity on the Ofo- daily, year-round passenger trans- Asia and Narvik and a sea connec- ten railway line become necessary, Ü
69 PART 9 PART
the Government would look into n The Government intends to Nikel to Kirkenes. The national this at a later stage. reduce the maximum fares on the transport authorities, Sør-Varanger air connections in Finnmark and municipality, the Barents Secretari- In the years to come, the northern Troms and to improve at and the regional council for east- connections between eastern and ern Finnmark have started a rough Government will prepare the western Finnmark. assessment of the project based on implementation of the North- previous studies and reports. This ern Maritime Corridor (NMC) The Government attaches great assessment will be an important importance to ensuring good air basis for the Government’s own project under the Interreg services in this part of the country, assessment of the matter. programme. where air transport fulfils a par- ticularly important function, and it High-quality electronic com- will carefully monitor the effects of munication systems are crucial Another project that could have the planned price reduction. for future activity and business great impact on transport in the development in the north. These High North is the Northern n A regional air connection has systems need to be reliable, have Maritime Corridor (NMC) project been established on the route sufficient capacity to handle large under the Interreg programme. Tromsø-Kiruna-Luleå, with con- amounts of data and be adapted Norway, Russia and six other nection on to Murmansk. This to new areas of application. The countries are participating in the has been possible due to the EU’s Government is aware of the chal- project. Interreg programme for the High lenges connected with providing North. Together with regional infrastructure for electronic com- n In the years to come, the Gov- actors, the airport operator Avinor munication in the northernmost ernment will develop this project is conducting surveys that may counties, due in part to the large through cooperation aimed at provide a basis for further develop- distances involved and the limited linking the ports in the corridor ment of air connections and other demand in some areas. An assess- and developing them into logis- measures to provide infrastructure ment will therefore be made of tics hubs. In Moscow, the NMC for air transport in the High North. how the Government can help to is regarded as part of the North- It is a goal to develop efficient provide future-oriented solutions. ern Sea Route from Murmansk cross-border transport solutions in the west to the Russian Pacific in the north. The Government will Cross -border business activities coast in the east. In Brussels the Cooperation with Russia is devel- NMC is regarded as an important The Government intends to oping rapidly, and trade is grow- transport link between Europe and ensure that a future-oriented ing at a quick pace. An increasing Northwestern Russia and as one of number of Norwegian businesses the EU’s “Motorways of the Sea”. communications infrastruc- are active in Northwestern Russia, ture is developed in the three and contact across the border is Air transport, which ensures quick closer than ever. Norwegian and transport of goods and passengers, northernmost counties. Russian companies are engaging is becoming increasingly impor- in close and extensive cooperation tant in the High North. The Minis- in this connection continue to con- in a growing number of fields. The try of Transport and Communica- sider the transport needs across Norwegian authorities will facili- tions provides support for regional the Norwegian-Russian border and tate business development in the air connections. A large number of whether there is reason for the High North and promote Norwe- these tendered air services serve Government to carry out a new gian business interests in Russia. routes in the High North. assessment of a project to extend the Russian railway network from
70 It is the Government’s strate- gy to facilitate a considerable increase in economic activity between Norway and Russia in the north, for example by promoting knowledge gene- ration, innovation and busi- ness development.
Russian membership of the WTO and subsequent membership of the OECD is important in order to create a transparent and predict- able framework for economic activity. It is an aim to initiate negotiations on a free trade agree- n In order to stimulate increased themselves in the region. SIVA’s ment between EFTA and Russia investment from North Nor- activities will focus particularly on once Russia has become a member way across the border, Innova- the Norwegian equipment indus- of the WTO. Such an agreement tion Norway’s regional office in try and subcontractors. could help to increase bilateral Vadsø is stepping up its activities trade between Norway and Russia. focused on Northwestern Rus- The technological expertise and sia. In August 2006, an Innovation experience Norway has gained The Government will consider Norway representative took up from building a strong petroleum the possibilities of establishing an work at the consulate general in cluster is likely to be useful in our economic and industrial coopera- Murmansk. cooperation with Russia. The trans- tion zone that would include both fer of expertise between contrac- Norwegian and Russian territory SIVA’s (Industrial Development tors and oil companies on the Nor- in the border area in the north. Corporation of Norway) engage- wegian continental shelf can also be Norway intends to develop a ment in Murmansk and Arkhan- of benefit to foreign partners. The proposal with a view to presenting gelsk is an important contribution same applies to efforts to establish it to the Russian authorities. The to the economic ties between Nor- industry associations and supplier proposal could then be further way and Russia in the north. An networks. Increased transfer of developed by a Norwegian-Rus- innovation centre and a business expertise between Norwegian and sian working group established for incubator are being established Russian companies could also make this purpose. In the development to promote economic relations it easier for Norwegian companies of the proposal it will be important and improve Norwegian compa- to meet the Russian authorities’ to assess to what degree existing nies’ opportunities for positioning requirements as regards the partici- measures can be used. At the same pation of local contractors in the time, the Government will contin- The Government will help to development of petroleum activities ue its efforts to facilitate increased promote Norwegian business in the Barents Sea. business cooperation by means of interests and investments in other measures. n The Government supports the Russia. establishment of Norwegian-Russian Ü
71 industry. inthepetroleumnetworks wegian-Russian supplier the establishment ofNor The Government supports
the establishment ofaNorwegian- with theassessment oftheplanfor inconnection could berelevant manpower inothersectors.This tate theemploymentofRussian should beestablishedtofacili made ofwhethersimilarschemes industry. Anassessmentwillbe manpower canbeemployedinthe established underwhichRussian andaschemehasbeen industry, labour isessentialtoourfishing mum. Atthesametime,Russian belimitedto amini therefore issubjectshould which thisexport obstaclesto sia. Theregulatory toRus exports ofNorway’s part Fish andseafoodconstitutealarge role. counties playanimportant northernmost context thethree Inthis and otherEUprogrammes. programme Periphery Northern the programme, neighbourhood theKolarctic ship Instrument), andPartner pean Neighbourhood with RussiaunderENPI(Euro cooperation tinue thecross-border alsointendstocon sia. Norway Region –Sweden,FinlandandRus with ourneighboursintheBarents economiccooperation strengthen n Russia will be stepped up. project for the Barents Region and um industry. INTSOK’s partnership contractor networks in the petrole PART 5 The Government intendsto The Government ------res can beused. what degree existing measu to assessto will beimportant velopment oftheproposal it thede In area inthenorth. intheborder Russian territory and include bothNorwegian cooperation zone that would an economic andindustrial pose theestablishment of The Government willpro the Storskog border crossing. The The crossing. border Storskog the at hours opening the extending on authorities Russian the with reached been has Agreement minimum. a to kept are border Norwegian-Russian the across traffic passenger and freight on restrictions the that vital is It and legalharmonisation. established toworkontechnical willalsobe eral workinggroup etc.).Abilat technical standards, (customsprocedures, barriers technicalandlegaltrade reduce ate withtheRussianauthoritiesto n ontheRussianside cial interests foractivitiesandcommer services andother and maintenance,repair goods toprovide of theborder side ontheNorwegian shipyards supplybasesand easier forports, thatmakeit measures introduce will theGovernment Norway, inNorth maritime infrastructure n cooperation zone. Russian economicandindustrial The Government willcooper The Government the tostrengthen In order ------legal trade barriers. torities reduce technical and rate withtheRussianautho The Government willcoope fic volumes, the Government will will Government the volumes, fic traf by warranted If arrangement. trial a as possible as soon as implemented is decision this that ensure to seek will Government in connection with these efforts. in connectionwiththeseefforts. authorities willalsobeapproached TheRussian stillfurther. crossing with aviewtosimplifyingborder- missions service foreign Norway’s atStorskogand gian procedures theNorwe local leveltoreview and bodies atthenational,regional public ofaffected representatives including lish aworkinggroup n for manycategoriesoftravellers. simpler will makeborder-crossing first halfof2007.Thisagreement inthe expected toenterintoforce whichis a newvisaagreement, andRussiahavesigned Norway permanent. made hours ing open extended the have to seek The Government willestab The Government - - - - - n - part 10 Follow-up
The Government’s High North strategy will be followed up as follows:
The Government will launch an open Internet consultation on the strategy with 15 January, 2007 as the deadline for input. Submit- ted comments will be published throughout the process so that they can also be discussed.
The strategy will form the basis for the Government’s further High-North-related efforts. These efforts will have budget implica- tions. Allocations for specific meas- ures will be considered in con- nection with the ordinary budget process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will on behalf of the Government report regularly on the implemen- tation of the strategy. n
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