New Building Blocks in the North The next Step in the Government’s High North Strategy Photos front page: Arild Lyssand/MFA Norway, Norwegian Coast Guard, Jan Fredrik Frantzen/Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, Kjell Ove Storvik/Norwegian Seafood Export Council, StatoilHydro, Christian Houge, Scanpix, Elkem FOREWORD

NORWAY IN THE NORTH interest in the Arctic and the world’s north- – THE WAY FORWARD ernmost regions will continue to grow. It is our intention to stay ahead of these develop- The High North is Norway’s most important ments. strategic priority area. My Government made this clear in its inaugural address, and we Implementing the High North Strategy has followed up by presenting our High North given us opportunities to listen and learn Strategy on 1 December 2006. The overall from many sources in the north and in the aim is to enhance knowledge in and about the rest of Norway, as well as in our contact with north, increase our activity and presence in other countries. We have gained experience the area and lay the foundations for sustain- and have received valuable input. This has able economic and social development in the provided a basis for setting the course ahead. years to come. Part I of this publication – New Building More than two years have now passed since Blocks in the North – presents the Govern- the Government presented its High North ment’s platform for its further efforts in this Strategy. During this period we have gained field. further insight into the opportunities and challenges created by developments in the Part II of the publication provides the north, particularly in the fields of climate and backdrop to Part I. It contains examples that energy and in our relations with Russia. The illustrate the diversity of the challenges and High North Strategy contained 22 specific opportunities we are facing in our High North action points. Most of them have now been policy, and gives an overview of the issues we carried out. But that does not mean that the have been focusing on. strategy will soon be a closed chapter of a book we can lay aside. Quite the contrary. The Government intends to continue and The High North Strategy is a project that is intensify its High North efforts. These efforts constantly evolving. Achieving lasting results build on constructive partnerships – between will require focused efforts over several the public and private sector, between central parliamentary periods. We are only just at the and local authorities, and between Norwegian beginning. and foreign actors. There are no clear-cut answers. We want as many as possible to be The need to develop our High North Strategy involved in determining the way ahead, and is greater than ever. This is apparent when we encourage frank and broad-based debate. look at how the world around us is changing. During the past few months both the EU and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg the US have presented their own strategies Oslo/Tromsø, 12 March 2009. for the High North. They plan to step up their engagement in this area, and so do Russia and many other key actors. International

3 CONTENTS PART I

NEW BUILDING BLOCKS IN THE NORTH THE NEXT STEP IN THE GOVERNMENT’S HIGH NORTH STRATEGY Introduction ...... 6

1. DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE HIGH NORTH...... 8 1.1 Developing a centre for climate and environmental research in Tromsø ...... 8 1.2 Establishing new technical research infrastructure ...... 11 1.2.1 Establishing an Arctic earth observing system in Svalbard...... 11 1.2.2 Building a next-generation radar system in the High North (EISCAT 3-D)...... 11 1.2.3 A new ice-class research vessel ...... 12 1.3 Mapping the diversity of the seabed ...... 13

2. IMPROVING MONITORING, EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND MARITIME SAFETY SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN WATERS...... 13 2.1 Establishing an integrated monitoring and notification system...... 13 2.2 Improving pollution and emergency response systems ...... 14 2.2.1 Further developing the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s maritime safety expertise ...... 14 2.2.2 Improving maritime safety...... 15 2.2.3 Strengthening the oil spill response ...... 16

3. PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE USE OF OFFSHORE PETROLEUM AND RENEWABLE MARINE RESOURCES...... 18 3.1 Developing marine industries...... 19 3.1.1 A national initiative for cod farming...... 19 3.1.2 A national initiative for marine bioprospecting ...... 20 3.1.3 Exploring the potential of bioenergy based on marine algae ...... 21 3.1.4 Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing ...... 21 3.2 Developing maritime business activities ...... 22 3.2.1 Developing Norwegian ports and supply industry in connection with a possible opening of new sea routes in the north...... 22 3.2.2 Developing expertise on maritime activity in Arctic areas ...... 22 3.2.3 Satellite-based automatic ship identification...... 23 3.3 Developing petroleum-based business activities ...... 23 3.3.1 Developing a knowledge base for petroleum activities in the north ...... 23 3.3.2 Encouraging regional ripple effects from petroleum activities in the north ...... 24 3.3.3 Assessing alternative locations for petroleum bases in eastern Finnmark...... 25

4 4. PROMOTING ONSHORE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH...... 25 4.1 Developing tourism ...... 26 4.2 Developing mineral-based industries...... 27 4.3 Developing expertise and business activity based on Arctic conditions...... 28 4.4 Strengthening innovation and development capacity ...... 29 4.4.1 An innovation boost for business in the north ...... 29 4.4.2 Strengthening local development efforts...... 30

5. FURTHER DEVELOPING THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NORTH...... 31 5.1 Developing the knowledge infrastructure...... 31 5.2 Developing the transport network ...... 33 5.3 Upgrading electric power infrastructure and security of supply ...... 35 5.4 Further developing space-related infrastructure...... 36

6. THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE SOVEREIGNTY FIRMLY AND STRENGTHEN CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN THE NORTH ...... 37 6.1 Increasing the activities of the Coast Guard ...... 38 6.2 Further developing border control ...... 38 6.3 Further developing civilian border surveillance and control...... 39 6.4 Strengthening competence-building cooperation...... 40 6.5 Developing cultural cooperation...... 41

7. SAFEGUARDING THE CULTURES AND LIVELIHOODS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ...... 42 7.1 Documenting traditional Sami knowledge ...... 43 7.2 Establishing a programme for cultural industries...... 43 7.3 Developing ethical guidelines for economic activities in the north...... 43 7.4 Developing digital infrastructure for indigenous languages ...... 44 7.5 Strengthening the capacity and competence of Sami institutions ...... 44

5 NEW BUILDING BLOCKS IN THE NORTH THE NEXT STEP IN THE GOVERNMENT’S HIGH NORTH STRATEGY

Introduction been integrated into the normal procedures in several ministries. In its policy platform, the Government stated that it considers the High North to be Nor- In this document, the Government is present- way’s most important strategic priority area ing a series of strategic priority areas that in the years ahead. In December 2006 the will serve as new building blocks in the Government presented its High North Stra- Government’s High North policy. Continuing tegy as an element in its efforts to translate to pursue this policy will put us in a better this part of the policy platform into practical position to meet the great challenges related policy. Seven main political priorities were to climate and environmental change, and to formulated in the strategy: seize the opportunities in the north.

1. We will exercise our authority in the High The Government’s further High North efforts North in a credible, consistent and predict- are intended to enhance Norway’s ability to able way. exercise sovereignty and promote sustainable 2. We will be at the forefront of international management of renewable and non-renewable efforts to develop knowledge in and about resources. Economic activity based on the the High North. region’s own resources will be essential in se- 3. We intend to be the best steward of the curing welfare and employment in the region. environment and natural resources in the Business and industry, research and other High North. activity in the north will help to secure a Nor- 4. We will provide a suitable framework for wegian presence by maintaining settlement further development of petroleum activi- patterns, and will thereby also strengthen ties in the Barents Sea, and will seek to Norway’s exercise of sovereignty in the re- ensure that these activities boost compe- gion. The High North Strategy is furthermore tence in Norway in general and in North intended to ensure that the area’s strategic Norway in particular, and foster local and location is exploited to the benefit of society regional business development. as a whole, and that Northern Norway’s 5. We intend the High North policy to play a comparative advantages are used to promote role in safeguarding the livelihoods, economic growth and value creation in North- traditions and cultures of indigenous ern Norway and the rest of the country. peoples in the High North. 6. We will further develop people-to-people The Government’s High North policy is cooperation in the High North. additional to its general rural and regional 7. We will strengthen our cooperation with policy and to various sector policies. All of Russia. this will help to maintain settlement patterns in the north and promote development that is In addition, the Government formulated 22 conducive to cooperation with other countries specific action points. Most of these have now and respects the rights of indigenous peoples. been carried out or started. This work has

6 The Government therefore intends to: Priorities between the various action points and the order and speed of their implementation 1. Develop knowledge about climate and the will be considered on an ongoing basis, and environment in the High North. will be described in the Government’s annual 2. Improve monitoring, emergency response budget proposal to the Storting (the Norwe- and maritime safety systems in northern gian Parliament). Efforts in this area will have waters. to be adapted to activity in the Government’s 3. Promote sustainable development of other priority areas, and to the economic situa- offshore petroleum and renewable marine tion in each budget year. resources. 4. Promote onshore business development. The foreign and domestic policy dimensions 5. Further develop the infrastructure in the of the High North Strategy are closely linked. north. The projects described in this document are 6. Continue to exercise sovereignty firmly intended to promote a stronger presence and and strengthen cross-border cooperation increased activity and development in the three in the north. northernmost counties and in Svalbard, which 7. Safeguard the culture and livelihoods of will in turn enhance Norway’s credibility and indigenous peoples. influence when High North issues are dis- cussed internationally. These specific action points have a time horizon of 10–15 years. However, they need to In the Government’s strategy, the High North be seen in a dynamic perspective and not as a is not precisely defined, nor is it limited to final plan of action for the next 10–15 years. Norwegian territory. Important Norwegian interests are linked to developments in the New challenges will require new knowledge. Arctic and the wider circumpolar area, and In turn, new knowledge provides opportuni- internationally the terms “the High North” and ties for economic and social development. “the Arctic” are frequently used interchange- New problems are bound to arise relating to ably. Norway’s strategic efforts in the north the environment and climate change. New oil must be seen in a geopolitical context. Nor- and gas discoveries could offer new oppor- way will continue the active dialogue on High tunities and create new needs for infrastruc- North issues with its neighbours, partners and ture development, transport and business allies, and will seek to make Norway’s High development, both onshore and offshore. In North policy more visible in international and the next 10–15 years we will constantly be regional cooperation forums. Strengthened faced with new challenges and opportunities. international cooperation in the north – both The action points presented here will set a circumpolar cooperation and cooperation with new course and serve as the building blocks Russia in particular – will in turn be beneficial of a dynamic policy for the High North. for development in Northern Norway.

7 1. DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT 1.1 Developing a centre for climate and CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE environmental research in Tromsø HIGH NORTH The Government is focusing on developing knowledge about climate and the environ- Increasing international attention is being ment that will enable Norway to further focused on the High North in response to improve the management of its sea and land environmental and climate change, polar ice areas in the north and the resources found melting and the challenges posed by these there. Sound resource management and changes. Norway is uniquely positioned to efforts to protect the environment and ad- monitor the impacts of anthropogenic environ- dress climate change are key elements of the mental and climate change, which is particu- Government’s High North Strategy. Envi- larly marked in the High North. Arctic climate ronmental and climate change, increasing change is affecting the global climate system pressure on natural resources and large-scale and vice versa. Norway has the advantage new activities could have far-reaching impacts of direct access to cold, ice-free areas. This on society and the environment, not least means that research communities in our north- because a large part of the value creation in ern areas have a considerable advantage as the north depends on the natural environ- regards research on climate change in general, ment and living resources. However, there is and more specifically on the role the Arctic great uncertainty about what the impacts are plays in the global climate system. Knowledge likely to be. More knowledge about climate is at the core of the Government’s High North and the environment is therefore of great stra- Strategy. The Government intends to promote tegic value in connection with management, knowledge development to enable us to fully adaptation to climate change and planning in seize the opportunities and address the chal- the north. lenges we are facing in the north. The Government will facilitate the establish- Research infrastructure is a basic requirement ment of a leading international centre for en- for research and knowledge development vironmental and climate research in the High in the High North. Strategic investments in North by further developing existing know- observation and communication equipment ledge institutions in Tromsø (the Norwegian facilitate research of global significance and Polar Institute, the University of Tromsø, the make Norway attractive as a base for interna- Institute of Marine Research, Akvaplan-niva, tional research activities. Improved research the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, infrastructure can also generate ripple effects the Norwegian Institute for Air Research, in the form of innovation and technological Nofima and the Norwegian Radiation Protec- and business development. In turn, technologi- tion Authority). Making Tromsø a focal point cal and business development will strengthen of knowledge and expertise on climate and the existing knowledge base and encourage the environment will strengthen Norway’s research on climate and the environment in role and influence in international cooperation the region. in the north, and will therefore help to ensure

8 that Norway’s interests are safeguarded An ice-class research vessel based in Tromsø in the best possible way. It is particularly will be an important part of the infrastructure important to build expertise on the growing for the environmental and climate research international problem of climate change and centre (see separate discussion in section ocean acidification. This is a field where Nor- 1.2.3). way, with its large sea areas, has an interest in staying at the forefront of research. Research The Government’s goal is for the following in this field must be seen in connection with elements to be included in the development of other processes, including the implementa- the environment and climate research centre tion of the plan that has been adopted for in Northern Norway: building up climate-related research and the Klima 21 forum for climate research. Arctic UÊ The establishment of the Centre for Ice, climate processes play an important role in Climate & Ecosystems (ICE): the global climate system as well. A better Establish the centre in 2009. The main understanding of these processes is crucial purpose will be to strengthen research on for predicting future climate change. Know- and monitoring of climate and ice condi- ledge building in this field will therefore be tions at the Norwegian Polar Institute in an important contribution to international cooperation with key institutions in climate-related efforts. Tromsø is the centre Norway, particularly the University of of a region that offers an abundance of natural Tromsø, the University Centre in assets and living resources, a number of Svalbard and the Bjerknes Centre for important knowledge institutions that can be Climate Research. The goal is for the further developed, and geographical proxim- centre to become a world leader in its ity to key areas as regards climate, resource field. exploitation and changing patterns of activity. UÊ Generating knowledge of the environ- The centre will be organised as a network ment and living resources in the marine with a joint secretariat, established in conjunc- environment in the north: tion with the Polar Environmental Centre’s Sea: Strengthen research and resource secretariat. The secretariat will be respons- management expertise and survey and ible for coordinating cooperation between the monitoring programmes related to the participating institutions both nationally and implementation of the integrated manage- internationally. Developing the knowledge ment plan for the Barents Sea–Lofoten institutions in Tromsø into a leading interna- area. Field stations that monitor coastal tional centre for environmental and climate and fjord ecosystems in Finnmark county research in the High North will require will be drawn into these efforts. Further closer coordination between the participat- development of the Norwegian Polar ing organisations and other R&D centres in Institute and the Institute of Marine Northern Norway. Research will be key elements in this connection.

9 Svalbard and the Arctic: Strengthen UÊ Knowledge building on the impacts of and management-oriented expertise adapted adaptation to climate change for to needs in Svalbard, for example business and industry, based on cross- necessary expertise on the impacts of sectoral cooperation: climate change and possible changes in Climate change and ocean acidification business activity and traffic, including will lead to changes in living conditions opportunities for the development of new for marine species. Some species may business activities. Further development change their migration patterns and of the Norwegian Polar Institute and the feeding and spawning grounds, while Institute of Marine Research will be key others may spread to new areas. There elements in this connection. may be corresponding changes in the Terrestrial environment: Strengthen conditions for aquaculture. Building up expertise on the impacts of climate an understanding of the links between change on the natural environment and climate change, ocean acidification, the traditional livelihoods of indigenous marine ecosystems and the conditions peoples and on adaptation strategies. for commercial/business activities based This competence building should mainly on natural resources is essential, particu- take place at the Norwegian Polar Instit- larly in the High North, where the fisher- ute, the University of Tromsø, the Sami ies are a vital basis for settlement pat- University College and other relevant terns. institutions in Northern Norway. UÊ Knowledge building on the impacts UÊ New research programme on climate of the growing volume of maritime change and ocean acidification: transport in the Arctic: Major changes in the marine ecosystems The ice conditions in the Arctic are chang- in the north are expected as a result of ing rapidly, and this is opening up new ocean acidification. Norway is responsible areas to shipping. Research on the effects for large and economically important sea of local pollution and of the physical areas in the north and should therefore breaking-up of the ice is therefore impor- remain at the forefront of developments tant. on understanding and predicting the effects of the chemical changes that take UÊ Further development of expertise on place as CO2 levels in the oceans rise coastal and fjord ecology: and they become more acidic. As part of The intention is to develop knowledge the plan for building up climate-related about the changes that are occurring in research, a new research programme coastal and fjord ecosystems. These on ocean acidification has been proposed efforts are being led by the Institute of under the Research Council of Norway. Marine Research. The aim is to under- stand the causal factors behind changes in fjord ecosystems, with a particular

10 focus on Porsangerfjorden. The Centre in Longyearbyen, which is responsible programme will play an important for collecting data from land, sea, ice and air/ role in generating knowledge to be used atmosphere, and establishing a knowledge in the management of our coastal waters. centre to make the data accessible. The project will promote international cooperation UÊ The establishment of an environmental and coordination, and increase the value of specimen bank of ecological toxins: research activities. Possible locations for the environmental specimen bank are being considered by 1.2.2 Building a next-generation radar the Norwegian Pollution Control system in the High North (EISCAT 3-D) Authority. One alternative is co-location EISCAT (European Incoherent Scatter) with the marine biobank Marbank, which installations are large radar systems located is already established in Tromsø. in northern Scandinavia. They are used for geophysical research by researchers from 1.2 Establishing new technical research many countries, and are useful for a number infrastructure of purposes related to space research, climate research and monitoring of “space weather”. 1.2.1 Establishing an Arctic earth There is now an urgent need to upgrade the observing system in Svalbard radars on the mainland, both because they The establishment of the Svalbard Integrated are beginning to be outdated and because Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is a the radio frequency bands they operate on major pan-European infrastructure project in are to be taken over by mobile telephony and Svalbard. It will be an important element in digital radio broadcasting. EISCAT 3-D is a the Government’s efforts to achieve the ob- project to set up a new EISCAT radar system jectives of its High North policy. The project in northern Scandinavia. The project proposal will increase the scientific value of monitoring includes at least one new active phased-array and research activities, and reduce the risk of radar illuminator (transmitter/receiver) and overlap and unnecessary environmental pres- two to four new passive receiver arrays. Pos- sure in Svalbard. It will also play an important sible locations for the transmitter are Ram- role in promoting international research co- fjordmoen near Tromsø, where the existing operation and coordination in Svalbard. This transmitter is located, or a location close to centre of expertise will provide a basis for re- Andøya Rocket Range. Receivers will be built search cooperation, teaching and knowledge in northern Sweden and northern Finland, transfer, and will create a joint Arctic platform and possibly one in Sweden and one at Masi for climate-related research in Europe. in Finnmark county.

The Government will give high priority to the The new EISCAT 3-D system will play a key SIOS. Establishing the system will involve role in climate change research. The radars upgrading existing and providing new infra- will provide data that are important for the structure, particularly at the Svalbard Science atmosphere-based platform that forms part of

11 the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing This means that it must be possible to take System. In addition to facilitating scientific ad- samples in the ice, under the ice and below vances, EISCAT 3-D will promote technological the water surface, as well as from animals and development and could potentially lead to new birds on the surface or in the air. business innovation. Because climate change is affecting sea 1.2.3 A new ice-class research vessel temperatures and the marine environment, Increased value creation in polar areas and marine research and monitoring of the north- accelerating climate change have made it es- ern sea areas should be stepped up, for ex- sential to develop more and better knowledge of ample to monitor changes in the populations these areas. Such knowledge is necessary as a and migration patterns of marine species. basis for making decisions related to resource Data collected by a research vessel would management, environmental policy and value be important in providing the best possible creation. The Government intends to facilitate knowledge base for determining quotas and the development of knowledge about Arctic and in enabling us to meet our international obli- Antarctic sea areas and to step up Norway’s gations as regards the management of joint year-round presence in the Arctic. An active stocks. A new research vessel would also play presence in these areas is of great importance a key role in improving maritime monitoring, in giving Norway legitimacy, credibility and which will become more important as a result influence as a steward of the marine resources of increasing petroleum activity in the north. and marine environment of the northern seas, and in enabling Norway to contribute to inter- The existing Norwegian research vessels are national cooperation on the management of the to some extent outdated, and only two of them Southern Ocean. are ice-class vessels. The marine research community in Norway has recommended that The Arctic and Antarctic play a key role in the the top priority should be to procure a new global climate system. Climate change is now ice-class marine research vessel. high on the political agenda, and ice melting is one of the keys to understanding future climate A new ice-class research vessel would con- trends. An ice-class research vessel would stitute one element of a research platform enable Norway to make important scientific for fields such as the environment, climate, contributions to international climate coopera- natural resources, polar research, fisheries- tion by enhancing the country’s research efforts related and marine research, geological and in Arctic and Antarctic sea areas. petroleum-related research, and other areas. The knowledge obtained would improve the There is a need to strengthen marine research basis for making decisions related to natural and monitoring of the northern sea areas, partly resource management, and climate and envi- to monitor changes in the biological resources ronmental policy in the polar seas. directly associated with the sea ice, such as polar bears, Arctic cod, zooplankton and algae.

12 The Government aims to acquire a new vessel 2. IMPROVING MONITORING, of this kind, provided that our quality require- EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND MARITIME ments are met, during the next few years. SAFETY SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN WATERS This vessel would operate from Tromsø. The final decision on procurement and specifica- Melting of the Arctic sea ice during the summer tions will be made following the completion of will make new areas accessible for human activ- a quality assurance process. ity. The volume of maritime traffic in the High North will increase with the opening of shipping 1.3 Mapping the diversity of the seabed routes via Arctic waters and the expansion of oil The Government will facilitate the develop- and gas extraction in Norwegian and Russian ment of management-oriented knowledge. waters. A higher volume of traffic will pose MAREANO is a programme for systematic considerable challenges to Norway as a coastal surveys and basic research on physical, bio- state with a special responsibility for manage- logical and chemical conditions on the seabed ment in the High North. This will require in all Norwegian coastal and marine areas. improved monitoring, emergency response and All data are collected in a single database. maritime safety systems in our northern sea The MAREANO programme is a pioneer in areas. It will also be important to maintain our the field of mapping. The knowledge gener- high health, safety and environmental standards ated by the programme will be important as petroleum activity in the northern sea areas for finding a good balance between use and increases. conservation and between the interests of various users. The programme also offers a With increasing activity in Arctic and other unique platform for exploring opportunities northern waters, existing emergency response for marine bioprospecting. systems should be reviewed. Norway will seek to promote regional cooperation, for example The Government will continue the MARE- within the framework of the Arctic Council, on ANO programme. The first phase of MARE- search and rescue cooperation in these waters. ANO has been designed to be used in the 2010 revision of the integrated management 2.1 Establishing an integrated monitoring plan for the Barents Sea–Lofoten area. MARE- and notification system ANO is intended to cover the southern part Access to integrated information is necessary of the Barents Sea including the Lofoten and for sound management of the northern sea Vesterålen islands by the end of 2010. Priority areas and the Arctic. Integrated real time infor- areas are Eggakanten, Tromsøflaket, Troms mation is also essential for dealing with environ- II and Nordland VII. At the current level of mental and other disasters in these areas. funding, the mapping of the areas that are indicated in the integrated management plan Various systems already exist for monitoring will be concluded in 2014 at the earliest. maritime traffic, the fishing fleet, the marine environment, meteorological conditions and so on. However, there is no overall coordination

13 of these systems. The Ministry of Fisheries other industries such as fisheries and tour- and Coastal Affairs, in cooperation with the ism, and play a role in their further develop- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched ment. Weather conditions in the High North efforts to develop an integrated monitoring are difficult, with low temperatures, ice, and and notification system. In principle, this darkness during the winter. Norway has should build further on the existing systems. taken on a special responsibility in this field An integrated national web-based system in connection with the development of the would receive data from the various sectoral integrated management plan for the Barents systems, for example on the environment, Sea–Lofoten area. This needs to be followed marine resources, oil and gas activities, and up and further developed, both nationally and fisheries, and offer users a complete overview in an international context. of relevant information about the northern sea areas. The system would provide public Norway is today a world leader with expertise bodies with a better and more complete over- on oil spill response equipment and its indus- view for management purposes, and private trial development. The Government wants to sector users with more readily accessible and further develop the Coastal Administration’s more complete information. The establish- expertise in this area with a view to strength- ment of such a system will be important at na- ening maritime safety, maritime monitoring tional level and will also have a clear foreign and expertise on oil spill response in icy policy dimension. The EU and other countries conditions. The Coastal Administration is re- are also considering similar systems, but sponsible for addressing and highlighting the the Norwegian system will be a pioneering new challenges and tasks in the north, and for project. The Government will continue the further developing its cutting-edge expertise development of a more integrated monitoring in emergency response and pollution preven- and notification system. tion in Arctic areas. One of its key tasks will be to follow up international efforts and take 2.2 Improving pollution and emergency part in practical cooperation with Russia and response systems other countries in the field of oil spill pre- paredness and monitoring of Arctic areas. 2.2.1 Further developing the Norwegian The Coastal Administration should also be Coastal Administration’s maritime safety given a particular responsibility for monitor- expertise ing risk trends in this area. Cooperation with The growing volume of maritime transport other entities is also important. Furthermore, in the High North means that maritime the Coastal Administration should assess safety and oil spill response must be given development needs and coordinate new high priority. It is necessary to focus both on research in this field in cooperation with preventive measures to reduce the probability other actors such as research institutions, oil of accidents and on measures to reduce their companies, other industries and international impact. This will make it possible for mari- partners. The expertise the Coastal Admin- time transport to coexist satisfactorily with istration has established in Finnmark county

14 should be further developed. As regards the project to establish an integrated monitor- knowledge building in cooperation with ing and notification system, as discussed in Russia, it is appropriate that the Vessel Traffic section 2.1 above. The Vessel Traffic Service Service Centre in Vardø is involved. Centre in Vardø, which was established in 2007, is one concrete element of these efforts. 2.2.2 Improving maritime safety The Vessel Traffic Service uses automatic Climate change may result in a growing vol- identification system (AIS) to monitor shipping ume of maritime transport and opportunities and ensure compliance with the mandatory for using new transport corridors. Increasing routeing and traffic separation scheme between oil and gas extraction will also mean more Vardø and Røst. In this connection it is also maritime traffic in the High North. This will important to further develop Norway’s close have implications for infrastructure, oil spill cooperation with Russia on maritime safety response and maritime safety, and coopera- and oil spill response. One element here is the tion with other countries. ongoing development of a joint notification and information system for shipping. Cooperation is As a shipping nation, Norway must be able also underway to improve electronic navigation to deal with any adverse impacts of maritime signal coverage in the Barents Sea by linking transport along its coast. If Norway proves the Norwegian Loran-C system and the equi- not to have the capacity to deal with accidents valent Russian Chaika system. Norway is also in Arctic waters, this would not only lead to cooperating with Iceland and a number of other pollution damage, but would also tarnish countries around the North Sea on establish- Norway’s reputation and jeopardise business ing a regional centre to coordinate information development in the north. As a coastal state, on maritime traffic in the northern part of the Norway must therefore focus both on improv- North Atlantic and in the Barents Sea. Canada ing maritime safety and on reducing the could also become an important partner here. impacts of any accidents through an adequate oil spill response system. The goal is to scale In recent years, maritime traffic off Svalbard, up response capacity in step with the expan- particularly cruise traffic, has been increasing. sion of petroleum and other activities. In contrast to the situation along the Norweg- ian mainland coast, there is no AIS coverage The Government attaches importance to in the waters off Svalbard. The Government is maritime monitoring and satisfactory infor- considering establishing AIS coverage around mation about maritime traffic and other Svalbard to enable the authorities to moni- activities in our neighbouring areas. This is tor the growing maritime traffic and make it important both to enable Norway to protect possible to take action against ships that pose its strategic interests and to ensure a high a threat to safety and the environment. In line level of maritime safety, adequate response with the Government’s High North Strategy, systems and sound management. Norway’s the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs recognition of the need for maritime monitor- has also made the Harbour Act applicable to ing and adequate information is reflected in Svalbard. Given Svalbard’s geographical loca-

15 tion and the increase in maritime traffic, the calling for the IMO to put the Arctic Ocean Government sees a need for further measures and related issues and the development of to ensure a satisfactory level of maritime legislation higher on its agenda. The IMO has safety in the area. started revision of the Polar Code, a set of guidelines for ships operating in polar waters. The current focus on building up expertise The Government will advocate making the and education in maritime disciplines and air Polar Code binding. safety at the University of Trondheim and several university colleges is important in this 2.2.3 Strengthening the oil spill response connection. Since 2003, a government emergency tugboat service has been operative from Finnmark A key objective of the Government’s mari- county to the Lofoten Islands. There are time strategy is to facilitate environmentally plans to strengthen this service from 2010, by sound growth in the maritime sector. The increasing the number of all-year tugboats to Research Council of Norway and Innovation three. Funding will be provided by the Minis- Norway will be given funds to promote more try of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Weather environmentally sound maritime transport. conditions in the north are harsh, and change In its dialogue with the sector, the Govern- rapidly. The established traffic lanes are ment has designated key areas for maritime located far enough from the coast to allow research and development. Priority will be for sufficient response time for tugboats and given to reducing the environmental impact other assistance, but close enough for ships of maritime operations under difficult condi- that run into problems to reach port. The tions, for example in the High North, and to Government is drawing up an updated list of advanced logistics and transport. As a result suitable ports of refuge in cooperation with of the geographical location of Norway’s sea relevant parties, including the municipalities. areas and the prevailing weather conditions, the Norwegian maritime sector has devel- Increasing petroleum activity in the north and oped particular expertise and comparative the growing number of oil shipments from advantages as regards challenging maritime northwestern Russia past the Norwegian operations in a cold climate. Norway intends coast mean that there will be a continuous to consolidate its position as an innovative need for development, coordination and maritime nation. Support has therefore been innovation. Existing oil spill response equip- given for a pilot project in connection with the ment has clear limitations in low tempera- establishment of a next generation research tures and ice-infested waters. It is therefore laboratory centre. necessary to develop methods and equipment for oil spill clean-up operations that are suited Norway plays an active part in the Interna- to such conditions. According to an Arctic tional Maritime Organization (IMO) which Council report, oil spills are the greatest establishes safety and environmental stand- threat to the marine environment in Arctic ards for maritime transport. Norway has been areas. Cooperation on this issue, both as

16 regards research and response measures, are North. In addition to private R&D efforts, there proposed as an important priority area. The may be a need for government support for the Government intends to strengthen the oil development of equipment and expertise in the spill response in the north. field of oil spill response in Arctic areas. On the basis of research in this field, the Government An overall analysis of future oil spill response will determine capacity requirements for the oil requirements is needed, and should consider spill response system in the High North. both technological development and capacity. To deal with the challenges ahead, it will be The Government is also in the process of devel- important to have a good overview of existing oping safety and emergency response require- oil spill response systems as a basis for assess- ments for the petroleum industry in the High ing what needs to be done. The goal must North. The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal be to strengthen the existing system, both in Affairs, the Ministry of the Environment and coastal waters and in sea areas further north. the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy are all An overall approach including both public key actors in this work, and ensuring close and private response systems is needed. The coordination between these ministries and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs has private actors is an important concern. In the initiated a process that will form the basis for Government’s view, a broad-based emergency work in this field. In cooperation with other response forum is needed to ensure smooth ministries and agencies, it will make an over- cooperation between all the actors involved, view of knowledge gaps and ongoing and new both public and private. The Ministry of Fisher- research projects and studies in the fields of ies and Coastal Affairs will take an initiative maritime safety and emergency response, for the establishment of such a forum, where focusing particularly on oil-in-ice problems. input from all parties should be considered and Several private initiatives in Norway may also coordinated before recommendations are sent provide more knowledge about dealing with to the Government. oil spills in Arctic waters. In 2006, SINTEF, with support from the petroleum industry, launched an R&D programme focused on oil spills in ice-infested waters. The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs will evaluate the results of this and other relevant projects as part of its follow-up of the Government’s re- sponsibility for the response system for acute pollution. The Ministry will also determine the need for further research and develop- ment in this field and consider providing government support for R&D projects to build competence and develop equipment for use in the oil spill response in the High

17 3. PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE USE It is therefore important that Norwegian OF OFFSHORE PETROLEUM AND policy is designed to make the High North RENEWABLE MARINE RESOURCES attractive to oil companies so that they give it priority in their portfolios. At the same time Since time immemorial the fisheries have been the Government is seeking to identify modes of fundamental importance to the economy of field development solutions that maxim- and settlement of the northernmost parts of ise local and regional ripple effects while Norway. They have provided a vital basis for maintaining corporate and macroeconomic the development of local communities. In the profitability. Several other countries that are future, too, marine resources will continue to engaged in petroleum activities in the High be important for business development and North are focusing on technological develop- employment in the north. Long-term, sustain- ment and research related to petroleum activi- able resource management will help to secure ties in the Arctic. The Norwegian strategic further development and prosperity for coming task force for oil and gas research, OG21, generations. At the same time it is necessary to has developed a technology strategy for the facilitate the use of new resources and develop- Arctic. Norway is engaged in dialogue on this ment of new products by focusing on research issue with other countries. and development. This is important in order to ensure that Northern Norway develops a Maritime transport changes in response to more differentiated and robust business sector. general economic development in Norway Farming of new marine species, marine bio- and the rest of the world. For example, an prospecting and petroleum activity in the north expansion of petroleum activities in north- may play a major role in the further develop- western Russia, the Norwegian Sea and the ment of Northern Norway. Barents Sea will lead to a growth in maritime transport. As a result of the geographical loca- Developing Northern Norway’s own resources tion of Norway’s sea areas and the prevailing will provide an important basis for value crea- weather conditions, the Norwegian maritime tion in the High North. Experience has shown sector has developed particular expertise and that the petroleum industry generates substan- comparative advantages as regards challeng- tial economic growth at national, regional and ing maritime operations in cold climates. The local level. There is now considerable interest petroleum industry is a source of innovation and optimism in our northern counties related and motivation for onshore maritime indus- to the development of the High North as a tries. Shipyards are building both vessels petroleum province. and installations for the offshore sector. This work also involves subcontractors, service Petroleum extraction is dependent on explora- providers and other activities connected with tion and the discovery of deposits. The ripple shipbuilding. effects of the petroleum industry on the rest of the economy is contingent on access to new Presence and activity have an impact on areas for oil and gas extraction, and vice versa. resource management, the environment and

18 foreign relations. The Government uses the has world-class infrastructure with cutting- integrated management plan for the Barents edge expertise in the field of applied research Sea–Lofoten area to facilitate value creation on cod. In addition, the Institute of Marine Re- based on the sustainable use of resources search has a branch in Tromsø. Much of the and coexistence between industries such required industry- and management-oriented as the fisheries, maritime transport and the research can therefore be carried out in the petroleum sector. The Government’s aim is to north. provide clear and forward-looking framework conditions for existing and future activities in A further development of cod farming will the High North. help to ensure a stable and predictable sup- ply of fish to the onshore industry in the 3.1 Developing marine industries north outside the seasonal wild fisheries and thereby also help to ensure employment in 3.1.1 A national initiative for cod farming the region. The Government will therefore Capture fisheries have reached a ceiling, and facilitate a national drive to develop cod farm- we will not see any significant increase in ing. global fish catches in the years ahead. An in- crease in the supply of seafood must therefore Developing farming of a new species until it is come from an increase in aquaculture produc- fully commercialised is knowledge-intensive tion. Norway has strong competitive advan- and costly. Since 2001 the authorities have tages as regards cod farming due to its long provided funding through Innovation Norway coastline, its expertise on marine species and and the Research Council of Norway in a its experience of salmon and trout farming. targeted effort. In recent years Investinor and Conditions in Northern Norway are particu- the marine value creation programme have larly good for cod farming. Farmed cod thrive also been set up as key tools in the effort to better in the cold water in the north than they develop cod farming. do further south, and there are larger areas available for cod farming along the coast There are, however, still many unresolved in the north. In recent years, the relevant questions connected with cod farming. This research infrastructure in Tromsø has been applies for example to interactions between upgraded with the addition of the Norwegian farmed and wild fish, diseases and welfare, Cod Breeding Centre, the Tromsø Aquacul- breeding, feeding technology and develop- ture Research Station and the Fish Health ment of feed, and market-related issues. Laboratory at Kårvika. These facilities are More knowledge is also needed about the all wholly or partially owned by the national consequences for the economy of the coastal industry-oriented research group Nofima, Sami. More research is needed in all of these which has its headquarters in Tromsø. Its fields. So is research aimed at developing a subsidiary Nofima Marin, which is Europe’s sustainable management regime. There are largest unit for applied marine research, is also gaps in our knowledge of the possible also based in Tromsø. All in all, Tromsø now impacts of cod farming on ecosystems and

19 wild stocks. Such knowledge is also important in many fields, and demand for such prod- for environmental impact assessments, which ucts will generate large revenues. Secondly, are required before a decision to expand cod Norway has marine resources with unique farming. Impact assessments must include the properties, cutting-edge expertise and estab- impacts of escapes and spawning in net pens lished infrastructure on which we can build on wild stocks, the spread of diseases and more further. This puts us in a good position to assessment of more “ordinary” factors related develop the whole value chain from prospect- to spatial planning/localisation, parasite issues ing and research to business development and discharges of nutrients. There is also a via innovation and commercialisation. In the need for industry-oriented research to improve north we have the combination of unique aquaculture operations, including new technical Arctic resources, marine industries with long solutions, better feed, more effective responses traditions and well-established research com- to diseases, etc. munities. Important infrastructure is already in place, for example the Marbank marine 3.1.2 A national initiative for marine biobank, the MarBio laboratory and the bioprospecting MabCent centre for research-based innova- Marine plants, animals and bacteria are gene- tion. The MABIT programme, an independent tically adapted to a life in the ocean in fierce industry-oriented R&D programme, plays an competition with other organisms, often at important role. We are now also seeing the temperatures close to freezing point. They con- emergence of a new generation of biotechno- tain molecules with unique properties that may logy companies in the north. be of use to human beings, for example in new medicines and in connection with oil produc- Marine bioprospecting is an element in the tion. Marine bioprospecting means searching Government’s innovation policy. The idea for and carrying out research on such sub- behind this is to further develop our key stances. There is considerable potential for the industries and make use of the conjunction of commercialisation of research findings in this advantages, both those we have acquired by field. Marine bioprospecting could become an building knowledge and natural advantages. important area within biotechnology, and may As the world economy becomes increas- have commercial potential in a number of other ingly globalised, international competition is areas. Applications might include medicines, hardening. We must be capable of renewing flavours and nutrients in food and feed, and in- ourselves and ensuring our competitiveness dustrial processes for the production of textiles, if we are to maintain our high standard of liv- cellulose and biomass/renewable energy, as ing. A lot of challenges need to be overcome well as applications in the oil industry. in order to realise untapped potential. The public sector has an important role to play in Norway’s prospects of success in marine the initial phase before a new industry has bioprospecting are based on two key factors. matured. Firstly, the end products developed through research on marine organisms can be used

20 The Government intends to launch a national of bioenergy. Although seaweed farming initiative for marine bioprospecting. The offers a large energy potential in theory, it is Government’s committee of experts on the still very uncertain whether farmed algae will High North has played an important advisory be competitive as a raw material for energy role in the process of identifying the best production. Periods of high oil prices and solutions for promoting marine bioprospect- more stringent regulation of greenhouse gas ing. The Ministry of Trade and Industry and emissions have sparked renewed interest in the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, energy production based on algae. Some re- together with the Ministry of Education search on the cultivation of marine algae and and Research and the Ministry of Foreign their use for bioenergy is being conducted un- Affairs, have been tasked with developing der programmes run by the Research Council the Government’s national marine biotechno- of Norway. The Government intends to com- logy strategy. This will be based on proposals mission a study of the potential of bioenergy from the committee of experts, the Research based on marine algae, with a particular focus Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and on how a future initiative in this field could the Industrial Development Corporation of provide a basis for business and research Norway, and is to focus particularly on marine activities in the north. Any future initiative in bioprospecting. this field must be based on close coordination between national and international research The strategy will discuss the best ways of communities, energy companies and the making use of the opportunities that are authorities. emerging in this field. A key task will be to look into ways of improving interaction 3.1.4 Combating illegal, unreported and between research and the business sector at unregulated (IUU) fishing the regional, national and international level. The Government intends to continue its ef- This will include considering how to facilitate forts to combat IUU fishing to ensure the sus- commercialisation and how the process of tainable management of our fisheries resour- developing Marbank into a national marine ces. A satisfactory control regime both at sea biobank can be used to provide research and when catches are landed is an essential communities and other users with effective basis for sustainable use of the fisheries re- access to marine biological material. It will sources in the north. The Coast Guard plays be necessary to develop guidelines for use of a key role in monitoring fisheries activities the biobank’s material and resolve biosecur- at sea. The Directorate of Fisheries and the ity issues related to products resulting from sales organisations carry out controls of land- marine bioprospecting. ings and compliance with quotas at national level. Combating IUU fishing in the Barents 3.1.3 Exploring the potential of bioenergy Sea is a long-term process that requires based on marine algae further development of the policy and institu- The cultivation of marine algae in coastal ar- tional cooperation forums Norway has helped eas in the north could provide a future source to develop in recent years. The Russian and

21 Norwegian fisheries authorities have made it Norwegian authorities will monitor develop- clear they would like to strengthen the institu- ments and, if necessary, take steps to ensure tions for bilateral management cooperation that that the infrastructure along the coast is have been developed over many years. Steps to adapted to an increase in the activity level. improve coordination between the Norwegian The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs and Russian law enforcement authorities must has tasked the Coastal Administration with continue. The Government will give priority coordinating cooperation between the ports to controlling resource utilisation to combat in Northern Norway. These efforts must IUU activities, as well as to confidence building include an assessment of the potential of the measures and information work. various ports, such as their strategic location, water depths, etc. and existing infrastructure. 3.2 Developing maritime business The coordination role involves facilitating dia- activities logue between the ports and putting common challenges and possible solutions related to 3.2.1 Developing Norwegian ports and sup- transport development in the High North on ply industry in connection with a possible the agenda. Specific cooperation projects with opening of new sea routes in the north Russian partners may also be considered. The Ice melt in the Arctic is likely to result in a larg- Government wishes to promote increased er volume of maritime transport and the open- activity and value creation on the Norwegian ing of new traffic corridors. For example, it may side of the border. become possible to use new transport corridors from the US west coast and north-eastern Asia An increase in maritime traffic in the north through the Arctic Ocean as alternatives to the is also likely to create a greater need for existing corridors through the Panama and onshore maritime industries in Norway, for Suez Canals. Expansion of oil and gas extrac- example shipyards and producers of ships’ tion in the north will also lead to more maritime equipment. Shipyards build and repair both transport along the coast of Norway. vessels and offshore installations. This work also involves subcontractors and other activi- The increase in shipping could lead to positive ties connected with shipbuilding and repair. ripple effects as there will be an increasing need for maritime service suppliers in Norway. 3.2.2 Developing expertise on maritime The most important maritime services are activity in Arctic areas related to ship financing, marine insurance, It is the Government’s goal that Norway maritime law, classification, port services and should have world-class expertise on brokerage. Many Norwegian maritime services maritime activity in Arctic areas. Increasing suppliers are today among the largest and most activity in the High North increases the need important in the world in a number of fields. It for knowledge and provides opportunities is particularly important that Norwegian ports for maritime operations in Arctic areas. The in the north position themselves and engage Centre for High North Logistics has already in relevant cooperation to attract activity. The been established in Kirkenes as a cooperation

22 project between the shipping industry, Bodø satellite-based AIS. This system will provide University College, the Norwegian School a better overview of shipping in Norwegian of Management and the Ministry of Foreign sea areas. This is particularly important in Affairs. the High North, where a harsh climate, long distances and a vulnerable environment are The Government proposes to strengthen creating new demands as regards monitoring. Arctic expertise and promote specific projects In order to make correct decisions, it is im- related to safe and environmentally friendly portant that reliable and updated information shipping in the High North. This a strategic is available. Satellite-based AIS will improve priority in the Government’s High North monitoring of maritime traffic in the north policy. It is important to ensure that Norway and prevention and follow-up of environmen- is a world leader as regards maritime exper- tal crime at sea, and will also make it possible tise in this field. These efforts will also be in to respond more quickly and effectively to line with the Government’s maritime strategy. accidents. The Government is giving high The University of Tromsø, in cooperation priority to the development of a satellite-based with Maritime Forum North and the Nor- automatic information system. wegian Shipowners’ Association, has devel- oped a maritime Arctic expertise programme. 3.3 Developing petroleum-based The programme is intended to increase the business activities level of expertise among masters and oper- ators of ships and offshore installations in 3.3.1 Developing a knowledge base for Arctic waters and set safety standards for petroleum activities in the north operations in these areas. It has been estimated that a large share of the world’s remaining recoverable petroleum The Government intends to enhance exper- resources are located in the High North, but tise related to safe and environmentally it is unclear how large this share is. So far, friendly shipping in the High North in coop- one field in the Barents Sea has been devel- eration with the maritime expert communities oped, and a number of discoveries have been in Tromsø and Bodø. made in the north. It is expected that more commercially viable discoveries will be made 3.2.3 Satellite-based automatic ship in Norwegian areas in the north as well. identification A satellite-based automatic ship identification The question of how large the Norwegian system (AIS) will be an important part of the petroleum resources are is not just a national integrated monitoring and notification system concern, but is also important in terms of for the northern sea areas, and is a central meeting the increasing international demand element in the Government’s High North for energy. Developing the knowledge base policy. It also has an important commercial related to the resource potential in the High dimension. The Norwegian space industry North will help to provide a basis for making is playing a key role in the development of assessments concerning Norway’s presence.

23 The integrated management plan for the opened. As petroleum activities in the north Barents Sea–Lofoten area, which is intended have so far been limited, so have the ripple to provide the framework for petroleum effects. activities in the sea areas in the north, will be updated in 2010. Knowledge about possible The Government wishes to create conditions petroleum resources in the management plan that encourage the generation of ripple effects area, together with improved knowledge of by petroleum activities in the north and that the environment, will form part of the basis stimulate other business activities, including for decision-making when the framework for ones that use petroleum as an input factor. petroleum activities is reassessed in 2010. It is very important to identify the condi- tions that encourage the generation of ripple The Government intends to launch projects effects by petroleum activities in the region. with the aim of gaining an overview of exist- The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is ing knowledge and generating new know- therefore planning a study aimed at identify- ledge that can serve as a basis for activity ing the links between petroleum activities and in the north. This will, among other things, ripple effects, as well as the conditions that entail a long-term and continuous process of have a bearing on the possible links between collecting data in the relevant area in order petroleum activities and other commercial to increase our knowledge about Norway’s activities. This could help to promote activity petroleum potential in the north. Mapping re- and presence in the north. sources and improving our understanding of the High North, will involve a number of data Well developed infrastructure is essential for collection projects, including in the northern realising the potential oil and gas have for part of the Barents Sea. generating desired value creation onshore. New transport routes can give rise to new 3.3.2 Encouraging regional ripple effects business activity. Important efforts are being from petroleum activities in the north made together with actors on both sides of Economic activity and business development the Norwegian-Russian border to identify play a crucial role in ensuring welfare and industry needs and strengthen Northern employment in the north. The petroleum Norway’s comparative advantages. These industry can increase welfare by provid- efforts will build further on existing coopera- ing capital, employment and competence- tion forums, the Russians’ development of building. The Government will seek to ensure the Northern Sea Route and the experience that petroleum activities become a driving gained in connection with the Northern force of business development and economic Maritime Corridor project. They will be based activity in Northern Norway. Experience has on cooperation between national and regional shown that petroleum-related industry has authorities that administer relevant public developed in geographical proximity to the support schemes, private companies and the offshore petroleum industry, and it has gradu- Centre for High North Logistics in Kirkenes ally moved north as new areas have been and Bodø.

24 In addition to facilitating petroleum activi- 4. PROMOTING ONSHORE BUSINESS ties it is important to develop local education DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH institutions in order to build competence in the region. Studies of the petroleum industry The Government will strengthen its focus on have shown that supplier networks play an onshore activities in the north. Fish processing, important role in promoting local suppliers. tourism, mineral-related industries, environ- It is important that they are strengthened so mental technology and biotechnology are they provide effective forums where oil com- important onshore priority areas and will play a panies and local suppliers can meet. key role in the development of the knowledge- based economy of the future. By focusing on 3.3.3 Assessing alternative locations for onshore business development we will create a petroleum bases in eastern Finnmark sounder basis for exploiting the full potential of In the long term, an increase in petroleum the north – both offshore and onshore. activities in the Norwegian and Russian parts of the Barents Sea may create a need for Given that Norway has an open and export- onshore support functions. It would therefore oriented economy, we must make better use of be useful to assess alternative locations for all parts of the country if we are to maintain the bases in the eastern part of Finnmark county current high level of growth and development. that could provide services to petroleum Innovation and restructuring are essential if our operations in the Norwegian part of the society is to have a competitive business sector Barents Sea or in Russian areas. In this con- in the future. The Government’s efforts take nection it would be useful to assess locations our advantages, both those we have acquired for possible ports, including water depths, as by building knowledge and those conferred by well as the possibility of using and developing nature, as a starting point. The Government is existing infrastructure. giving priority to providing framework condi- tions that are conducive to innovation today in Preferably, an assessment of alternative order to promote sustainable development in locations for bases should be based on given the future. It is important to design an innova- parameters as regards the scope of the petro- tion policy that takes account of the unique leum activities, and possible locations should opportunities offered by Northern Norway. be considered on the basis of specific criteria Providing a boost for innovation in the business such as geographical and economic viability. sector in Northern Norway including the Sami The aim is to study three or four possible industries is a key element of the High North base locations using the same criteria. The Strategy. It is also dealt with in some detail in Government wants such a study as a basis for the Government’s white paper on innovation, considering locations for the establishment which was presented in the autumn of 2008. It of one or more petroleum bases in eastern will be further discussed in the upcoming white Finnmark. paper on regional policy. The intention is to make use of Northern Norway’s natural advan- tages to strengthen our competitive basis and

25 increase value creation. The Government’s aim UÊ >ÀŽï˜}Ê>˜`ÊLÀ>˜`ˆ˜}ʜvÊÌ iʈ} Ê œÀÌ Ê is that everyone should be free to settle where as a destination: they wish, and to utilise the potential for value There is a general lack of knowledge creation in all parts of the country. about Northern Norway as a tourist destination. A company for coordinating 4.1 Developing tourism the marketing and branding of Northern In its national tourism strategy Valuable Experi- Norway abroad is currently being estab- ences, the Government sets out its objectives lished. Examples of iconic tourist attrac- for the tourism industry and outlines measures tions that have already been established for realising them. Tourism has considerable are the Hurtigruten Coastal Express, Sami potential for value creation and is often sin- communities, the Lofoten archipelago and gled out as one of the important comparative the North Cape. Sites that have been advantages of the High North in connection included on the World Heritage List have with future business development. The High particular potential for local community North is a region of great cultural diversity, development and tourism. The Govern- with vast undisturbed wilderness areas that are ment’s aim is that the Norwegian World well suited for adventure tourism. The Govern- Heritage sites should be developed as ment attaches importance to protecting the beacons of best practice as regards natural environment in Northern Norway and management of the natural environment Svalbard, where some of the last remaining and the cultural heritage. large wilderness areas in our part of the world are to be found. Particularly high environmen- UÊ “«ÀœÛˆ˜}ÊÌ iʵÕ>ˆÌÞʜvÊ̜ÕÀˆÃ“Ê«Àœ`ÕVÌÃÊ tal standards have been set for Svalbard, with in the north: a focus on protecting undisturbed areas. This It is important to offer a wider range of is an important framework condition for the experiences. It is also important to pro- business sector. To enable the High North to mote cooperation between actors that continue to make use of its strategic advantages provide transport, overnight accommo- as a destination that offers unique experiences dation and activities so that their efforts in the future, we must safeguard the natural are more coordinated and targeted. The and cultural heritage of the region. natural environment and the cultural heritage of the High North are unique, The High North has huge untapped potential and the quality of the tourism products in as a tourist destination, but tourism in this the north depends on their preservation. region requires more in terms of organisation and knowledge that tourism in areas with a less UÊ “«ÀœÛˆ˜}Ê>VViÃÃÊ>˜`ÊvÕÀÌ iÀÊ`iÛiœ«ˆ˜}ÊÊÊ harsh climate. In order to ensure that today’s infrastructure in Northern Norway: opportunities lead to value creation in the In order to unleash the potential of tour- future, the Government will promote tourism ism it is important to improve infrastruc- in the High North by focusing on the following ture. Key elements here are development strategic priority areas: of the main airports in Northern Norway,

26 new direct flights from the rest of Europe, ties, will be the central coordinating point the Hurtigruten Coastal Express, for the development of higher education cooperation with Russia and upgrading in tourism in the High North. Cooperation of the road network. with national and international education and research institutions is also important UÊ iÛiœ«ˆ˜}ÊÞi>À‡ÀœÕ˜`Êi“«œÞ“i˜ÌÊ>˜`ÊÊ Ê in this connection. Raising the level of year-round tourism: formal qualifications can help to improve Large seasonal variations are a critical coordination between actors in the factor for the tourism industry, and this is tourism industry and promote project also the case in the north. Developing cooperation in the form of innovation, year-round products would help to provide networking and marketing. Providing year-round employment. Innovation and more employment for highly qualified cooperation are key in efforts to increase people is important in order to maintain value creation during the low season. settlement patterns. It is therefore impor- tant to strengthen education and research UÊ ,>ˆÃˆ˜}ÊÌ iʏiÛiÊœvÊvœÀ“>ÊµÕ>ˆwV>̈œ˜ÃÊ opportunities in the field of tourism. in the field of tourism – knowledge about Tourism is a priority theme in the know- nature, protection of the natural environ- ledge infrastructure programme to boost ment, culture, the cultural heritage, market research in the north (see section 5.1). development and product development: The development of expertise adapted to 4.2 Developing mineral-based industries challenges and opportunities in Northern Being one of the world’s richest areas in terms Norway could create a basis for further of mineral deposits, the High North is the focus business development and innovation. of international attention. Mapping metallic Developing sustainable tourism will and non-metallic raw materials will ensure that require developing both expertise on mining continues to be an important industry tourism and the knowledge infrastructure in the High North. The Government intends to related to tourism. The Government develop mineral-based industries in the north. education and research opportunities offered in the High North in the field Through the subsidiary agency Geological of Arctic tourism, giving environmental Survey of Norway, the Ministry of Trade and aspects and the development of Industry will work to make available necessary ecotourism a more prominent place. basic data from geophysical mapping carried These efforts will encourage centres of out by planes and helicopters, including elec- expertise to cooperate with each other, tromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric data. with the business sector in the region and The results of this mapping are expected to with partners in the circumpolar region provide a considerable stimulus to new mineral- outside Norway. Finnmark University based industries in the north. The project will College, in cooperation with centres of also lead to better management of the natural expertise in Nordland and Troms coun- resources in the area. Priority will be given

27 to the interior of Finnmark county, coastal build knowledge, awareness and technology areas of western Finnmark, coastal areas in in cooperation with other actors – both from the western part of Troms county, parts of the the knowledge sector and from the business Lofoten-Vesterålen archipelago and the areas sector in the High North. Rombak-Ballangen-Tysfjord in the northern part of Nordland county. The Government intends to develop know- ledge of new technology that is adapted to 4.3 Developing expertise and business Arctic conditions. Through the knowledge activity based on Arctic conditions infrastructure programme to boost research in Knowledge is the key to business develop- the north, under the auspices of the Research ment in the High North. It is only by building Council of Norway, Northern Norway is now knowledge for, about and in the north that we being given the opportunity to gradually posi- can make use of the unique opportunities these tion itself as a leader in research on tourism areas offer and resolve the challenges we are and Arctic technology. In cooperation with the facing in the north. A qualified labour force Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry is crucial to the development of the business of Local Government and Regional Develop- sector and public services. The challenges ment, the Ministry of Education and Research Northern Norway is facing may, nevertheless, will launch projects aimed at coordinating and at the same time give the business sector in strengthening education and research oppor- the region a comparative advantage. However, tunities in the High North in the fields of this requires that companies and research Arctic technology, environmental technology, institutions in Northern Norway are able to sustainable energy and Arctic business devel- translate the experience-based knowledge of opment. The establishment of a specific pro- their employees into documented knowledge. gramme in the field of chemical oceanography For example, this applies in relation to the need will also be considered. A long-term approach for know-ledge-based business development is needed to develop strong centres of exper- and the spin-off effects created by oil and gas tise and sustainable cooperation. The techno- development in an Arctic climate. logical community in Narvik (the Northern Research Institute and Narvik University Increasing business activity in the north, par- College) has, for example, been engaged in the ticularly in connection with petroleum activity field of cold climate technologies since 1991. on the Russian side and greater demand for It has expertise in hydropower, solar power/ transport, add to this need. The unique char- solar panel production, wind power, bioenergy, acteristics of the High North call for specific etc. The Cold Climate Technology Research expertise that must be developed, and should Centre focuses on present and future require- be delivered, by institutions in the region. Good ments for adapting structures, materials, educational opportunities are necessary if it is infrastructure and operations for use in cold to be attractive to live in the region. The envi- climates. ronmental threats are transnational in nature, and to address them, we must develop and

28 4.4 Strengthening innovation and UÊThe Government will facilitate innovation in development capacity small and medium-sized enterprises in all types of regions 4.4.1 An innovation boost for business For small and medium-sized enterprises, a in the north lack of expertise and economic resources is The northernmost part of Norway faces an obstacle to innovation. Innovation Norway, challenges that make it difficult to make full SIVA (the Industrial Development Corpora- use of the region’s potential for value crea- tion of Norway) and the Research Council of tion. Its business structure is characterised Norway have been given the task of promot- by small companies that are scattered over ing cooperation to increase value creation. a large area. Industry has to a large extent Based on its own studies, Northern Norway been based on raw materials. The area is has concluded that increased onshore value also sparsely populated. Compared with the creation can be achieved by: national average, the business innovation rate in Northern Norway has been low. The pur- UÊ -ÌÀi˜}Ì i˜ˆ˜}ÊivvœÀÌÃÊ̜ʈ˜`ÕÃÌÀˆ>ˆÃi]Ê pose of our innovation policy is to enable us to commercialise and internationalise new utilise the potential in the areas we have given products and industries. Relevant themes priority. These include energy, the marine and could be marine bioprospecting, tele- maritime sectors, environmental technology, medicine, space activities, marine mineral-related industries and tourism. The industries, mineral resources, environ- Government’s aim is to provide framework mental technology, energy and tourism. conditions that encourage innovation in the business sector in the north. UÊ iÛiœ«ˆ˜}ÊÀi}ˆœ˜>ÊLÕȘiÃÃÊ>˜`ʎ˜œÜ‡ÊÊ ledge clusters and networks in industries In its white paper on innovation, the Govern- in which the region has comparative ment sets out that its goal is a society with advantages. Examples include ARENA, welfare schemes that are among the best in the Norwegian Centre of Expertise and the world, a society with competitive com- the VRI programme for regional R&D and panies in all parts of the country, a society innovation under the auspices of the that does not undermine the opportunities authorities that administer relevant public of future generations. In twelve points the support schemes. Government describes how it intends to achieve its vision of creating an innovative and UÊ “«i“i˜Ìˆ˜}ʓi>ÃÕÀiÃÊ`iÈ}˜i`Ê̜Ê`i‡ÊÊ sustainable Norway. All of these measures are velop a more market-oriented approach relevant in Northern Norway. The efforts to among companies in Northern Norway promote small and medium-sized enterprises and help them to make better use of and develop a culture of entrepreneurship are their market potential, both with respect two good examples. to existing and to future products and services.

29 Easier access to financial support schemes will Centre for Business at Bodø University Col- also make it easier for small enterprises to take lege. the step from idea to commercialisation. Two regional seed money funds have been set up 4.4.2 Strengthening local development in Northern Norway. In 2008 the Government efforts also established Investinor AS, a new state- A number of small municipalities and lo- owned investment company, to ensure Norwe- cal communities, particularly in Northern gian companies better access to venture capital. Norway, are vulnerable in the face of the global and national changes that are affecting UÊ/ iÊœÛiÀ˜“i˜ÌÊ܈Ê«Àœ“œÌiÊ>ÊVՏÌÕÀiʜvÊÊÊ the labour market and the business sector, entrepreneurship and young people’s expectations as regards In order to make it easier for good ideas to find education, employment and leisure activities. their way to the market, the Government will This applies to all parts of rural Norway, but promote a culture of entrepreneurship. We will it is particularly evident in municipalities that present an action plan for entrepreneurship, have small populations and a poorly diversified with particular emphasis on higher education. economy, and that are located far from major This will be a nationwide effort, and of great centres. The Government allocates considera- importance to Northern Norway. Entrepreneur- ble funds to regional development in Northern ship programmes have already been launched Norway each year. at educational institutions in Northern Norway. The efforts to promote entrepreneurship are The Ministry of Local Government and essential in enabling people with the right Regional Development will implement the qualities to see opportunities, act on them and Government’s policy for enhancing the commercialise their ideas. municipalities’ capacity and competence and strengthening local development efforts. Society’s ability to restructure, innovate and adapt is essential to a future knowledge-based The specific content and form of the measures and competitive economy. These qualities have will be determined in 2009, through close been decisive for Norway’s ability to maintain cooperation involving the Ministry of Local continuous strong growth. An innovation boost Government and Regional Development, in the north is a cross-cutting effort aimed at the Ministry of the Environment, the Sami maintaining and increasing value creation in Parliament, the Regional Development Centre, the northernmost part of our country. The Mas- Innovation Norway and the country authori- ter of Science programme in business at Bodø ties, and in close dialogue with the Association University College will be a major contri-butor of Local and Regional Authorities and the to developing Northern Norway’s restructur- Norwegian Trade Union Confederation. The ing and innovation capacity. It is also important aim is to revitalise the municipality as a driver for our High North efforts as a whole that we of local development so that more municipali- further develop our expertise on Russia, as is ties benefit from and make effective use of the being done, for example, at the High North public support schemes that are available at

30 national and regional level. The policy is also that are conducive to the establishment of the intended to enhance the county authorities’ extensive onshore activity that the petroleum ability to play a more proactive advisory and development is expected to generate, and one supportive role vis-à-vis municipalities that element here is ensuring a reliable and secure have great development needs, but limited supply of electricity. The long distances both capacity and competence to address the chal- within Northern Norway and from the region to lenges they are facing. The increased efforts world markets pose a considerable challenge. to promote local development at municipal The fisheries and tourism industries are just level should support and reinforce existing two of the sectors that are dependent on good efforts at regional level regional. roads and reliable air connections in order to reach regional, national and international mar- The main goals of these efforts will be to: kets. The Government intends to maintain and UÊ -Õ««œÀÌÊ`iÛiœ«“i˜ÌÊivvœÀÌÃʈ˜Ê“Õ˜ˆVˆ‡ upgrade infrastructure in the north with a view palities where there is little development to safeguarding industries in the region and activity. The municipalities can focus on maintaining settlement patterns. addressing local challenges related to social development in the broad sense, Many of the policy measures outlined in the or to business development more specifi- Government’s High North Strategy are con- cally (business, local community develop- cerned with knowledge building: “knowledge ment, services, image, etc.). is at the core of our High North efforts.” The UÊ iÛiœ«Ê“Õ˜ˆVˆ«>ˆÌˆiýÊ>˜`ÊÀi}ˆœ˜Ã½Ê drivers of the knowledge building system will expertise as regards local community be a knowledge-based business sector, research development. institutions and administrative bodies, and uni- UÊ >ŽiÊLiÌÌiÀÊÕÃiʜvÊi݈Ã̈˜}Ê`iÛiœ«“i˜ÌÊÊ versities and university colleges. It is important resources (local, regional and national). that all of these cooperate effectively to ensure UÊÊÊ7œÀŽÊ«Àœ>V̈ÛiÞÊ̜Ê`iÛiœ«ÊivviV̈Ûi local ownership and the strongest possible sup- regional cooperation with the municipali- port for these measures in the north. ties on resource use and technical support. 5.1 Developing the knowledge infrastructure 5. FURTHER DEVELOPING THE The Government intends to strengthen and INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NORTH further develop the knowledge infrastructure in the High North. In order to generate spin-off Appropriate infrastructure must be put in effects that benefit settlement patterns and busi- place if the potential of the High North is to be ness development in the north, it is essential fully realised. Transport policy in the north is that the knowledge institutions in the region are important for both offshore and onshore value competitive, both nationally and internationally. creation. Oil and gas activity could become a driving force in future economic development The University Centre in Svalbard is engaged in the north. It is important to create conditions in research and offers education at a high

31 academic level based on its unique location in ture programme to boost research in the the Arctic. The opportunity to use nature as north, under the auspices of the Research a laboratory and arena for making observa- Council of Norway and financed by the tions and collecting and analysing data gives it Ministry of Local Government and Regional particular advantages. Development. The programme is intended to promote closer cooperation on knowledge In the Government’s view it is of great impor- building and business development between tance to promote the formation of networks universities, university colleges and research and division of labour between higher educa- communities in the three northernmost tion institutions in the north, as elsewhere. counties. Tourism and Arctic technology are It also attaches importance to enhancing co- priority themes (see sections 4.1 and 4.3). operation on knowledge building rather than competition between the institutions. This will Another example of such cooperation can in turn promote business development. be found in the energy sector in Finnmark county: EnergiCampus NORD (ECN) in Knowledge is one of the most important Hammerfest was established following an building blocks in sustainable social and initiative taken by the Universities of Tromsø, business development. The aim is to increase Trondheim and Stavanger in cooperation knowledge-based value creation and improve with the university colleges in Finnmark and competitiveness in the north in areas where Narvik. ECN is to offer higher education the High has natural advantages. Northern in energy-related subjects. The basic idea Norway faces challenges as regards knowl- has been to set up an integrated education edge building because its centres of expertise programme that covers the field of energy, are small and relatively new, because of the natural resources and the environment, and vast distances and because it has limited that draws on its proximity to relevant indus- weight in many business contexts. These try and infrastructure in Finnmark, including challenges can be met through strategic the Snøhvit plant. cooperation between institutions and actors in the north. This will require closer cooperation The establishment of the Centre for High between the various research and educational North Logistics is yet another good example institutions and between centres of expertise of cooperation between private business and the business sector than is currently the actors and the public sector. This centre of case. The regional research funds that are expertise for the development of sustainable to be established from 2010 onwards will be solutions for maritime transport and logistics an important contribution to strengthening in the High North will be located on the axis relevant regional research. Murmansk-Kirkenes-Bodø. The centre was established in 2008 as a result of cooperation One example of a joint strategic effort to between the shipping industry (Tschudi Ship- strengthen knowledge infrastructure across ping), Bodø University College, the Norweg- county borders is the knowledge infrastruc- ian School of Management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 32 Cooperation and coordination between higher As part of its High North Strategy, the Govern- education institutions in Northern Norway ment will present plans for an extraordinary are important in order to create the strong strategic effort in the period 2010–2019. The knowledge networks that are necessary for the Government’s aim is to establish transport in- dynamic development of the knowledge institu- frastructure between Norway and neighbouring tions and the business sector in the north. countries to link different parts of the Barents region more closely together. Facilitating trans- Producing a labour force with relevant qualifi- port east–west will help to increase trade and cations and expertise in Northern Norway is a cooperation with our neighbouring countries. challenge. There is a high drop-out rate from This effort is primarily motivated by interna- upper secondary schools in Northern Norway, tional and national concerns, but the results will and the number of applicants to several of the also be important for regional development in university colleges is low. Measures aimed at the north. stimulating centres of expertise in the north are therefore important to make it easier to Air transport is important in the north be- recruit and retain highly qualified personnel cause of the vast distances, and there is a well and good students. developed network of airports in the three northernmost counties. Of Avinor’s 46 airports, The Government intends to launch a process 28 are located in these counties and Svalbard. to promote closer cooperation between higher Finnmark county has 11 airports. In addition to education institutions in Northern Norway with their importance for passenger transport, these a view to improving coordination. airports are important for air transport of fish, for tourism and for emergency response in con- 5.2 Developing the transport network nection with oil and gas production. Northern Norway is characterised by vast distances, harsh topographic and climatic Maritime transport is important because of the conditions and vulnerable nature. The Govern- vast distances and the population concentration ment intends to develop the infrastructure in along the coast. About 50% of freight transport the north as part of its efforts to make Norway between Tromsø and Finnmark is by sea. The more robust and competitive in its response to fisheries and aquaculture sectors are among international developments in the High North. Norway’s most important export industries, and Considerable value creation takes place in they play an essential role in many local com- Northern Norway. This calls for a well-func- munities along the coast. As part of a strategy tioning infrastructure. The Government will aimed at promoting value creation in the fisher- therefore propose a number of projects aimed ies sector, the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal at developing and modernising the transport Affairs intends to maintain and further develop infrastructure in Northern Norway. These state owned fishing ports. The Government will proposals will be considered in the light of the also implement important measures to improve needs in other parts of the country. the safety and efficiency of shipping lanes.

33 The Automatic Identification System (AIS) from regional authorities and road authori- provides the Norwegian Coastal Administra- ties in Norway and Russia presented a report tion with information about maritime traffic. containing recommendations for measures This information serves as a good basis for aimed at improving the transport system in making risk assessments and evaluating the border areas in the short and long term. preventive maritime safety measures and The Government attaches importance both for determining required oil spill response to the group’s recommendations and to the capacity. counties’ priorities when considering mea- sures to improve east–west transport corri- The E6 highway is the backbone of the land- dors between Norway and its neighbours in based transport system between the northern the east. and southern parts of Norway. Eliminating bottlenecks will increase the competitiveness The Government intends to further improve of the business sector, improve safety on maritime safety in the High North. One of stretches that have a high accident rate, and the most important preventive measures has facilitate travel along the E6 and on connect- been the introduction of the traffic separation ing roads. As investment projects and minor scheme approximately 30 nautical miles off measures are implemented, traffic safety will the coast between Vardø and Røst, which is improve and at the same time travel times will mandatory for all tankers and cargo vessels be significantly reduces. Broadening narrow with a gross tonnage exceeding 5000 tonnes. parts, straightening out curves and improv- ing gradients will make the transport system Norwegian ports in the north should position more predictable and robust. themselves and devise ways of cooperating that will attract any increase in maritime activ- In order to improve connections between ity in the north. The Ministry of Fisheries and Russia and areas further west and south in Coastal Affairs has therefore requested the Northern Norway, it is important to improve Norwegian Coastal Administration to coordi- the national road network in Finnmark and nate cooperation between ports in Northern Troms counties, both towards Russia and Norway. Concrete cooperation projects with towards Finland. The stretches between the Russian partners may be considered. These Norwegian-Russian border and Hammerfest could build further on existing cooperation and Tromsø are particularly important. forums, the Russians’ development of the Northern Sea Route and the experience In its follow-up to the High North Strategy, gained in connection with the Northern the Ministry of Transport and Communica- Maritime Corridor project. tions has considered the transport system in the border areas towards Russia and cross- The Government intends to facilitate the border infrastructure providing connections further development of Kirkenes Airport at to Sweden and Finland. In the spring of 2008, Høybuktmoen as an essential element in its a working group made up of participants High North efforts. The airport and the town

34 of Kirkenes could become a competitive and at- ture development is time-consuming and costly. tractive gateway for the increasing activity that It is therefore important to ensure close coor- is expected in northwestern Russia. dination between grid investments, electricity production and consumption. The Government There is close cooperation in the field of will seek to facilitate appropriate development of transport in the Barents region. Cooperation at the transmission grid in the High North. national level takes place in the Barents Euro Arctic Transport Area (BEATA). The Working Increased production of renewable energy Group on Communications under the Barents will require improving the transmission grid. Regional Council participates in this coopera- Under the current rules, the authorities may tion. The BEATA has been engaged in drawing not instruct grid companies to increase capacity up a transport strategy for the region, for ex- even if production capacity is increased. The ample by developing transport corridors to link Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has there- together two or more of the countries, thereby fore proposed that the Energy Act should be creating a common transport market. This is a amended so that grid owners would be obliged demanding task, not least due to the differen- to connect new electricity producers to their ces between the countries as regards division grids if an overall evaluation indicates that the of responsibility, and the divergent business investments in production and upgrading of the interests within and between the countries. grid will effectively serve society at large. If the Norway is also participating actively in the amendments are adopted, the obligation to con- establishment of a partnership in the field of nect producers to the grid would result in closer transport and logistics under the Northern coordination between grid capacity, production Dimension. and consumption, and would thus trigger more investments. This would be of great importance, The Government has presented specific proposals particularly for renewable energy production for transport infrastructure measures in Report such as wind and small-scale power plants. No. 16 (2008–2009) to the Storting: National Transport Plan 2010–2019. As the transmission system operator, Statnett is responsible for system coordination in Norway, 5.3 Upgrading electric power infrastruc- and therefore for the sound economic operation ture and security of supply and development of the Norwegian central grid. An adequate transmission grid is essential for Statnett also analyses needs and plans invest- business development in the High North and ments to meet future needs, including in North- for the development of wind power. New petro- ern Norway. In Norway a licence is required for leum activity in the Barents Sea, other business any new transmission line. The Government is activity and the development of wind power seeking to make the process of dealing with li- may create a need for a better power supply in cence applications more effective with a view to the region and an improved transmission grid. ensuring the best possible coordination between Because distances are so great and there are grid development, production and consumption. so few customers in the High North, infrastruc-

35 According to Statnett’s estimates, there is a North policy and is an important component need for investments in the central grid in of infrastructure in the broad sense. Naviga- Northern Norway totalling NOK 4.3 billion tion, environmental monitoring and exercise over the next ten years. This figure includes of sovereignty are key themes where satel- investments in the central grid by other actors. lites play a significant role. The Government Assuming that there will be new petroleum intends to build space-related infrastructure activity in the Barents Sea, an increase in other in the High North by participating in interna- business activity and further development of tional programmes and national programmes wind power, it has been estimated that invest- such as the one to establish AIS via satellite. ments in the transmission grid of NOK 9 billion will be needed in the period leading up to 2025. One problem in the High North is that cur- Statsnett’s plans include investments of just rent coverage by navigation systems is limi- under NOK 3 billion in new 420 kV transmis- ted. The EU is in the process of building its sion lines from Ofoten to Balsfjord, with an Galileo satellite navigation system. Together, extension to Hammerfest. This will provide ca- GPS and Galileo can offer better availability pacity for an increase in consumption and new and accuracy, and can help to increase reli- production in Troms and western Finnmark. ability and safety in the High North. This will Increased capacity will be essential for phase II be useful in connection with business activity, of the Snøhvit development. The production of shipping and air traffic, environmental safety large amounts of wind power in Finnmark and and the exercise of authority. new processing plants for eastern Finnmark will create a need for 420 kV transmission lines In the period 2011–2018, a number of ad- from Skaidi to Varangerbotn and from Varanger- vanced environmental and climate monitoring botn to Finland. Preliminary estimates put satellites will be launched under the Global these investments at NOK 1.4 billion. In the Monitoring for Environment and Security event of a substantial power surplus in North- (GMES) programme. These will provide ern Norway, it may be necessary to upgrade extremely good coverage in the High North. the transmission lines leading south. Several This will significantly increase capacity that possibilities have been envisaged, for example can be used to monitor climate change and upgrading the transmission lines from Ofoten air, sea and land pollution in the north. The to Rana and further south, which would require system will also provide better ice forecasts, investments estimated at NOK 3.6 billion. An thereby improving the safety of maritime navi- alternative would be to increase transmission gation in Arctic areas. National authorities capacity between Norway and Sweden if the and administrative bodies will be important grid in Sweden is also upgraded. users of the system. Norway will participate in GMES through European Space Agency 5.4 Further developing space-related (ESA) programmes. With a view to building infrastructure expertise in these fields, the Ministry of Edu- Space-related infrastructure is an important cation and Research is planning to establish management tool in the Government’s High new graduate and post-doctoral research fel-

36 lowships in relevant fields. The space-related the High North is a key part of the Govern- activities at Narvik University College, the ment’s policy in the north and helps to maintain University of Tromsø and NAROM at Andøya stability and security in the region. Importance Rocket Range are all key elements in know- is also attached to maintaining a visible military ledge building in the north. presence that has the relevant capacity to exer- cise sovereignty, safeguard our sovereign rights The Galileo satellite navigation system and in our 200-mile zones, exercise authority, and the Global Monitoring for Environment and carry out surveillance, intelligence and crisis Security (GMES) programme are joint Euro- management. pean projects based on cooperation between the ESA and the EU. These priorities are primarily reflected in the new Long-term Defence Plan, which was ap- proved by the Storting in June last year, where 6. THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE it was among other things decided to locate TO EXERCISE SOVEREIGNTY FIRMLY Norwegian defence headquarters to Reitan, AND STRENGTHEN CROSS-BORDER near Bodø, move the Inspector General of the COOPERATION IN THE NORTH Army to Bardufoss, and concentrate military helicopter activities in Bardufoss. The phase- Today the security policy situation in the north in of Skjold Class MTBs is also important in a is complex and marked by a broad range of High North context. different risk factors. There is a growing international focus on the High North due to The Government’s aim is to improve border issues related to fisheries, energy, the environ- control procedures and increase their efficiency, ment and the melting of the polar ice. Dialogue and to continue the efforts to facilitate border and constructive cooperation with the coastal crossing between Norway and Russia, by build- states in the north, particularly Russia, are an ing a new border control station at Storskog. important dimension of Norwegian foreign policy in general and are vital for achieving the There is a long tradition of cultural cooperation best possible results in the High North. They in a wide range of areas in the north. Closer are also essential for ensuring that the High cultural contact promotes understanding and North continues to be a stable, secure part of communication and creates meeting places Europe. The circumpolar nature of this coop- and networks between different countries and eration is important in this context and must cultures. It enhances mutual confidence, insight be underscored. Like the other Arctic states, and respect across geographic boundaries and Norway and Russia share a strong common often leads to cooperation in other areas. interest in stable and predictable development in the region, marked by mutual understanding Norway participates in a number of cooperation and constructive cooperation. The Government forums linked to the Arctic Council, the Nordic attaches great importance to this. The presence Council, the Barents Euro-Arctic Region, the and activity of the Norwegian armed forces in Baltic Sea Region and the Northern Dimension.

37 An effort is now being made in a broader Euro- rescue operations and assists other authorities pean context to make cultural cooperation in the such as the police and the customs authorities north a new priority in the Northern Dimension when necessary. The Coast Guard’s operating Cultural Partnership. The challenges and oppor- budget has been increased since the Govern- tunities in the region also apply to the cultural ment took office, and in recent years many of dimension, and to the cross-border creativity its vessels have been modernised. This has and communication that are now seeking new increased the Coast Guard’s capacity to carry forms of expression. This opens up for new out its primary tasks. The new vessels will forms of cooperation in the fields of culture and operate in the High North, which reflects the industry, tourism and cultural tourism in the high priority given to this region. The Coast entire Barents region. Educational and research Guard’s operating capacity will be further cooperation in these fields can also provide increased when new helicopters are phased in. valuable input. There is cooperation in a wide range of areas between institutions of higher The Government intends to strength the Coast education and research in Northern Norway Guard’s capacity to maintain a presence in the and corresponding Russian institutions. This is sea areas in the north. helping to promote people-to-people contact and knowledge development. 6.2 Further developing border control The exercise of sovereignty and surveillances 6.1 Increasing the activities of the are key elements of the Government’s High Coast Guard North Strategy. Norway’s ability to exercise its One of the Coast Guard’s most important tasks sovereignty clearly and predictably on land, at is maintaining a presence in the sea areas in the sea and in the air is a fundamental prerequisite north. Importance is attached to maintaining a for other activity in the north. This important regular presence, particularly in the Fisheries task has been assigned to the armed forces, Protection Zone around Svalbard. Through its which are therefore intensifying their activities presence, the Coast Guard helps to carry out in the north. surveillance and uphold our sovereign rights in these waters, while at the same time exercis- In our view, there is also a clear need to ing authority by monitoring fishery operations. strengthen border control at the Sør-Varanger An adequate control regime is essential for Garrison in Finnmark county. We cooperate ensuring the sustainable use of the fisheries closely with the Russians on border surveil- resources in the north. The Coast Guard, with lance today, and we must take our share of the the support of other branches of the armed responsibility for ensuring that this surveil- forces, plays a key role in enforcing existing lance is carried out in a satisfactory way. The legislation in this area. The Coast Guard has, land border between Norway and Russia is in cooperation with the fisheries authorities, also part of the Schengen area’s external bor- helped to reduce illegal fishing in the Barents der in the north. Thus, by providing adequate Sea substantially. The Coast Guard also con- border surveillance, we are also fulfilling our tributes considerable capacity to search and Schengen obligations. The Government’s

38 aim is to improve border control and make it external border, there will also be a need to adapt more efficient. In this connection, it has been to new requirements for cooperation on border proposed that the six border stations currently surveillance and border control, as is being done, in use should be replaced by two larger sta- for example, through the new Schengen Euro- tions, each of which covers half of the border in pean Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR), Sør-Varanger. It would involve building two new which is currently under consideration. border stations. This would make it possible to concentrate expertise and reduce the amount of With a view to simplifying checks on persons at paperwork. Such a solution would free officers the Storskog border station, efforts to upgrade from administrative tasks so they could spend the passport control booths, etc., have been more time on operative tasks. It would also started during the past year. Other improve- enhance the capability and capacity for carry- ments have also been made to comply with ing out risk assessments and analysing relevant recommendations made following the Schengen information. evaluation of Norway that was concluded in 2007. With a view to simplifying border procedures, 6.3 Further developing civilian border sur- an arrangement involving a local border resident veillance and control ID card for people living on either side of the In recent years, the civilian border surveillance Norwegian-Russian border is being developed. capacity for carrying out personal checks and A draft agreement on such an arrangement has combating cross-border crime and illegal migra- been submitted to the Russian authorities. tion across the Norwegian-Russian land border Such an ID card would be issued in place of has been developed with a view both to prevent- a visa, and could, for example, enable people to ing offences and to fulfilling Norway’s obliga- commute on a daily basis between Sør-Varanger tions under the Schengen acquis. Although the and Pechanga. civilian border control surveillance is headed by the police, it is carried out with the assistance The Government attaches great importance to of the armed forces/Garrison in Sør-Varanger, efforts to maintain the positive trend in people- in accordance with section 20 (4) of the Po- to-people cooperation and economic cooperation lice Act, and the border commissioner at the with Russia. This is dependent on measures that Norwegian-Russian border. Close cooperation facilitate border control procedures, among other has been established between the Russian and things so that they do not put an undue strain on Finnish border authorities to combat cross- those crossing the border lawfully. border crime. Not least thanks to this coopera- tion, there is very little cross-border crime in Capacity at the present Storskog border station the area. The Government’s aim is to maintain is stretched to the limit. An increase in traffic vol- security and stability at the Norwegian-Russian ume would require considerable development of border, and it recognises the need to further the physical infrastructure of the border station. develop civilian border surveillance capacity in The introduction of a border resident ID card order to deal with any increase in crime or new would also require widening the road through threats. As the border is part of the Schengen the border control station to include additional

39 lanes. An increase in goods transport could alised cooperation must be continued and also create problems for traffic flow through further developed in the years ahead. the Storskog border station, which currently lies right at the border, next to the Russian Through the programme for project coopera- border station Borisgleb. If a new border sta- tion with Russia, which is administered by tion is built, the possibility of moving it to an the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Govern- area further back from the border should be ment has allocated NOK 130 million in 2009 considered. for cooperation projects that promote cross- border network building. The programme The building of a new border station should also contributes to giving practical substance be seen in connection with the construction of to the multilateral Barents Cooperation. The the interstate highway between Hesseng and funds for project cooperation with Russia Storskog under the National Transport Plan. are used to support cooperation between Planning and construction should be carried Norwegian and Russian institutions of higher out in close cooperation with the customs education in the Barents region. Funds are authorities and other control bodies, with due also allocated for cooperation projects be- consideration to improving the infrastructure tween Norwegian and Russian players in the at the border in accordance with the needs of media and civil society. Priority is also given the transport sector and the border control to people-to-people cooperation in the Barents authorities. region, with a particular focus on measures for young people, cultural projects and coop- 6.4 Strengthening competence-building eration between indigenous peoples. cooperation The Government will further develop Nor- The programme also supports environmental way’s bilateral cooperation with Russian in the cooperation with Russia. The purpose of this High North. By means of concrete coopera- cooperation is to obtain a scientific basis for tion projects, we will build confidence and ecosystem-based management of fisheries strengthen our ties and economic cooperation resources in the Barents Sea by conduct- with Russia. ing surveys of fish stocks and vulnerability analyses and establishing research networks Our cooperation with Russia in the fisheries and cooperation on environmental data. A sector, particularly as regards marine research joint Norwegian-Russian report on the status and monitoring the fish stocks and the ma- of the environment in the entire Barents Sea rine environment in the Barents Sea, dates is scheduled to be completed in the course back more than a century. The cooperation in of 2009. It will form the basis for further co- these fields was not, however, formalised until operation on ecosystem-based management. 1975. The Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries This work is being carried out in cooperation Commission, which was established in 1976, with the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisher- has been decisive for the management of fish ies Commission. Efforts are being made to resources in the Barents Sea. This institution- establish climate change as a priority area in

40 the bilateral environmental cooperation with should be further expanded. The Barents Insti- Russia. tute was formally established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 1 February 2006 as a follow- In the field of higher education and research, up to Report No. 30 (2004–2005) to the Storting efforts are being made to intensify Norwegian- Opportunities and Challenges in the North. The Russian cooperation on enhancing knowledge purpose of the Barents Institute is to conduct in the fields of petroleum and energy, sustain- research and studies and disseminate informa- able use of resources, business development, tion concerning cross-border regional issues. and the humanities and social sciences. The Institute is located in Kirkenes. The Govern- ment intends to ensure that the Barents Insti- Close cooperation with our neighbouring coun- tute is given permanent status. At the general tries is important for improving maritime safety assembly in 2008, it was decided that the Barents and oil spill preparedness in Norwegian waters. Institute should be placed under the University Cooperation between Norway and Russia on of Tromsø. safety at sea in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea has been established on the basis 6.5 Developing cultural cooperation of an MoU of 2006. Cooperation on oil spill The Government intends to intensify cultural preparedness has also been established. The cooperation with Russia as a key element of cooperation is being followed up by the Russian its High North Strategy. The people-to-people Ministry of Transport and the Norwegian Min- cooperation and the cultural dimension of the istry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs through strategy have contributed to closer cooperation a steering committee and working groups on in the Barents region, and a number of measures safety at sea and oil spill preparedness. have led to closer contact and more frequent exchanges between networks in Northern Nor- Norway’s cooperation with Russia in the field way and northwestern Russia. In January 2009, of health and social services will continue to be the ministers of culture of both countries signed linked to the Barents Cooperation Programme an agreement on common efforts to promote on Health and Related Social Issues and the cross-border cultural cooperation. For the time Northern Dimension Partnership in Public being, the cooperation is divided into three-year Health and Social Well-being. Priority will be action plans, the first of which will begin in 2010. given to efforts to prevent the spread of infec- Initially, the aim is to establish a Norwegian-Rus- tious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tubercu- sian cultural forum and arrange annual cultural losis. festivals in the region. At the same time, Russia aims to establish a Russian counterpart to the The Government intends to continue allocat- cultural grant programme BarentsKult, which ing funds for Norwegian-Russian cooperation is the framework through which much of the projects in the time ahead. Kirkenes will con- cultural cooperation in the High North is funded. tinue to play a key role in the Barents Coopera- The agreement already includes a number of tion. The Government will advocate that the specific priority areas: film, projects for children Barents Secretariat and the Barents Institute and young people, and indigenous culture.

41 Other equally important matters include the Dimension Cultural Partnership) and the mobility of artists, general access to culture, Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Norwegian intercultural dialogue and the cultural heri- Barents Secretariat and, as of 2009, a Norweg- tage and history of the peoples of the region. ian-Russian agreement on cultural coopera- tion with an action plan focusing on the High The Norwegian-Russian action plan for cultu- North is in place. In a European context, ral cooperation in the High North is based on efforts are being made within the Northern the strong cultural ties that have been forged Dimension to establish culture in the north as through history. The plan underscores the a new cooperation area. importance of continuing to develop cultural cooperation on the basis of local and regional 7. SAFEGUARDING THE CULTURES AND initiatives, and ensuring regional participation LIVELIHOODS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES and developing strong contacts in the north. This will be reflected in the wording of the The peoples of the High North are bound first three-year plan. The Government intends together by their livelihoods and dependence to develop a comprehensive plan for the on the natural environment. Indigenous peo- cultural dimension of its High North policy, ples’ unique experience and knowledge give in cooperation with the newly established this an extra dimension. Indigenous peoples cooperation forum for the three counties of possess valuable knowledge about nature, Northern Norway and with the Sami Parlia- the climate, the environment and traditional ment. practices. They are stewards of cultural values and languages, and have specialised A broad range of cultural activities that also knowledge of ways of making a living under involve people-to-people cooperation, sport marginal conditions in a subarctic area. This and indigenous peoples have long figured knowledge must be preserved and further prominently in the Barents region, and they developed in order to meet future challenges have become even more important in the related to ecological, economic, geopolitical follow-up to the cultural dimension of the and other forms of social change. Government’s High North policy. Cultural ex- pression and cultural exchange foster greater The Government’s High North policy is understanding and respect between different intended to safeguard the language, culture, cultures. The Government will seek to pro- livelihoods and way of life of the indigenous vide cultural meeting places and arenas that peoples in the region. The Government will give visibility to the cultures and traditions of seek to provide conditions that enable the indigenous peoples and other peoples across indigenous peoples themselves, in a proac- national borders. For example, it will support tive manner and in accordance with their the establishment of the Riddu Riððu Centre own wishes and needs, to participate in the for Northern Peoples. Norway participates in processes and benefit from the opportuni- a large number of cooperation forums linked ties offered by the future development of the to the Nordic Council (such as the Northern north. The measures are intended to promote

42 capacity and competence building. The centres The purpose is to ensure further progress and of expertise at the Sami University College, a more stable basis for social development in the University of Tromsø, Finnmark University the Barents region through business develop- College and other relevant institutions should ment, value creation and the development of new be encouraged to cooperate more closely on cultural industries in the fields of tourism, busi- these issues. ness and trade, small-scale industry, Arctic food, design, artefacts, etc. 7.1 Documenting traditional Sami knowledge 7.3 Developing ethical guidelines for Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge is economic activities in the north valuable and constitutes a unique ability to live Indigenous communities are vulnerable. Inte- and work in the High North. To ensure that grated resource management includes protection this knowledge is integrated into efforts to of indigenous peoples’ livelihoods, traditional develop knowledge and utilised by the public knowledge and reindeer husbandry areas. Com- administration, the business sector and future panies engaged in exploiting natural resources generations, the Government will initiate a in indigenous peoples’ areas are responsible cross-border regional project to document for meeting the high standards set for such traditional Sami knowledge from a northern activities. The Government will initiate a cross- perspective, modelled on the national pro- border circumpolar project to develop ethnical gramme at the Sami University College. The guidelines for how different actors are to take purpose is to ensure that traditional knowledge Indigenous peoples’ interests into consideration is an element in the process of further develop- when conducting economic activities in the High ing our knowledge and that it is integrated into North. The purpose is to ensure that indigenous planning and management in the areas of land peoples’ rights are respected in the manage- use, natural resources and the environment in ment and exploitation of natural resources and the High North, and utilised in the monitoring the natural environment in the High North. The of the region. project will be carried out under the auspices of the Lule Sami centre Árran, the Sami Univer- 7.2 Establishing a programme for cultural sity College and the University of Tromsø, in industries cooperation with energy management experts at Conditions conducive to business development Bodø University College. It will be necessary to must be provided in order to ensure that small involve representatives of business and industry indigenous communities are able to cope with and branch organisations in this work. For more global changes without having to relinquish information on this subject, see Report No. 28 their own culture and livelihoods. This applies (2007–2008) to the Storting on Sami policy. particularly to indigenous communities in Russia. The Government intends to establish a The Government presupposes that these ethical business development programme for indig- guidelines will be developed in accordance with enous peoples based on their own culture, the current state of the law, and that it will there- under the auspices of the Barents Cooperation. fore not be necessary to establish new rights.

43 7.4 Developing digital infrastructure for tion on Sami issues and knowledge, business indigenous languages and cultural development. The Government The indigenous languages in the High North will provide support for the establishment of are threatened, and the use of modern techno- a centre for Sami research and competence logy to develop these languages poses a consid- building on the Kola Peninsula in Russia. erable challenge. The indigenous languages of The Government will initiate a study of Sami the High North are essential for transmitting knowledge development with a view to iden- the unique knowledge of the Arctic way of life, tifying the most important challenges facing communities and livelihoods. These languages Sami higher education and research in a High must be documented, preserved and made North perspective. accessible for general use in order to prevent them from dying out. The University of Tromsø has built up expertise in the documentation and preservation of minority languages, and has developed modern technology for language development. With a view to making these languages accessible in an effective, user- friendly way, the Government will implement a programme to develop digital infrastructure for indigenous languages in the High North, with a focus on minority languages in northwestern Russia.

7.5 Strengthening the capacity and competence of Sami institutions In order to ensure satisfactory and equitable development in the High North, the indig- enous peoples must have the opportunity to participate in political, social and economic processes. They must be enabled to build up their own capacity and competence so that they can exert real influence and participate fully in this process. This includes the opportunity to participate actively in international and cross-border regional cooperation. In order to ensure their participation and engagement in the development of the region, the Govern- ment will implement measures to facilitate capacity and competence building, particularly at institutions engaged in research and educa-

44 45 CONTENTS PART II

1. COOPERATION IN THE HIGH NORTH INTRODUCTION...... 49 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ...... 50 The High North...... 50 International interest ...... 50 The international order ...... 51 Regional cooperation organisations ...... 51 Arctic strategies...... 52 The Government’s High North Strategy...... 53 Enforcement and presence...... 54 GOOD NEIGHBOURLY RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA...... 54 Contact between people...... 54 Cooperative projects and exchange...... 55 Cultural cooperation Norway – Russia...... 56 CULTURAL EXCHANGE...... 56

2. THE REGION OF OPPORTUNITY INTRODUCTION...... 59 WEALTH CREATION ...... 60 Marine bioprospecting: Molecules for sale...... 60 Promoting innovation ...... 61 Outdoor adventures for sale ...... 61 TOURISM: THE KING OF KING CRABS ...... 62 BETTER TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY...... 63 Important for the welfare of the inhabitants and for business and industry...... 63 Simpler transport and communications in the border areas...... 64 Expansion of railway capacity...... 65 Air transport is important...... 65 The increasing importance of harbours...... 65

3. WEALTH CREATION FROM OIL AND GAS INTRODUCTION...... 67 FACILITATING DEVELOPMENT...... 68 Positioning of North Norwegian industry...... 68 SNØHVIT AND GOLIAT: POSITIVE RIPPLE EFFECTS...... 69

46 4. ENVIRONMENT, LIVELIHOODS AND FISHERIES INTRODUCTION...... 73 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ...... 50 NATURE CONSERVATION...... 74 The Barents Sea – Lofoten...... 74 Comprehensive plan for the Barents Sea and the sea outside Lofoten...... 74 Polar bear conference in March 2009 ...... 74 New white paper on Svalbard ...... 75 The livelihoods of indigenous peoples ...... 75 SUSTAINABLE FISHING AND SAFETY AT SEA...... 76 Cooperation on combating overfishing ...... 76 Strengthening of safety at sea...... 77 BIRD LIFE: BAD TIMES FOR NORWEGIAN SEABIRDS ...... 78

5. KNOWLEDGE PAVES THE WAY INTRODUCTION ...... 81 KNOWLEDGE TO ACT...... 81 More funding for High North research...... 81 The world’s largest research cooperation...... 83 Strengthening of education institutions ...... 84 Centre for Ice, Climate & Ecosystems (ICE) ...... 84 CLIMATE RESEARCH: THE KEY ROLE OF THE ARCTIC...... 85 Svalbard – unique access to the Arctic...... 85 THE SVALBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULT SAFEGUARDS THE WORLD’S SEEDS...... 86 Space activities in Svalbard...... 86 Dangerous melting needs to be understood...... 86 NORWEGIAN CLIMATE RESEARCH: WARMER IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN...... 87

THE GOVERNMENT’S HIGH NORTH STRATEGY...... 89

47 48 COOPERATION IN THE HIGH NORTH

The Government plans to develop new knowledge, promote industrial growth, increase the level of employment, improve living conditions and conserve the environment, renewable resources and the multi-ethnic community of the High North. This will help to consolidate Norway’s international position as a responsible and significant actor in the High North.

INTRODUCTION played a prominent role during the unification Photo: Johan Wildhagen/ The awareness of Norway as Europe’s north- and christianisation of Norway, and several of Innovation Norway ernmost country characterises both the way we the important export products we know from the perceive ourselves and the way others perceive earliest times came from the north of Norway. us. As a nation, we are associated with the sea and For more than a thousand years, Northern with icy coasts, perilous expeditions, heroes of Norway has been the most densely populated polar exploration, winter sports, snow and ice. Of area so far north in the world. course, Norway is much more than this, but the elements that distinguish one from other people While, in other parts of Norway, a multi-ethnic often contribute most to forming one’s identity. community is a recent phenomenon, Northern Norway has been multi-ethnic throughout its his- At the same time, this identity reveals something tory. The indigenous dimension is an important about our merits and about what the outside element of the High North policy. In the north, world expects of us. We have always been people have had close contact with other ethnic involved in the High North, often in cooperation groups, such as Pomors and Karelians. across national borders. It is our responsibility to look after the opportuni- Northern Norway occupies an important place ties of the High North for the benefit of those who throughout the history of Norway. In the age of live there, but also for the country as a whole, and migration, Hålogaland was already an organised in cooperation with other countries and peoples. political entity with extensive international trade This must be done by means of targeted meas- links. One of our oldest reliable accounts of a ures to secure our presence in the north, promote Norwegian concerns the voyage of the chieftain activity and develop new knowledge. This is the Ohthere to Bjarmaland. The people of Hålogaland goal of the Government’s High North strategy. and the Lade earls who were their descendants By securing development in Northern Norway,

49 we can also safeguard Norway’s international International interest role as a significant actor in the High North, and The melting of ice in the Arctic is the key factor further develop this in a new era. driving an increased international interest in the High North. Just a few years ago, no-one INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION envisaged how rapidly the ice in the Arctic Ocean would recede, exposing open seas. The In international terms, the High North Arctic is the first place where major conse- is in many ways synonymous with the quences of man-made climate change are Arctic, an area of the sea for which many visible. And these consequences enable the countries show increasing interest. prediction of increased human activity in the In order to regulate activities, protect Arctic in at least three areas: traditions and distinctive characteristics, and ensure that developments take place First, the Arctic is a unique platform for for the benefit of all inhabitants of the observing climate change and researching into High North, it is important that we the causes and consequences, not only for the cooperate well in international and Arctic, but for the whole earth. It will be neces- regional organisations, as well as sary to intensify research activities. bilaterally with our neighbours and countries that border the Arctic. Second, we will see a considerable increase in ship traffic as the ice recedes. The volume of The High North cruise traffic is already rising, and it will not be No precise definition of “the High North” has long before we see the first commercial voyages been provided in the Norwegian political debate. with cargo vessels through the Arctic Ocean. The horizon is broader than Northern Norway These completely new shipping lanes will almost and Svalbard since Norway has major interests to halve the distance between Western Europe and safeguard in a greater region. When the Govern- Asia. ment’s High North Strategy was developed in 2006, the High North referred to the areas Third, the petroleum deposits in the High surrounding the Barents Sea. This is really a North will become more accessible. Although Norwegian perspective. With regard to closer oil and gas activities in Arctic regions are very international cooperation, we must bear in mind demanding, part of the enormous petroleum that the High North is gradually becoming more resources are expected to become more easily synonymous with the Arctic. accessible as technology improves and the polar ice recedes. We Norwegians must broaden our horizon if we want to be involved in developing a sound policy These changes confront us with major chal- for the High North in the future. lenges with regard to the monitoring of ship traffic and the environment, search and rescue capacity and oil spill preparedness.

50 The states in the High North face a number of operated a joint Fisheries Commission, which common responsibilities. How are we to regulate meets annually to set the quotas for the various these activities, and what standards shall apply? fish species. It has been agreed that fishing vessels How are we to provide for sound living conditions have a right to fish domestic quotas in the other for the population, preserve traditions and distinc- party’s area of jurisdiction outside the 12-mile tive characteristics and ensure that developments limit provide that they respect the statutes and take place for the benefit of all inhabitants of the regulations that apply to the area concerned. This High North? cooperation has developed from purely regulative measures to encompass management strategies, The international order marine research and control issues. However, The Arctic - the area surrounding the North Pole - issues that apply to several countries in the region is not a land area like the Antarctic, but an ocean. are best dealt with by multilateral organisations The land areas that border this ocean are not a where all of the affected countries participate. no man’s land, but have a long history of human activity. They are more or less inhabited, and are Regional cooperation organisations undisputed parts of established states. All countries with territory north of the Arctic Circle (Norway, Denmark/Greenland, Finland, Cooperation via the United Nations and respect Iceland, Sweden, Canada, the USA and Russia) are for international law are cornerstones of Nor- members of the Arctic Council. This organisation wegian foreign policy, and it is within the frame- has been particularly engaged in research and work of the United Nations and international law environmental studies. Studies to which the Arctic that the legal framework for relations between Council has taken the initiative have been of major the states of the High North is established. The importance for the conclusions of the Intergovern- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This of 1982 and provisions adopted pursuant to this year, the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen has convention provide clear rules governing the an important place on the agenda. At the Arctic approaches to be adopted by states in resolving Council’s Ministerial Meeting in Tromsø in April unsettled territorial claims and in regulating fish- 2009, Norway handed over the chairmanship to ing on the high seas. Only now are these provi- Denmark. sions being followed up and brought into force, since significant operations in the Arctic have not The Barents cooperation was established in 1993 previously been possible. on the initiative of Norway. Participants include the Nordic countries, Russia and the European Of course, most of the practical cooperation on Commission. The Barents cooperation is not one current issues in the region takes place at levels international organisation, but two, the Barents other than the global. Where appropriate and Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) and the Regional desirable, two states can cooperate directly. An Council. Each year, the foreign ministers meet in example of this that deserves special mention is the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. The Regional the bilateral cooperation between Norway and Council gathers the chairmen of all of the counties Russia on managing the fishery resources of the in the Barents region. Participants are Nordland, Barents Sea. Since 1976, our two countries have 51 Troms and Finnmark in Norway, Norrbotten and arose when Finland and Sweden joined the EU. Västerbotten in Sweden, Lappland, Uleåborg and The cooperation that took place under this initia- Kajanaland in Finland, and Murmansk, Karelia, tive has now formed the basis of an international Arkhangelsk, Nenets and Komi in Russia. This organisation where the EU, Russia, Norway way of organising a regional cooperation is totally and Iceland are all members. This cooperation unique. is concentrated around health and the environ- ment, transport and logistics. The Northern The Barents cooperation has helped to bring Dimension may prove to be a valuable forum together the people of the High North across since it covers the Baltic Sea region, the Barents national borders. Many thousands of people region and the Arctic. have participated in projects and events under the auspices of the Barents cooperation. There Important roles are also played by other fora. is cooperation in areas such as economics, trade, The Nordic cooperation plays a key role by energy, culture, education and research, indig- virtue of its neighbouring area policy and enous peoples, youth, health, the environment, information activities in neighbouring regions rescue services, transport and communications and through its various support and funding and tourism. schemes. The EU makes a major contribution through its extensive funding schemes and The Northern Dimension is a new body, and its through the support of European countries with first Ministerial Meeting was held in October considerable resources. NATO is present and 2008. The concept “the Northern Dimension” must continue to be present in the High North, where the main task of the organisation is to Ice melting and transport help in maintaining stability and predictability routes in the High North and to preserve the low level of tension that has traditionally characterised the region.

Arctic strategies Owing to the growing interest in the High North and the Arctic shown by all affected states, more countries and organisations have recently begun to address the question of the requisite policy in these areas. Some have developed policy docu- ments, generally referred to as Arctic strategies.

The European Commission presented its strat- egy document in December 2008. This places particular emphasis on three main objectives: protecting and conserving the Arctic in agree- ment with those who live there, promoting sustainable use of the resources of the Arctic

52 and helping to improve collective solutions for ment, safeguarding settlements and creating the administration of the area. best possible living conditions for the people of the High North. The strategy also defined 22 specific In January 2009, the US’s strategy was presented. action points for initiating follow-up of the main This notifies a closer US involvement in Arctic priorities. To date, most of these action points have issues, making use of the established cooperative either been implemented or started. A list of the structures in the region. Canada too has ambi- action points and the status as regards implemen- tious plans for strengthening its presence in its tation is given at the back of this document. extensive northern areas, particularly regarding research and the ability to operate in the Arctic The strategy makes no distinction between foreign climate. policy and domestic policy. Measures include both intensification of the dialogue with other countries Approximately half of the coastline towards the and stressing of Norwegian views on High North Arctic Ocean belongs to Russia, which consider- issues in international fora, as well as a number of ably developed its presence and activities in its domestic measures in Norway. The idea behind northern areas between the wars and after World this is that the progress made at home and abroad War II. Russia has major, legitimate interests in the provides mutual reinforcement. Relations with Rus- High North, and is expected to present an Arctic sia occupy a special place. Norway aims to develop strategy in the near future. its cooperation with Russia on the basis that our two countries have an objective common interest The Government’s High North Strategy in practical cooperation. The Government’s High North Strategy was presented on 1 December 2006, and Norway was The Norwegian Embassy thus early in developing such a strategy. The Gov- in Moscow. ernment’s Expert Committee on the High North, Photo: which was appointed in January the same year, Barents Secretariat played an active part in the preparations.

Seven main priorities of the High North Policy were defined by the strategy. These were: 1) good governance, 2) knowledge development, 3) sound management of the environment and re- sources, 4) facilitating development of petro-leum activities, 5) safeguarding the livelihoods and cul- tures of indigenous peoples, 6) further developing people-to-people cooperation, and 7) strengthening cooperation with Russia.

An overall goal is general strengthening of the economic base in this part of the country and providing for sound economic and social develop- 53 planes and phasing in of new naval vessels will also strengthen our presence in the northern seas.

Strengthening of the Sør-Varanger Garrison in Finnmark and the new border control station at Storskog are important, and also provide for the best possible border surveillance in accordance with our Schengen obligations and the most effec- tive border crossing for an increasing number of persons.

GOOD NEIGHBOURLY RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

-ˆ˜ViÊÌ iÊ£™™äÃ]Ê œÀÜ>ÞÊ>˜`Ê,ÕÃÈ>Ê >ÛiÊ Minister of Foreign Affairs Enforcement and presence developed closer neighbourly relations in Jonas Gahr Støre and A natural consequence of greater activity and the border areas. There is sound and broad ,ÕÃÈ>½ÃÊ ˆ˜ˆÃÌiÀʜvÊœÀiˆ}˜Ê growing interest from many quarters is that cooperation within research and education Affairs Sergej Lavrov coastal states take a more proactive view of and within trade and cultural exchange. exchange the documents issues concerning presence, the exercise of sov- Good neighbourly relations in many areas for commencement of the ereignty, monitoring, intelligence and control. are also of fundamental importance for Varangerfjord agreement The Norwegian Coast Guard plays a crucial role information exchange and for cooperation of 2007. The agreement in ensuring sustainable use of fishery resources. on resource management. is the first border agree- Provision of sufficient resources has helped to ment between Norway and ensure the reduction of illegal fishing in recent Contact between people ,ÕÃÈ>ÊȘViÊ£™xÇ]Ê>˜`Ê years, and the Coast Guard will continue to Norway and Russia are in the process of develop- it establishes the border focus on combating this. ing close neighbourly relations. Whereas, in 1990, between the two countries no more than a couple of thousand people passed in the Varangerfjord area. The Norwegian defence establishment has the border between our two countries, in 2007 The meeting was held in traditionally played a key role in our presence the number was almost 109 000. Visiting NGOs, Kirkenes in June 2008. in the High North, and this will be at least as choirs and school classes all have something to Photo: important in the years ahead. The long-term learn from each other. Norwegian and Russian /œÀ}Àˆ“Ê,>Ì Ê"Ãi˜]Ê plan for 2009–2012 for the Norwegian Armed researchers cooperate in fields from medicine to Nordlys Forces contains important High North meas- marine biology and linguistics. Companies cooper- ures, such as establishment of a new Opera- ate across the border, and invest in each others’ tional Command Headquarters at Reitan outside countries. The prospect of increased oil and gas Bodø, the movement of the Army Command to activities in the Barents Sea and the plans for new Bardufoss and stationing of maritime helicopters mining activities in Sør-Varanger further increase there, and the strengthening of the army in the the importance of border crossing and labour High North. Modernisation of maritime patrol migration.

54 The Government envisages a Norwegian- Russian border that functions as a bridge for cooperation between our two peoples. Norway has done a great deal to improve the efficiency of visa processing and to facilitate border cross- ing for Russian nationals. A “Pomor visa” has been introduced, which provides inhabitants of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk with the possibility of obtaining a visa without having an invitation. The processing time for visas at the Norwegian consulate general in Murmansk has been re- duced to five days, and structural improvements have been made to the border control station at Storskog in order to improve the efficiency of border crossing. Affairs’ allocation for 2009 is alone NOK 130 "ÛiÀÊ£ääÊäääÊ«iœ«iÊ On 1 December 2008, a new Norwegian-Russian million (5 per cent more than the previous year) now pass the border agreement on simpler visa processing entered and is mainly applied to cooperation in the Bar- control station into force. The agreement reduces documenta- ents region. The Barents Secretariat in Kirkenes at Storskog each year. tion requirements, sets limits for processing administers almost 30 per cent of these funds. Photo: time and fees, and makes it simpler to obtain a Transfer of knowledge and exchange of experi- Barents Secretariat multi-journey visa. The Government is continu- ence are important elements of the supported ing its efforts to make it easier for both skilled projects, and priority areas are people-to-people and unskilled workers to cross the national cooperation, support of civil society, environ- borders in the Barents region. mental protection, business development, energy efficiency, health care and social welfare, In June 2008, the foreign ministers of Russia and and research and higher education. Norway agreed to attempt to establish a border resident ID card. The Schengen rules do not A good example of a knowledge and compe- permit the abolition of visas between countries tence raising programme is the Presidential for all citizens, but allow for border resident Programme, responsibility for which in Norway ID cards. Such ID cards allow visa-free border is shared by the Confederation of Norwegian crossing for permanent residents who live within Enterprise and the Norwegian Association of 30 kilometres of the border. Negotiations with Local and Regional Authorities. Through this Russia on this began in August 2008, and are programme, 30 young Russian managers are expected to take some time. invited each year to internships in Norwegian companies and municipalities. Cooperative projects and exchange A number of ministries administer allocations Considerable sums are allocated each year to that are more or less earmarked for cooperative cooperation with Russia on nuclear safety, for projects with Russia. The Ministry of Foreign 55 2009 approximately NOK 100 million. In 2005, In January 2009 Norway’s and Russia’s Minis- the programme “Barents 2020” was started; ters of Culture signed an action plan for cultural the allocation for 2009 is NOK 35 million. The cooperation in the High North. The plan is to money is used to provide grants in the form lead up to the first Norwegian-Russian three- of seed funds for initiating projects based on year plan for cultural cooperation with a focus knowledge and expertise on and for the High on the High North (2010–2012). The plan is in- North, and emphasis is placed on cooperation tended to ensure better coordination of cultural with public and private partners. investments at national and regional levels.

Cultural cooperation Norway – Russia Barentskult was established in 2008 as a cultural During the period 2006–2008, NOK 25 million fund and to encourage Norwegian-Russian was channelled through the Ministry of Foreign cultural cooperation in the Barents region. The Affairs for cultural cooperation measures in fund is owned by the county authorities, but also Northern Norway. This was additional to the receives support from the Ministry of Culture support to the Barents Secretariat. For 2009, and Church Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign this will be increased by a further NOK 25 mil- Affairs. The Barents Secretariat has the prac- lion from the Ministry of Culture and Church tical responsibility in cooperation with the Sami Affairs and NOK 15 million from the Ministry Parliament and the Sami organisations. of Foreign Affairs. The measures during 2006– 2008 were characterised by efforts to promote Established festivals in the region have also meeting places and bring to the fore projects been provided with funds for strengthening that create favourable conditions for regional their network building in north-western Russia. involvement in the High North – and to view the From 2009, the festival Riddu Riddu has been significance of the cultural sector in a broader granted focal-point status. For the Ministry social context. of Foreign Affairs, it has also been important and natural to encourage international contact In cooperation with the municipalities of between Northern Norwegian culture with Tromsø, Bodø and Sør-Varanger, the Ministry areas outside the region. This is essential for of Foreign Affairs has held the festival Barents making the cultural sector even more robust. It Days, which focuses on cultural cooperation in also underpins natural cross-border relations in the Barents region and on research cooperation, the High North, and helps to create cultural and youth cooperation and cooperation on business human understanding across important national development. From 2008, Barents Days has borders. been made part of the culture festival Barents Spektakel in order to strengthen the local roots CULTURAL EXCHANGE of the event and draw more attention to it. Barents Spektakel is run by Pikene på Broen, The Norwegian-Russian company of art curators a company of art curators and producers based and producers Pikene på Broen builds bridges in Kirkenes. across national borders by creating an interest in culture and policy in the High North. The

56 company is based in Kirkenes and has held the culture festival Barents Spektakel since 2004. The festival receives 5000 visitors each year, and is the only cultural festival of its kind that receives the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The festival is intended to be a meet- ing place, where musicians, artists and actors cooperate and create lasting ties across national borders.

We live on a border that has changed enorm- ously since our neighbouring country was known as the Soviet Union. At that time, it was practically impossible to have contact with people on the other side. Border means many things. One can talk of both physical and mental across national borders and disciplines. The The company of art borders, said Inger Blix Kvammen of Pikene exhibition will travel from Oslo to Tromsø, and curators and producers på Broen in an interview with the Norwegian during the next two years, will go on to Rovanie- Pikene på Broen crosses weekly newspaper Ny Tid. mi, Helsinki, Murmansk and Moscow. a symbolic border on the frozen Pikevann at the The concerts at Barents Spektakel often com- –This year’s triennial is about the identity of the œÀÜi}ˆ>˜‡,ÕÃÈ>˜Ê bine artists from Norway and Russia or Finland, Barents region. Fifteen years after the start of border. The performance so that the audience receive cultural impres- the Barents cooperation, we ask whether there was part of the festival sions from at least two countries. is such a thing as a common Barents identity, Barents Spektakel in whether we can talk of Barents citizens or still February 2008. TransBorder Café, which is held as part of the only Russians, Norwegians, etc. said Luba Ku- Photo: festival, is a concept involving presentations and zovnikova, the Art Director of Pikene på Broen Gustav H. Almvik debates on the challenges and development of to the Tromsø newspaper Nordlys. the Barents region. There are contributions by artists, researchers and politicians. In 2009, the Eighteen artists and architects have been concept was also held in Nikel in Russia, where invited to throw light on various issues concern- Barents Spektakel held a satellite festival. ing Barents identity at present and in the future. They will also discuss the meaning of urbanism The exhibition Pan-Barentz is part of the Bar- in the High North. ents Art Triennial, arranged by Pikene på Broen in cooperation with 0047 (Oslo), the University of Lapland (Rovaniemi), Koncentrat (Kiruna) and Anadolu Kultur (Istanbul). Here, the iden- tity of the Barents region is explored by means of a collage of approaches and interpretations

57 58 THE REGION OF OPPORTUNITY

Knowledge, innovation and exploitation of the inherent advantages of the region are key elements of the Government’s plan for strengthening economic growth in the High North. We want to promote bridge building between research and industrial activities. Increased wealth creation is largely dependent on a well developed and well functioning infrastruc- ture. Better transport and communications in Northern Norway will make it easier to live and do business in the region and to visit it as a tourist.

INTRODUCTION also key elements of the Government’s focus Photo: In addition to providing for petroleum ac- on the business sector in the High North. To-Foto/Hurtigruten tivities, the Government targets support of industrial activities in the High North. Knowl- Of course, there is already considerable edge development and innovation are of key wealth creation in Northern Norway. Howev- importance to exploiting the distinctive natural er, travel distances are considerable, includ- resources of the High North. The Government ing the distances to the markets. Increased therefore wants to make provisions for those wealth creation is therefore largely dependent who want to take advantage of business oppor- on well developed and well functioning infra- tunities provided by research results. The structure. The Government therefore gives Government encourages the business sector to priority to targeted upgrading of infrastruc- look for profitable projects in research results, ture such as trunk roads, railways, airports, and encourage researchers to discover the shipping routes and fishing harbours. commercial value of their research. Fruitful Business development, particularly develop- cooperation between the research and busi- ment of infrastructure, is long-term work that ness sectors will improve the competitiveness requires thorough preparations. of Norwegian companies, and contribute to economic growth in the High North. In the long term, this may create new industries.

The Government wishes to exploit the com- mercial potential of marine bioprospecting. Here, the cooperation between research and business development is all-important. Tourism and entrepreneurship in Northern Norway are

59 Prospecting for and research into marine organisms with unique properties is called marine bioprospecting. There are major opportunities for developing commercial products from research in this area. The Government hopes that marine bioprospect- ing may become a significant growth industry and an important part of a future knowledge- based economy both in the High North and in the rest of Norway.

The road from discovery of a bioactive substance to the mapping of properties and further to industrial application may be long and hard. In order to further this process, The hermit crab, Pagurus WEALTH CREATION the Government wishes to strengthen the co- pubescens, contains sub- operation between research institutions, the stances with properties that ,iÜÕÀViÃÊ`ˆÃ̈˜V̈ÛiÊ̜ÊÌ iʈ} Ê œÀÌ Ê business sector and the public sector, and to may be useful for research can be developed and sold. Innovation create sound framework conditions to ensure and industry. in areas such as exploitation of small that the potential of the industry can be real- * œÌœ\Ê >ÀL>˜ŽÉ,°Ê
°Ê molecules from marine organisms and ised. For example, the marine biobank Mar- Johansen experience of the great outdoors can bank has received public support for gather- provide good business opportunities. ing marine organisms from coastal and sea areas of Northern Norway and Svalbard. The Marine bioprospecting: Molecules for sale initiative for the establishment of Marbank Fish, oil and gas have made Norway’s sea areas was taken by the Institute of Marine Research a major source of wealth. However, the genetic at the University of Tromsø, the Norwegian material of marine animals, plants and bacteria Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the may also be of great value. This particularly Norwegian Polar Institute, with the support of applies to small organisms that have developed the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, substances that tolerate temperatures close among others. to freezing point and withstand attacks by and competition from other sea creatures. Some An international conference on marine bio- of these substances consist of molecules with prospecting was held in Tromsø in February unique properties. This can be exploited com- 2009. mercially and in a number of areas of research, from medicines for cancer treatment to methods for extracting a greater proportion of oil deposits by pumping micro-organisms into the wells on the seabed.

60 – Why is marine bioprospecting important? Substances developed by marine organ- isms to defend themselves against pre- dators in the sea may in the future be used to fight cancer cells in humans. In the High North the sea contains molecules with properties that may be of major importance for production of medicines.

The Government launched Norway’s first national strategy on marine bioprospecting on September 8, 2009. Its vision is “Marine bioprospecting – a source of new and viable wealth creation”. Its purpose is to better organize the utilization of our Educational institutions play a key role in bridge Lecturers from ocean resources. The Government will building between the research and business the University of Tromsø invest in national infrastructure and sectors. In cooperation with the University cooperate with the research that stimulates a broad spectrum of Gothenburg and Chalmer’s University of University of Gothenburg of opportunities for wealth creation. Technology, the University of Tromsø has on training young established a two-year masters programme entrepreneurs. in Arctic entrepreneurship. On the basis of a Photo: University of Tromsø Swedish model, teaching will be provided in Promoting innovation business development and entrepreneurship. Knowledge development and innovation are key At the same time, the students will be given the to exploiting natural resources distinctive to the opportunity to start companies on the basis of High North. The Government therefore wishes research or other viable concepts. The com- to make provisions for those who want to take bination of classroom teaching and enterprise advantage of business opportunities provided development is intended to provide favourable by research results. The Government encour- conditions for a culture of entrepreneurship ages the business sector to look for profitable and innovation. projects in research results, and encourages researchers to find the commercial value of Outdoor adventures for sale their own research. Fruitful cooperation The tourism industry is in process of becoming between the research and business sectors a key industry in Northern Norway, particularly will improve the competitiveness of Norwegian in what is referred to as ecotourism or geotour- companies and contribute to economic growth ism. This is tourism based on nature, culture in the High North. In the long term, this may and adventures, and is specially adapted to create completely new industries. conser-ving the environment and cultural herit- age. Visitors enjoy the distinctive attractions

61 TOURISM: THE KING OF KING CRABS

Lars Petter Øie thrusts his head out through a hole in the ice. Clad in a survival suit and diving equipment, he is holding an enormous king crab. He gives it to one of the guests on the king crab safari, then hauls himself out of the water and onto the ice. Øie’s Arctic safari is part of a larger adventure holiday package in Sør-Varanger municipality that includes a stay in a snow hotel and a reindeer safari.

Øie is a tourism entrepreneur who has been as far as the USA to promote his “Arctic Adventure Resort” in cooperation with Inno- The snow hotel in of this part of Norway: watching killer whales vation Norway and the Norwegian Embassy Kirkenes offers guests break the surface of the water, seeing reindeer in Washington. He has also been featured a warm experience or going out onto the mountain plateau to view in a combined food and travel programme in cold surroundings. the Northern Lights in all their glory. In 2008, broadcast by the BBC. In Kirkenes, the great Photo: an adventure holiday in Sør-Varanger involving outdoors is a magnet for tourists from all over Geir Moen/gofoto.no a stay at a snow hotel, a reindeer safari and fish- the world. North of the Arctic Circle, visitors ing for king crabs was voted one of the world’s can stay at a hotel made of snow which is re- 25 best new package tour concepts by National built every year, visit a reindeer park, admire Geographic Adventure Magazine. This is an the Northern Lights and try their hand at sea example of how visionary tour operators can rafting, diving, kayak paddling or dog sledg- delight tourists by tailoring adventures and ac- ing. Perhaps the most exotic pastime is king tivities to take advantage of the unique outdoor crab hunting. experience of the High North. – Crab claws are very powerful, so you must - What has the Government done? be careful when you go diving for your dinner. The Government attaches importance to It is best to sneak up behind them and grab the development of innovative tourism, them by their back legs, says Øie. and to promotion of Northern Norway and Svalbard as tourist destinations. In 2007, Guests who hold divers’ licences are allowed the Government launched a national tour- to dive with Øie to catch their own crabs. ism strategy aimed at promoting Norway Those who don’t can enjoy the culinary as a destination for sustainable tourism, experience of king crab cooked in seawater and at developing the tourism industry to and served with avocado and garlic dressing, support regional economy. bread, lemon juice and pepper.

62 – King crab meat is one of the best things the sea has to offer. People come here from all over the world to catch this delicacy with their own hands, and enjoy it fresh from the sea, says Øie.

A full-grown king crab can measure almost six feet across, and weigh as much as 30 pounds. Since 1960, when researchers in the Soviet Union introduced the species to the Barents Sea close to the Norwegian border, millions of king crab have migrated west. Entrepreneurs such as Øie exploit the opportunity to pick the crab right off the ocean floor, and gladly offer this experience to adventurous tourists. relation to the focus on the High North. The Lars Petter Øie reaches Government proposes a further strengthen- a freshly caught king crab BETTER TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY ing of transport and communications in the to guests during the crab High North. This publication was issued prior safari in Kirkenes. Northern Norway is characterised by to the publication of the national transport Øie’s king crab safari great distances, and markets are often plan, when details of these measures were is part of Sør-Varanger’s far away. Wealth creation in the High made public. award-winning adven- North is dependent on a well developed ture holiday package. and well functioning infrastructure Safety, mobility, environmental protection Photo: including postal and telecommunica- and efficiency are all key elements of the Jørn Tomter tions services, roads, airports, railway Government’s transport and communications connections and harbours. The Govern- policy for the High North. Efficient transport, ment’s transport plan for the coming postal and telecommunications services are years is one of the cornerstones of the crucial to the safeguarding of settlements and High North policy. a viable business sector. Effective and safe means of travel and transport are essential to Important for the welfare of the inhabitants people’s welfare, transport of goods such as and for business and industry fish to the markets, tourism and the future In spring 2009, the Ministry of Transport and economic growth of the Barents region in Communications will present improvements general. of roads, harbours, railways and airports for the whole of Norway in connection with the Improved access to international markets submission of the national transport plan for is dependent on strengthening of transport the period 2010–2019. The plan’s measures connections between east and west in the for Northern Norway must be viewed in High North as well as good connections with

63 the south. The road network in the three to 2013. Such an improvement would ensure northernmost counties covers enormous a good standard on the Norwegian side of the distances. It is over 1600 kilometres on the border, compatible with the improvement of E6 from Kirkenes to the county boundary the stretch of road from Murmansk to Boris- between Nord-Trøndelag and Nordland. The glebsk, due to be completed in 2010. distances and settlements along the coast underline the importance of sea transport too. The report also proposes an overall plan for Almost 50 per cent of the goods transported land management and physical infrastructure from Tromsø to Finnmark go by sea. Positive in the Kirkenes area. developments in the High North are also de- pendent on telecommunications and Internet The report also takes up the need to improve connections of satisfactory quality and capac- the trunk road network in Finnmark and ity to carry large amounts of data, adapted Troms in the direction of Russia and Finland. to new functions and services. Infrastructure Such an improvement will help to strengthen cannot be developed overnight. Arriving at the communications between Russia and the right decisions is dependent on long-term areas further west and south in Northern efforts demanding thorough surveys. The Norway. national transport plan 2010–2019 is part of this work. Improving the road network The challenges regarding improvement of Simpler transport and communications the road network primarily concern improve- in the border areas ment of narrow, winding stretches that are As part of work on the national transport difficult to use during the winter, or which are plan 2010–2019, the Ministry of Transport subject to landslides. The E6 is the main land and Communications is reviewing a report transport route in Northern Norway. In the presented by a Norwegian-Russian working coming years, the Government will invest in group that has recommended measures to improvements to the national road network, improve transport and communications in i.e. the E6 and a number of national roads that the border areas. The group was appointed cross the borders with Sweden, Finland and on the initiative of the Norwegian Minister Russia. It is important to ensure good road of Transport and Communications and the communications with neighbouring coun- Vice-Governor of the Murmansk region, and tries. In the 2009 budget for the Ministry of represents state and regional authorities in Transport and Communications, funds have the Murmansk region and Northern Norway. been allocated to the planning of upgrading of the E105 and roads in the Kirkenes area. The working group recommends, among This planning will be carried out as part of the other things, the planning of improvement of Norwegian-Russian cooperation on infrastruc- the stretch of highway between Borisglebsk/ ture in the border areas. Storskog and Elvenes. The group recom- mends that the work be carried out from 2010

64 Expansion of railway capacity The Government will expand the capacity of the Nordlandsbanen and Ofotbanen railways. It is aimed to develop the railway to carry more of the goods transport to and from Northern Norway. Movement of goods trans- port from the roads to the railways will result in lower emissions of CO2, more efficient transport and increased road safety.

There has long been considerable local and regional interest in connecting the Russian railway to Kirkenes harbour by means of an extension of the railway line from Nikel to Kirkenes. However, such a railway connection would be very costly, and it is therefore a con- in recent years. In order that passengers The Government gives dition for building it that the Russian business on the short runway network in Northern priority to improvements sector expresses a need for and an interest in Norway shall benefit from this, the Govern- to the trunk road network shipping a large volume of goods via Kirkenes ment reduced ticket prices for flights on the in Northern Norway, harbour. There are currently no indications short runway network in Nord-Troms and particularly narrow, that the Russian business sector has such Finnmark by 20 per cent in April 2007. winding roads, roads that a need or interest, since the Russians prefer are difficult to use during to use their own harbours. The Government The increasing importance of harbours the winter, and roads therefore views such a development as As a consequence of climate change, trans- subject to landslides. somewhat improbable. port developments in the High North will The picture is from the result in a longer sailing season, the possible stretch of highway from Air transport is important opening of new shipping routes and easier Nikel to Kirkenes. Since 2006, more than NOK 1 billion has been access to northern harbours. In view of this, Photo: invested in upgrading safety measures and the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Barents Secretariat extensions of facilities for the public at Affairs has requested the Norwegian National Northern Norwegian airports (including Coastal Administration to coordinate coop- Svalbard). Northern Norway already has an eration between northern harbours in order extensive air service network, with sched- to develop possible solutions to common uled traffic at a total of 28 airports, including challenges. Svalbard and the heliport at Værøy. Finnmark alone has 11 airports, three medium-sized and eight regional.

Ticket prices for domestic and international flights from major airports have fallen sharply

65 66 WEALTH CREATION FROM OIL AND GAS

ÕÀœ«iʈÃʈ˜ÊÌ iÊ«ÀœViÃÃʜvÊ>VµÕˆÀˆ˜}Ê>ʘiÜÊi˜iÀ}ÞÊ«ÀœÛˆ˜Vi\ÊÌ iÊ-œÕÌ Ê >Ài˜ÌÃÊ-i>Ê – the sea north of the Norwegian mainland. Petroleum activities in the High North may in the long term have major positive, regional and national ripple effects. The Government will make provisions for petroleum-based employment and wealth creation in Northern Norway.

INTRODUCTION It is important for the Government that the Photo: If we move the map a little, we can place the development of new oil and gas fields results >}Ê >}˜iÊ-©Þ>˜`É High North in the centre. The High North is in increased productivity in Northern Norway StatoilHydro a kind of new centre, not just on the map, but and in the rest of the country. Exploitation as a resource area. The fisheries of the High of the petroleum resources of the High North North are among the richest in the world, must support the positive developments in and must be managed so that they are there the High North. Petroleum activities will be for future generations. We now see that the a major driving force for new technology- presence of oil and gas deposits also open up intensive activities in Northern Norway. In the Barents Sea as a new European energy order to bring this about, an industry must be province. Exploiting the opportunities of the built up in Northern Norway that can position High North is one of the most important itself both nationally and internationally. components of the Government’s High North Strategy. Responsible exploitation of these Through dialogue and mutual respect, solu- resources will help to safeguard the welfare tions can be found enabling the different of future generations. users of the sea to live side by side in the same waters, and, each in their own way In October 2007, Norway’s first cargo of to contribute to exploitation of the natural liquid natural gas was able to leave Melkøya. resources of the High North. The Government provides for exploration activities, development and other oil and gas activities in Northern Norway. Via the Research Council, the Government channels considerable funds to provide for this.

67 The High North is a new and very important European energy province. In addition to Norway, several other countries are now open- ing up prospects of exploiting the resources of new areas of the sea. It is important to ensure responsible exploitation of the resources of the sea in the High North.

Exploration is the very precondition for mak- ing new finds, developments and activities. An increasing number of companies wish to take an active part in this. The Government’s High North Strategy of 2006 states that the Govern- ment will “further develop petroleum activities in the Barents Sea through an active allocation Activity in the FACILITATING DEVELOPMENT policy in order to follow up results of explo- Barents Sea. ration and the need for further exploration Photo: The geological mapping of possible acreage. The Government will also provide StatoilHydro petroleum deposits in the High North for increased geological mapping of the High ܈ÊLiÊVœ“«iÌi`ʈ˜ÊÓä䙰Ê/ iÊœÛiÀ˜‡ North.” In order to follow up the High North ment will allow Northern Norwegian Strategy, NOK 410 million have so far been industry to position itself so that local allocated to geological mapping. In 2009, this and regional suppliers can benefit from work will be complete. We will then have the developments. necessary knowledge base to consider open- ing new fields in this the area. Considerable The starting shot for establishment of petro- interest and optimism is currently attached to leum activities in the South Barents Sea was petroleum activities in the South Barents Sea. fired at the start of the development of the The Government’s focus on knowledge in the Snøhvit field in 2002. The field, which became High North is also part of this provision. More operational in 2007, is important for several than half of the Research Council’s High North reasons. It is the first gas development in the allocation, measured in terms of state research Barents Sea and the first plant for liquid nat- funds, is applied to petroleum activities in the ural gas in Norway. Snøhvit will in many ways High North. be a driving force for developments in the High North throughout the 30-year lifespan Positioning of North Norwegian industry that has been estimated for it. In the course of The petroleum industry employs people time, Goliat and Nucula, as well as new future throughout Norway. However, there are fewer finds will become operational. This will help to specialised suppliers in the High North. The ensure petroleum activity in the Barents Sea Government wishes to increase the ripple ef- for many years ahead. fects of petroleum activities. Petroleum activi-

68 ties in other areas of Norway have shown that Innovation Norway provides services and it takes time to establish specialised suppliers. programmes that stimulate regional develop- However, it is clear that coordinated efforts ment, increase innovation in the business at several levels can help to amplify the ripple sector and promote the Norwegian business effects of petroleum activities. Experience sector and Norway as a tourist destination. shows that proximity to the activities results Innovation Norway is primarily owned by in establishment of new industry. the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and also receives funding from other ministries. The In the work on ensuring direct ripple effects organisation is represented in all Norwegian of the oil and gas activities in the High North, counties and has offices in over thirty the Government will make provisions for countries. Northern Norwegian industry to position itself. It is important that industry acquires SNØHVIT AND GOLIAT: sufficient expertise and market networks to POSITIVE RIPPLE EFFECTS be able to compete with the business sector in other areas of Norway. Moreover, international The Snøhvit field became operational in and national industry must establish depart- autumn 2007. This development is the first ments that employ local manpower. This is milestone of the establishment of petroleum dependent on the existence of qualified local activities in the South Barents Sea. Snøhvit is manpower. the first gas development in the Barents Sea, and the first plant for liqnified natural gas in Analyses show the great importance of inter- Norway. After a five-year-long construction national exposure for business development phase, the gas was at last able to stream from and employment in outlying regions. Actors the fields in August 2007. The first ships such as INTSOK and Innovation Norway make loaded with liquid natural gas left Melkøya active contributions to such internationali-sa- in October 2007. tion, and will also do so for Northern Norway. The Government also supports other supplier Snøhvit has resulted in considerable local networks and commercial associations in their ripple effects. Hammerfest has experienced efforts to strengthen the capacity of Northern a growth in employment, population and hous- Norwegian companies to prequalify for ing. At the peak, the construction activities complex tender processes. employed as many as 2500 persons. Opera- tions, maintenance, modification and support INTSOK is a foundation that was established services for Snøhvit have created 400 perma- in 1997 by the Norwegian government and nent jobs, and have recruited three-quarters the Norwegian oil and gas industry to market of the workforce from Northern Norway. Norwegian oil and gas industry internationally. This is done by means of various joint mea- There is now a shortage of manpower in the sures for member companies to increase their region. StatoilHydro cooperated closely on penetration of international markets. Snøhvit with local actors. The Snøhvit com-

69 mercial association, later known as Petro OIL ENTREPRENEUR: AN OPPORTUNITY TO Arctic, has played an important role in bring- RETURN HOME ing this about. Analyses show that Snøhvit has turned around a negative population and Astrid Tugwell has come home. After employment development in Hammerfest. graduating from upper secondary school, New companies are setting up business in the Tugwell did the same as many other people town. The municipal income is expected to from Northern Norway: she moved south to increase considerably. Extensive investments take higher education, and has since worked have been made in the upgrading of school outside Northern Norway, for Shell both in buildings, infrastructure and development Norway and abroad. of cultural facilities. The development has – Many of us who move south long to return resulted in competence building in the re- home. That’s why it is so important to create gion, which has had positive effects on other jobs in the north, so that people can move industries as well. back, she says.

The development of Goliat may raise the level Today, Tugwell works for North Energy, an of employment in the region too. Goliat is oil company located in Alta. The company’s expected to contribute to the technological mission statement is “with Northern basis for further development of petroleum Norwegian ownership and expertise, North activities in the region. Energy will provide alternative solutions for profitable and sustainable oil activities in the High North”. The illustration shows – When it was decided that northern areas the seabed installation at would be opened up for oil activities, I decided Snøhvit, which supplies gas to help bring this about in a proper way. We to the new plant at Melkøya. are a Northern Norwegian company, and this Snøhvit is the first gas is happening outside our front door, so we development in the Barents want to be an oil company that does things in Sea, and the first plant for its own way. ˆµÕˆ`Ê}>Ãʈ˜Ê œÀÜ>Þ°Ê/ Àii‡ µÕ>ÀÌiÀÃʜvÊÌ iÊ{ääÊ«iœ«iÊ She points out that the company is owned by whose work is related to Northern Norwegian industry, and that the Snøhvit have been recruited strategy is long-term. from Northern Norway. – We will grow gradually, and want as far as Illustration: possible to recruit the necessary expertise Even Edland/StatoilHydro from Northern Norway. It is therefore impor- tant for us to market ourselves to education institutions in Northern Norway. We are also making an effort to make the industry see the potential of establishment in the High North.

70 Astrid Tugwell has a strong belief in the company’s potential for success. – We hope to be assigned operator responsi- bility in the Norwegian Sea and licence inter- ests in the Barents Sea as early as the 20th licensing round. This is important for being able to take part in shaping developments in the High North and achieving our ambition to create alternative and sustainable solutions. We have built up an organisation that is ready to shoulder major responsibilities, and we are impatient to get started.

Tugwell encourages people from Northern Norway to see the opportunities of their own region. – I attach importance to recruiting Northern Norwegian manpower, and have met many people who are glad that there can now be more jobs in the oil industry in the north.

In Astrid Tugwell’s view, one must see the oppor-tu- nities of Northern Norway.
ÃÊ iÛiœ«“i˜ÌÊ ˆÀiV̜ÀÊ of a new North Norwegian oil company, she wants to take part in ensuring that oil extraction activities in Northern Norway respect the local environ- ment and employ the local population. Photo: Origo/Hege E. Johansen

71 72 ENVIRONMENT, LIVELIHOODS AND FISHERIES

Norway must lead the way in the environmental area, be an active partner for other countries and a long-term and trustworthy guardian of environmental and cultural values in the High North. The Government provides for wealth creation through sustainable use of marine and land resources, while safeguarding the functioning and productivity of the ecosystem.

INTRODUCTION Climate change will acquire increasing, direct Illustration: In the Arctic, we find some of the largest significance for management of the environ- iStockphoto.com/mevans areas on earth of virtually untouched nature. ment and resources in the High North, since Here there are hardy species only found at the physical environment and the sustenance the North Pole. Norway has a major respon- base of plants and animals is very likely to sibility, together with other polar nations, for change considerably. Climate change will also conserving these vast and vulnerable areas. affect the transport and distribution in the environment of toxins conveyed to the High The High North has an important role to play North by air and ocean currents. In the longer in maintaining biodiversity, and has increas- term, an increasingly ice-free Arctic Ocean ing importance both as a destination for may result in new routes for the international outdoor adventure and as a reference area shipping between east and west. This will also for environmental monitoring and ecological give rise to increased environmental challeng- research. At the same time, major political, es and challenges with regard to emergency academic and administrative challenges preparedness and safety in the time ahead. must be solved in the years ahead. These challenges are particularly associated with Norway has a direct responsibility for climate change, long-range pollution, environ- stewardship of large areas of the Arctic. mental toxins and increasing human activity. A sound research-based knowledge base is The management plan for the Barents Sea a prerequisite for Norway’s ability to manage and the sea outside Lofoten is one of the its polar territories in an environmentally most important instruments for balancing the sound manner. regard for the environment with exploitation of resources.

73 NATURE CONSERVATION in the High North in order to balance exploi- tation and protection. The Government attaches importance to ensuring sustainable exploitation An advisory group has been appointed to of resources and responsible environ- follow up the plan, consisting of an expert mental management of the Barents forum chaired by the Norwegian Polar Sea. Cooperation and the exchange of Institute, a monitoring group chaired by the Ž˜œÜi`}iÊÜˆÌ Ê,ÕÃÈ>Ê>˜`ÊœÌ iÀÊ
ÀV̈VÊ Institute of Marine Research and a risk group states must be further developed in chaired by the Norwegian National Coastal order to preserve vulnerable species Administration. Major programmes are being and ensure responsible harvesting implemented for survey of the seabed (MAR- of natural resources. EANO) and seabirds (SEAPOP). The plan is due to be updated in 2010. The allocations to The Barents Sea – Lofoten comprehensive management of the marine In the area of sea between the Barents Sea environment are being increased by NOK 3 and Lofoten, there are sub-areas that are par- million in 2009. ticularly rich in resources, while also being environmentally vulnerable. Challenges are The Ministry of the Environment has entered associated with the effects of fisheries, ship into a dialogue with the Russian authorities traffic and petroleum activities, and with envi- in order to ensure a common understanding ronmental toxins, radioactivity and introduced of sound management of the Barents Sea. species. This particularly applies to the area Exchange of knowledge and information with from Lofoten to Vesterålen, inshore areas, Russian institutions plays a key role in this. Tromsøflaket, Eggakanten, the ice edge, the The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources polar front and the sea areas surrounding will closely examine the Norwegian experi- Svalbard. These are areas that, on the basis ence in order to strengthen the management of scientific assessments, are of major impor- of its own sea areas, and thereby enable the tance for biodiversity and biological produc- strengthening of the overall resource man- tion, and where possible injurious effects may agement in the Barents Sea. have long-term or irreversible consequences. Polar bear conference in March 2009 Comprehensive plan for the Barents Sea and Norway invited “the polar bear countries”, the sea outside Lofoten Denmark/Greenland, Canada, the USA and A comprehensive management plan for the Russia, to an international polar bear confer- Barents Sea and the sea areas outside Lofoten ence in Tromsø in March 2009. The meeting has been developed to protect the environ- was to be held under the Agreement on the ment while providing for profitable industrial Conservation of Polar Bears that was signed activities. The management plan sets limits by the five countries in 1973. The reason for fishing, shipping and petroleum activities for convening the conference is the serious threat to polar bears posed by melting Arctic

74 sea ice and the need to cooperate more closely on management of polar bear stocks in the Arctic, particularly in a situation where the species is expected to experience increas- ing problems as a consequence of climate change coupled with increasing economic activity in habitats.

The polar bear is a species that has consider- able symbolic importance in a climatic and environmental context. This conference must therefore be viewed as a part of efforts to create a better understanding of climate change in the run-up to the climate meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009. The livelihoods of indigenous peoples Ivory Gull, here New white paper on Svalbard The Barents region is a multinational cul- photographed over the The Government submitted a new white tural community including four nation states Barents Sea, is one of paper on Svalbard to the Storting in spring and nine native ethnic groups: Norwegians, many species threatened 2009. The white paper addressed major new Swedes, Finns, Russians, Sami, Komi, by climate change and measures and approaches to conservation Vepsians, Karelians and Nenets. Peoples human activity in the of the wilderness in Svalbard. This applies are bound together by their livelihoods and Arctic. The Ministry of not least in relation to increasing traffic, dependence on the natural environment, and the Environment is particularly associated with cruise tourism indigenous peoples’ unique experience and making efforts to protect in protected areas. Key measures announced knowledge provides an additional dimension the vulnerable ecosystems in the white paper include regulation of to this. Indigenous peoples have valuable in the High North. tourism in the nature reserves in East knowledge of nature, climate, the environ- Photo: Svalbard and prohibition of the use of heavy ment and traditions. They safeguard cultural Cecilie von Quillfeldt oil by ships with routes in the national parks. values, languages and knowledge of industries and ways of life subject to marginal conditions Norway has included Svalbard on its tentative in a sub-Arctic area. Indigenous peoples’ com- list to the UNESCO World Heritage Conven- munities in the High North differ with regard tion. A nomination application can at the to vulnerability and sustainability in meeting earliest be considered by the UNESCO World future challenges associated with ecological, Heritage Committee in 2014. These approach- economic, political and social changes. The es clearly express an active environmental traditional ways of life of indigenous peoples protection policy in keeping with Norway’s are dependent on sustainable management ambitious environmental goals for Svalbard. of natural resources.

75 tant to extend cooperation with other countries on management of fish stocks while developing systems for monitoring shipping, emergency preparedness, and search and rescue services.

Cooperation on combating overfishing Our northern sea areas are among the richest in the world as regards fishery resources, and it is our responsibility to safeguard these for future generations. Climate change may lead to alteration of growth conditions for and changes in the distribution of fish. In addition to this, new areas in the Arctic Ocean may be opened up for fishing as the ice melts. A long- The fishery resources of Reindeer stocks in some parts of Finnmark are term and sustainable management must be our northern sea areas currently too large in relation to the natural scientifically based and be secured by strict are among the world’s resource base, which in the long term may enforcement. This requires close cooperation richest. The Government threaten the basis for sustainable reindeer between the states. is continuing its efforts husbandry. The new Reindeer Husbandry Act, to reduce illegal fishing which entered into force on 1 July 2007, is an Norwegian and Russian research institutions in cooperation with important contribution to efforts to ensure sus- have collaborated for fifty years on surveying ,ÕÃÈ>˜Ê>ÕÌ œÀˆÌˆið tainable reindeer husbandry in Finnmark and the marine environment and fish in the sea. Photo: other parts of Norway. The Act assigns greater The researchers decide what exploratory Kjell Ove Storvik/ responsibility to the reindeer husbandry indu- voyages shall be carried out, and exchange Norwegian Seafood stry and gives the industry increased influence research results. On this basis, following Export Council over its own development. In addition to this, consultation with the International Council a new Convention on Reindeer Pasture has for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), they been negotiated between Norway and Sweden. recommend how much fish can be harvested. The Convention is expected to enter into force This work is of key importance for a sound in 2010. long-term management of the fish stocks. The joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commis- SUSTAINABLE FISHING AND SAFETY AT SEA sion sets the total annual quotas for shared stocks on the basis of the recommendations, The Government has implemented exten- and has also developed separate management sive measures to combat illegal fishing in rules for the most important stocks. order to ensure that fish remain a renew- able resource. Ice melting in the Arctic In world terms, illegal, unreported and will open up new sea areas for fishing unregulated fishing constitutes the biggest and transport. It is therefore impor- threat to sustainable fishery management. In

76 the Barents Sea, cod in particular has been sub- mation work and development of resource jected to extensive illegal fishing. As much as control for combating illegal fishing. The 100 000 tonnes were fished illegally each year Norwegian and the Russian Auditors General up to 2005. This is equivalent to one-quarter conduct parallel audits of fishery management of the legal quota. Such overfishing is a threat in the Barents Sea. to the whole marine ecosystem, the fishery industry and coastal communities. Strengthening of safety at sea Ice melting in the Arctic opens up new sea The Government has adopted various meas- areas for fishing and transport. The sailing ures to combat illegal fishing: cooperation on distance between Europe and Asia will be monitoring, exchange of catch data, coopera- greatly reduced by the opening of new pas- tion on control of fishing boats and records in sages through the Arctic Ocean. The increase connection with the landing of fish and black- in ship traffic in the High North will place listing of vessels. This cooperation is carried new demands on monitoring systems, rescue out not only with Russia and other countries capacity, marine safety and oil spill prepared- with zones bordering on those of Norway, ness, not least because the Arctic environ- but also in international organisations such as ment is particularly vulnerable to oil spill the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission resulting from shipping accidents in open sea. (NEAFC). As a result of this, illegal fishing in the Barents Sea fell from 100 000 tonnes in As a polar nation, Norway must take respon- 2005 to approximately 40 000 tonnes in 2007. sibility for increased safety and emergency This was the basis for the ability of Norway preparedness needs in newly accessible sea and Russia to agree on a cod quota for 2009 areas. New civil monitoring systems must be that was 95 000 tonnes higher than that of the developed to enable monitoring of ship traffic previous year. at all times, as well as coordinated arrangements for emergency preparedness The efforts to combat illegal fishing in the and rescue. Such systems must be developed Barents Sea are a long-term process. Both Rus- and operated in cooperation with Iceland, the sian and Norwegian fishery authorities wish USA, Canada and Russia. The Government to strengthen the institutions that have been has given support to the pilot project “Barents- developed for management cooperation. A sat- Watch” under the auspices of SINTEF, which isfactory control regime is crucial to ensuring provides a basis for further cooperation and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in establishment of a comprehensive monitor- the High North. The Norwegian Coast Guard ing and warning system for the northern sea and other parts of the defence establishment areas. Support has also been given to the Det play a key role in monitoring fishery activ- Norske Veritas project for coordinating indu- ity and in enforcing current regulations. The strial standards for environment, health and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs and safety measures in the petroleum industry in the Directorate of Fisheries give priority to the the Barents Sea. work on confidence-building measures, infor-

77 preparedness for acute oil pollution. An initia- tive was also taken to increase the activity in the Norwegian-Russian border region in connection with the Vardø VTS Centre (the Vardø initiative). This resulted in more train- ing in oil spill response and marine safety, as well as courses in transport development, harbour cooperation and logistics challenges in Vardø and Murmansk.

In response to increasing traffic in Svalbard, the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs has found it necessary to establish an improved framework to provide for the ship traffic around the archipelago. Enforcement ,iÃi>ÀV iÀÃÊvÀœ“ÊÌ iÊ A number of measures have already been of the Harbour Act in Svalbard from 1 May Norwegian Polar Institute implemented to strengthen marine safety in the 2008 will strengthen marine safety in the catching Kittiwakes at northern sea areas. In 2007, the Vessel Traffic archipelago and improve the possibility Bjørnøya in Svalbard. Service Centre (VTS) for Northern Norway of organising harbour operations. Photo: opened in Vardø, with responsibility for moni- Hallvard Strøm/ toring and guiding ship traffic along the coast BIRD LIFE: BAD TIMES FOR NORWEGIAN Norwegian Polar Institute of Northern Norway. SEABIRDS

In 2007, shipping lanes outside were estab- A number of seabird species in northern lished outside Norwegian territorial waters and central Norway are struggling with food on the distance from Vardø to Røst. This will shortage and nest desertion. Along the coast, reduce the risk of accidents since traffic is bird colonies are threatened with extermina- kept apart and is monitored by the VTS in tion, and the situation is viewed as alarming. Vardø. Should an accident nevertheless occur, environmental consequences would be reduced The guillemot population has declined over because ship traffic would be moved further the last 40 years owing to a combination of out from the coast, which facilitates the imple- malnutrition, bycatch in fishing gear, oil pollu- mentation of measures. The Government aims tion and harvesting. The force of these factors to increase the state tugboat preparedness in varies from year to year. Northern Norway in 2010 to three tugboats for continuous operation throughout the year. – In the case of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots, we know little about the causes. In 2006, Norway and Russia signed a memo- The direct cause where kittiwakes are con- randum of understanding on strengthening of cerned, is food shortage with resulting death cooperation in marine safety and emergency of young birds, but the underlying cause

78 is uncertain. In the North Sea and parts of The purpose of the programme is to provide the Norwegian Sea, the cause is probably a sound basic data that is needed when con- regime shift in the sea, where the entry of sidering measures that may be employed warmer water bodies alters basic conditions in reversing current trends. It is staffed by in the food chain, resulting in the total or researchers from the Norwegian Institute for partial eradication of the animals that sea- Nature Research (NINA), Tromsø Museum birds feed on. This type of change is often and the Norwegian Polar Institute. The combined with overfishing or other man- programme is funded by the Ministry of the made factors, explains Hallvard Strøm of the Environment, the Ministry of Petroleum and Norwegian Polar Institute. Energy and the Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF). – During the current period of unpredictable and complex climatic conditions, it is more important than ever to take control of other man-made factors that negatively affect sea- birds. These include overfishing, resulting in reduced food access for seabirds, bycatch of birds in fishing gear, oil pollution, disturbance of important habitats and alien species, such as mink, that threaten nesting seabirds, he says.

Researchers are actively engaged in moni- toring and mapping the bird life of the Barents Sea in order to obtain the necessary knowledge to improve the management of these marine environments. Through the seabird programme SEAPOP, which was started in 2005, researchers will, for the first time, map the distribution of nesting, moult- ing, resting and overwintering seabirds in numbers time and space from Skagerrak in the south to Svalbard in the north.

– Such detailed and extensive monitoring is intended to provide a basis for further research to determine the causes of the changes and predict future changes, says Strøm.

79 80 KNOWLEDGE PAVES THE WAY

ÕÌÕÀiÊ}ÀœÜÌ Êˆ˜ÊÌ iʈ} Ê œÀÌ ÊÀiµÕˆÀiÃÊÌ >ÌÊÜiʈ˜VÀi>ÃiʜÕÀʎ˜œÜi`}i]ÊLœÌ ʜvÊ>˜`Ê in the High North. The Government is investing more in High North-relevant research and in strengthening universities and university colleges in Northern Norway. A key Àœiʈ˜ÊÌ ˆÃʈÃÊ«>Þi`ÊLÞÊÌ iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊœvÊ œÀÜ>Þ°Ê/ iÊ
ÀV̈VʈÃÊVi˜ÌÀ>Ê̜Ê>˜Ê understanding of global climate change. Through efforts in relation to Svalbard and our membership of the Arctic Council, Norway makes an important contribution to understanding global climate change.

INTRODUCTION the problems will not be solved. Strengthened Photo: Research and education play a part in all knowledge is also essential to sound, sustain- Adnan Icagic, areas of society and provide the basis for able exploitation of natural resources, and to Tromsø Museum future stable employment. In a vast region conservation of a vulnerable environment. with a scattered and often rather small population, a shortage of qualified man- KNOWLEDGE TO ACT power may limit economic development, and simultaneous development of multiple strong General increases are being made in knowledge communities poses a considerable funds for research in the High North, challenge. The knowledge sector is therefore but the Government also attaches im- a key sector in the High North policy. portance to allocations in promising new areas, such as marine bioprospecting. Priority must be given to development of net- / iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊˆÃÊiÃÌ>LˆÃ ˆ˜}ʘiÜÊ works between various centres of expertise regional funds, universities and other and to a close collaboration between research education institutions are being strength- and the business sector and between the pub- ened and a new centre for ice and lic and private sectors. International coopera- climate will increase our understanding tion on research and education, and exchange of political, environmental and social of students and teachers help to strengthen Vœ˜ÃiµÕi˜ViÃʜvÊÌ iʓiÌˆ˜}ʜvʈVi° communities in the High North. More funding for High North research Much of the regions’ economic potential is The Research Council of Norway distributes not only unexploited, it is also uncharted. research funds on behalf of the Norwegian The key industries of the future will be know- government, and thus influences the emphases ledge-based, and without new knowledge taken within Norwegian research. In 2008,

81 These are areas where increased knowledge makes society better able to exploit opportu- nities and meet challenges. Climate, indig- enous peoples and business development are given priority in all areas. In addition to these priority areas, the Research Council wishes to exploit the unique opportunities of research in the High North. Many of the opportuni- ties and challenges in the High North cross national borders. Particular importance is therefore attached to internationalisation.

More than half of the funds made available in the Research Council’s High North allocation are currently applied to petroleum activities Swimming snails or sea the Research Council of Norway submitted a in the High North, there is also considerable butterflies (Clione sp.) strategic plan for an intensification of re- and increasing activity within the environ- only grow to a few search in the High North and a strengthening ment, marine resources and research areas centimetres, and are an of centres of expertise in Northern Norway. unique to the High North. In the fiscal budget important part of the polar The aim of the plan is to raise research com- for 2008, the funds allocated to environmental food chain. New research petence, enhance competence in the private research and bioprospecting were increased. shows animal plankton sector, strengthen existing networks and maintains high activity forms of collaboration and develop new ones, Bioprospecting involves searching for useful throughout the winter, develop and strengthen educational opportu- genes and substances in fish, algae and other even under a thick layer nities and increase the attractiveness of edu- living organisms. Some substances may have of sea ice. This new cation and research institutions. In 2009, the medicinal applications, others may perhaps insight into life under Government will increase its efforts to adapt be used in chemical industry. Research in extreme conditions of the North Norwegian education and research bioprospecting is an example of the coher- light and temperature system to the needs of business and industry. ence of the High North policy: funds from the has transformed 2009 also saw the establishment of a regional Research Council provide for wealth creation researchers’ view research fund which will primarily finance in the High North. of marine life. regional research that promotes innovation Photo: and business development. There has been considerable research activity Geir Johnsen/UNIS in the priority areas of the Research Council’s Since June 2006, the Research Council has High North allocation right from the start. In given priority to five areas in its High North 2006, the Research Council allocated NOK Strategy: oil and gas, the environment and 440 million to High North-relevant research. fisheries, innovation and business develop- In 2007, the amount was increased by NOK ment, residence in the High North and 176 million, an increase of 40 per cent. NOK foreign policy in the High North. 72 million of this is being applied to an in-

82 creased emphasis on High North research by - The Government is strengthening the Research Council. However, much of this research and higher education in the High growth is due to the International Polar Year. North: UÊ/ iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊœvÊ œÀÜ>ÞÊ >ÃÊ The world’s largest research cooperation received considerably greater funds for The International Polar Year is the world’s High North research. largest polar research programme ever, with UÊ/ iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊ}ˆÛiÃÊ«ÀˆœÀˆÌÞÊÌœÊ the participation of 50 000 researchers from research into oil and gas, the environment 63 countries. Norway’s allocation of a total and fisheries, innovation and business of NOK 330 million over four years makes development, residence in the High North it one of the largest contributors. The Polar and foreign policy in the High North. Year involves intensive data collection during UÊ œÀiÊv՘`ˆ˜}ÊvœÀÊ«Àœ}À>““iÃÊvœÀÊ two summer seasons in the north and two in surveying the seabed and for searching the south, during the period from 1 March marine life for useful substances (marine 2007 to 1 March 2009. The purpose of the bioprospecting). International Polar Year is to exploit the great UÊ£ÎʘiÜÊÀiÃi>ÀV ÊviœÜà ˆ«ÃÊ>ÌÊ՘ˆÛiÀÈ- potential of the polar areas for throwing light ties and university colleges in Northern on enduring scientific problems, particularly Norway in 2009. In addition, the Research in climate research. Council is establishing five research fellow- ships in connection with the High North Perhaps the largest Polar Year project, allocation. “Integrated Arctic Ocean Observing System” UÊ/ iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊˆÃÊiÃÌ>LˆÃ ˆ˜}ÊÀi- (iAOOS), involves making for the first time gional research funds that will be of benefit detailed measurements of the entire Arctic to Northern Norway. The funds will give Ocean. Another major international project is priority to regional research, innovation “Contaminants in Polar Regions” (COPOL), and development. the purpose of which is to study and compare UÊ ÃÌ>LˆÃ “i˜ÌʜvÊÌ iÊ >Ài˜ÌÃʘÃ̈ÌÕÌi]Ê absorption and transport of environmental which conducts research, studies and dis- toxins in food chains in different oceans. semination across national borders. UÊ->“ˆÊ˜œÜi`}iÊ i˜ÌÀiÊ̜ʜ«i˜Êˆ˜ÊÓä䙰 As a result of the International Polar Year UÊ-Õ««œÀÌÊvœÀÊ ˜iÀ}ˆ >“«ÕÃÊ œÀ`Ê>ÌÊ there has been an increase in research activ- Melkøya. This is a collaboration between ity in Svalbard. A number of projects, both the Norwegian University of Science Norwegian and foreign, take place wholly or and Technology and the Universities of partly in the archipelago. Under the auspices Tromsø and Stavanger and the Finnmark of the International Polar Year, altogether 36 and Narvik University Colleges to provide internationally financed projects and 16 fund- higher education and continuing education ed by Norway are associated with Svalbard. in energy technology adapted to Arctic conditions.

83 Centre for Ice, Climate & Ecosystems (ICE) Norway is in the process of establishing a Centre for Ice, Climate & Ecosystems (ICE) at the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The centre is planned to strengthen Norway’s position as an active and visible contributor to international climate research. The goal is to build up a world-class specialist community in the area of ice and climate during the course of five years.

Norway already has well developed specialist communities with climatic and polar exper- tise and glaciology. We also have up-to-date infrastructure for research and environmental In Northern Norway Strengthening of education institutions monitoring in both the Arctic and the Antarc- and in Svalbard, mil- The University and university college system tic. It is this technical expertise that is to be lions of seabirds nest on in the High North is well developed, and strengthened, focused and further developed LˆÀ`ÊVˆvvðÊ,iÃi>ÀV iÀÃÊ these institutions play a key role in com- in cooperation with other national institutions. use the birds as an indi- petence building in the High North. The The centre will contribute to a major increase cator of the state of the seven Northern Norwegian institutions, the in knowledge concerning issues associated marine environment. University of Tromsø, the Sami University with ice melting. In countries of major impor- The birds are depend- College and the university colleges in Bodø, tance for progress in the international work ent on the availability Finnmark, Harstad, Narvik and Nesna are on climate-related issues, it is also intended to of food in large areas of important knowledge actors in the region. raise awareness of the importance of limiting the sea and are vulner- emissions of greenhouse gases. The centre able to changes in the In January 2009, the University of Tromsø will collaborate with the world’s “glacier number of food species and Tromsø University College merged. The states” on increasing understanding and and in their migration new institution will be a national and interna- knowledge concerning the political, environ- patterns. The picture tional power centre for expertise, growth and mental and social consequences of snow and shows guillemots on innovation in the High North. In 2009, the ice melting and of thawing permafrost. Bjørnøya. Sami Science Centre opened. This will house Photo: the Sami University College and the Nordic Hallvard Strøm/ Sami Institute, and will be a Sami Knowledge Norwegian Polar Centre. The institutions cooperate closely Institute with each other and with other regional and international actors. An important inter- national instrument is the Arctic University, an international cooperative forum for education institutions in the High North.

84 CLIMATE RESEARCH: THE KEY ROLE rapidly the world’s oceans will rise during the OF THE ARCTIC coming decades. This is potentially a major problem. Such questions have increased in- ,iÃi>ÀV ʈ˜ÌœÊÌ iÊ
ÀV̈VÊ >ÃÊ>ʎiÞÊÀœiÊ ternational researchers’ interest in the Arctic, in work on understanding how climate and Svalbard is now an international arena for change will affect us. Svalbard’s geo- polar research. graphical location, good infrastructure and accessibility makes the archipelago Svalbard – unique access to the Arctic a key area for obtaining such know- Svalbard plays a major role in international cli- ledge and for efforts to adapt society mate research. Its geographical location, good to climate change. infrastructure and accessibility make the ar- chipelago a key area for acquiring knowledge In order to understand global climate change, about what happens when the temperature we must understand the Arctic. The Arctic rises in the Arctic. Such knowledge is of great plays a key role in global climate change. value both for the work on reducing global The warming of the Arctic is twice as rapid emissions of greenhouse gases and for work as the global average. This is a forewarning on adapting society to the climate change that of global changes and, through reciprocal ac- now seems unavoidable. tion, changes in the Arctic may contribute to changes further south. Foreign research activity in the archipelago has increased considerably in recent dec- There are still considerable gaps in our ades. There are now 11 permanent research knowledge concerning global climate change stations in Svalbard, and researchers from and the role of the Arctic. Research in this approximately 20 countries visit the archi- area is therefore of major importance. pelago each year to work on their research projects. Important infrastructure established The shining white polar ice over the Cap of since 2000 in Ny-Ålesund includes a South the North reflects considerable solar energy Korean research station (2002), The marine back into space. However, the polar ice is laboratory (Kings Bay AS, 2005), China’s sta- diminishing year by year. This exposes open tion (2004), India’s station (2008) and Climate seas which absorb much more heat from the Change Tower (Italy, 2008). sun. This is expected to further reinforce the warming, melting more ice and exposing Recent decades have seen a considerable more sea, and thus accelerating the warming increase in research and education, and process. these activities now constitute a major part of the Norwegian activities in the archipelago. Another important question is how much In Longyearbyen, a new station for auroral and how rapidly the enormous Greenland Ice research (the Kjell Henriksen Observatory) Sheet is melting or sliding into the sea. This was opened in 2008. The station houses melting is decisive for how much and how researchers from Norway and a number of

85 protected deep inside a mountain. The Government will use the Svalbard Global Seed Vault to provide increased understand- ing and awareness of biodiversity, genetic re- sources and food security in the time ahead. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has allocated a total budget of NOK 4.3 million for 2009 for operation of the Seed Vault, infor- mation activities and management.

Space activities in Svalbard Earth observation from satellites in space provides important information on how eco- logical processes and human activity change the environment on earth. Monitoring by The picture shows the foreign research institutions. Norway is still satellite also facilitates prevention and follow- new building of the the country with most research activity in up of environmental crime at sea, and helps to University Centre Svalbard. enable more rapid response to accidents. in Svalbard (UNIS). UNIS is the world’s Norway also operates an education institu- Svalbard is an optimal location for commu- northernmost higher tion in Svalbard. The University Centre in nication with satellites, particularly in polar education institution, Svalbard (UNIS) is the world’s northernmost orbits. As a result of this, Svalbard Satellite >˜`ʜvviÀÃÊ՘ˆµÕiÊ higher education institution. UNIS provides Station (SvalSat) has become the largest courses to students unique range of courses in unique surround- in the world for retrieving data from polar from many countries. ings to 350 students from 26 countries. UNIS satellites. The station is also world-leading in Photo: is owned by the Ministry of Education and retrieving data from polar weather satellites. ˆÃÊ*iÌÌiÀÊ >iÉ1 - Research, and cooperates closely with the Universities of Tromsø, Trondheim, Bergen A Norwegian civilian monitoring satellite is and Oslo. under construction. This satellite will monitor ship traffic in large areas of the High North, THE SVALBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULT and the information it provides will be of SAFEGUARDS THE WORLD’S SEEDS major help for maritime navigation and for the exercise of Norwegian sovereignty in all The Government has established a global Norwegian sea areas north of Stad. security storage vault for seeds in Svalbard, which was opened in February 2008. The Dangerous melting needs to be understood world has several more seed collections, but 1.3 billion people are currently in danger their valuable contents could be lost in natural of increasing water shortage as a result of disasters or as a result of political instabil- reduced flow in vital rivers. This serious ef- ity. The Svalbard Seed Vault however is well fect of climate change is due to the melting

86 of high-lying glaciers and snow that supply the rivers with water during periods of low precipitation.

The Himalayas are the “water tower” that supplies water to seven of the largest rivers in Asia. This mountain range is already severely affected by climate change, and approxi- mately 70 per cent of the glaciers in the area are in rapid decline. The rivers that drain the mountain masses of Central Asia affect the sustenance base for altogether 40 per cent of the world’s population. In addition to reduced flow, an increase in flood episodes is anticipat- ed. Both of these changes result in reduced food production and negative economic ripple NORWEGIAN CLIMATE RESEARCH: An Arctic success: effects. WARMER IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN The world’s largest ground station for In addition to the Himalayas, mountain ranges Norwegian measurements show that parts of satellites in polar orbits such as the Andes, the Rocky Mountains and the East Greenland current in Framstredet is located in Svalbard. the Alps are in danger. These ranges are of have become between two and three degrees Photo: major importance for the flow of rivers in warmer just during the last ten years. This Norwegian Space Centre periods of low precipitation. area of the sea between Greenland and Sval- bard is over 2500 metres deep, and measure- Norway has considerable expertise in the ments made here take the pulse of the sea in area of snow, ice and glaciers, which will be the far north of the world. The observations further reinforced by the building of the new from Framstredet in 2007 and 2008 show that Centre for Ice, Climate & Ecosystems (ICE). the larger proportion of the ice is now first- The Minister of the Environment has there- year ice, and that there is little multi-year ice. fore, in collaboration with the United Nations Previously, most of the ice was thick multi- Environmental Programme (UNEP), taken year ice. the initiative to hold a research conference in 2009 on melting of snow and ice from high-ly- Here we can study how the ecosystems in the ing glaciers. The conference will be hosted by Arctic are affected by climate change. Warm the Norwegian Polar Institute. The aim of the Atlantic water flows northwards into the Arc- conference is to disseminate knowledge and tic Ocean. The flow then follows the continen- create a basis for raising these issues higher tal shelf eastwards, while the water is cooled on the agenda of international climate work. down and becomes heavier. After several years of cooling and change of salt content, this water becomes the main flow out of the

87 Framstredet, the thickness of the ice was measured over a distance of more than 1500 kilometres. Corresponding aerial measure- ments were made north of Alaska, Canada and Siberia.

Together, these measurements by research- ers from many countries give a more accurate picture of the effects of climate change on the Arctic. This information will in its turn give a more accurate picture of the effects of the changes in the Arctic on the global climate system.

,iÃi>ÀV iÀÃÊÌ>ŽiÊÃ>“«iÃÊ Arctic Ocean. Over 90 per cent of all the ice of ice cores in Fram- drift out of the Arctic Ocean goes via Fram- stredet between Greenland stredet. These observations have been made and Svalbard. In the as part of the international research project background we see the “Integrated Arctic Ocean Observing System” icebreaker and the Coast (iAOOS), which is perhaps the largest project Guard vessel “Svalbard”. under the auspices of the International Polar ,iÃi>ÀV Ê i«ÃÊ̜ÊiÝ«>ˆ˜Ê Year. Through the project, detailed measure- the connection between ments have, for the first time, been made Arctic and global climate throughout the Arctic Ocean. Norway has change. The expedition contributed to the project by detailed meas- was possible owing to urements in Framstredet. The Norwegian good cooperation with the Meteorological Institute, the Norwegian Polar Norwegian Coast Guard Institute, the Institute of Marine Research, and funding via the Inter- Norwegian universities and the Norwegian national Polar Year. Coast Guard have all contributed. Photo: Sebastian Gerland, Satellite observations indicate a significant Norwegian Polar Institute reduction in the annual minimum size of the Arctic ice cap since the end of the 1970s. In order to map ice conditions, the thickness of the ice must also be measured. However, this is difficult, and measurement of the thickness of the ice over large areas was first made possible by the International Polar Year. In

88 THE GOVERNMENT’S HIGH NORTH STRATEGY

The 22 action points of the High North *œÃˆÌˆÛiÊ,ÕÃÈ>˜ÊÀi뜘ÃiÊ̜ÊÌ iʈ`i>ʜvÊ>Ê Strategy Pomor zone. Work on realisation is continu- ing, among other ways, through the twin town The main priorities of the Government’s High cooperation Sør-Varanger – Petsjenga and the North Strategy presented 1 December 2006 LœÀ`iÀÊÀiÈ`i˜ÌÊ ÊV>À`ÊÃV i“i° have been followed up through 22 specific action points. The status summary shows 5 Seek further measures to facilitate border that most of these action points were either crossing between Norway and Russia implemented or started by March 2009.
Ê œÀÜi}ˆ>˜‡,ÕÃÈ>˜ÊۈÃ>Ê>}Àii“i˜ÌÊi˜ÌiÀi`Ê 1. Further develop the active dialogue with ˆ˜ÌœÊvœÀViʈ˜Ê iVi“LiÀÊÓään°Ê/ ˆÃÊiÃÌ>LˆÃ iÃÊ neighbours, partners and allies on High `œVՓi˜Ì>̈œ˜ÊÀiµÕˆÀi“i˜ÌÃÊ>˜`Ê«ÀœViÃȘ}Ê North issues time, and enables a various categories of people Ü œÊÌÀ>ÛiÊvÀiµÕi˜ÌÞÊ̜ʜLÌ>ˆ˜Ê“Տ̈‡œÕÀ˜iÞÊ Active visit diplomacy in relation to the High ۈÃ>ÃÊvœÀÊLœÌ Ê œÀÜ>ÞÊ>˜`Ê,ÕÃÈ>°Ê œÀÜ>ÞÊ North has increased international awareness >ÃÊ>ÃœÊÀi`ÕVi`ÊÌ iÊ`œVՓi˜Ì>̈œ˜ÊÀiµÕˆÀi- of its importance, particularly regarding the “i˜ÌÃÊvœÀÊ,ÕÃÈ>˜ÃÊÀiÈ`i˜Ìʈ˜Ê ÕÀ“>˜ÃŽÊ Arctic dimension. and Arkhangelsk, so that these persons do not ˜iViÃÃ>ÀˆÞÊÀiµÕˆÀiʈ˜ÛˆÌ>̈œ˜Ãʈ˜ÊœÀ`iÀÊ̜ʓ>ŽiÊ 2. Strengthen the demonstration and coor- regular trips to Norway (Pomor visas). dination of Norwegian High North policy in international and regional cooperative fora 6. Investigate the need for new, research ves- sels equipped for journeys in polar waters in The High North policy has been presented in order to increase the year-round Norwegian most international, regional organisations. presence in northern waters International secretariats have been established for the Arctic Council in Tromsø and for the The Government has started work on prepar- Barents cooperation in Kirkenes. ing the decision documents for procurement of >ÊÀiÃi>ÀV ÊÛiÃÃiÊiµÕˆ««i`ÊvœÀʍœÕÀ˜iÞÃʈ˜Ê«œ>ÀÊ 3. Further develop petroleum activities in waters. The final decision on procurement and the Barents Sea through an active allocation specification will be made on completion of policy to follow up results of exploration and µÕ>ˆÌÞÊ>ÃÃÕÀ>˜Vi° the need for further exploration acreage 7. Strengthen both knowledge building in In 2008, eight exploration wells were bored in the High North and High North-relevant the Barents Sea. In TFO 2008 (assignment of research through the Research Council predefined areas) two new production licences were assigned for the Barents Sea. In the 20th ˜ÊÓääÇ]Ê "ÊÈ£Èʓˆˆœ˜ÊÜ>ÃÊ>œV>Ìi`ÊLÞÊ licensing round in 2008, 28 blocks in the Bar- Ì iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊ̜ʈ} Ê œÀÌ ‡ÀiiÛ>˜ÌÊ ents Sea were announced. research. The fiscal budget for 2008 included an increase of approximately NOK 20 million, 4. Prepare a proposal for establishment of Ü ˆiÊÌ iÊwÃV>ÊLÕ`}iÌÊvœÀÊÓää™Ê«ÀœÛˆ`i`ÊvœÀÊ an economic and industrial cooperation an increase of approximately NOK 70 million, zone including both Norwegian and Rus- particularly within the priority areas innova- sian territory in the border areas of the High tion and business development. North

89 8. Strengthen marine safety in the waters 12. Continue engagement regarding nuclear surrounding Svalbard, among other ways, safety and preparedness in the High North by making the Harbour Act applicable to Svalbard and introducing a compulsory pilot Norway is due to complete the fifth and last service dismantling of decommissioned nuclear ÃÕL“>Àˆ˜iÃʈ˜ÊÓää™°Ê œÀÜ>Þ½ÃÊVœ˜ÌÀˆLṎœ˜ÊÌœÊ The Harbour Act was made applicable to the clearing up of Andreyev Bay will continue -Û>L>À`ʜ˜Ê£Ê >ÞÊÓään°Ê
ÊVœ“«ÕÃœÀÞÊ«ˆœÌÊ with a long-term perspective. The last highly service is under consideration. radioactive strontium batteries in lighthouse >˜ÌiÀ˜Ãʈ˜Ê˜œÀÌ ‡ÜiÃÌiÀ˜Ê,ÕÃÈ>Ê܈ÊLiÊÌ>Ži˜Ê 9. Strengthen the cooperation with the out of service this year. authorities of Russia and other countries in combating illegal, unregulated and unregis- 13. Develop environmental technology for tered fishing in the Barents Sea and in the High North by means of strength- ened R&D investments œœ«iÀ>̈œ˜ÊÜˆÌ Ê,ÕÃÈ>ÊÀiÃՏÌi`ʈ˜Ê>ÊÀi`ÕV̈œ˜Ê ˆ˜ÊœÛiÀwà ˆ˜}ʜvÊVœ`ʜvÊÈäÊ«iÀÊVi˜ÌÊvÀœ“ÊÓääxÊ The Government is to give priority to Arc- to 2007. ̈VÊÌiV ˜œœ}ްʘÊÓää™]ÊÌ iÊ«Àœ}À>““iÊÌ iÊ ,iÃi>ÀV ʘˆÌˆ>̈ÛiÊvœÀÊ œÀÌ iÀ˜Ê œÀÜ>ÞÊ܈Ê 10. Strengthen efforts to follow up the com- Liʈ˜ˆÌˆ>Ìi`Ê՘`iÀÊÌ iÊ>ÕëˆViÃʜvÊÌ iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê prehensive management plan through sur- Council of Norway. One of the priority areas is vey and monitoring of the marine environ- environmental technology in cold climate. ment and research into ecosystems and the ways they are affected by human activities 14. Implement more knowledge and development projects under Barents 2020 A systematic survey of the seabed in northern Ü>ÌiÀÃÊ­
,
"Ê«Àœ}À>““i®ÊÜ>ÃÊLi}Õ˜Ê A number of projects intended to provide more ˆ˜ÊÓääx]Ê>˜`ʓ>ÞÊLiÊVœ“«iÌi`ʈ˜ÊÓä£ä°Ê/ iÊ knowledge in, for and concerning the High >œV>̈œ˜ÊœvÊ "Ê£n°nʓˆˆœ˜Êˆ˜ÊÓää™ÊˆÃÊ North are to be supported via the Ministry of ̜ÊLiÊ`ˆÛˆ`i`ÊiµÕ>ÞÊLiÌÜii˜ÊÌ iÊ ˆ˜ˆÃÌÀÞʜvÊ Foreign Affairs grant scheme. Several visiting Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, the Ministry of professorships have been established or are in the Environment and the Ministry of Trade and process of establishment. Industry. 15. Establish a High North scholarship pro- 11. Strengthen survey, monitoring and re- gramme financed by Barents 2020 funds search of climate change and environmental toxins in the High North The programme was established in 2007. Each Þi>À]Ê>««ÀœÝˆ“>ÌiÞÊxäÊÃÌÕ`i˜ÌÃÊvÀœ“ÊÌ iÊ1-
]Ê “BarentsWatch”: a pilot project financed by Bar- >˜>`>Ê>˜`Ê,ÕÃÈ>ÊÃÌÕ`ÞÊ>ÌÊ œÀÌ Ê œÀÜi}ˆ>˜Ê ents 2020 funds for development of a compre- education institutions. hensive monitoring and warning system for the northern seas. Further process is to be decided ˆ˜Ê >ÀV ÊÓä䙰

90 16. Increase the focus on cultural coopera- 20. Consider supporting efforts to start up tion in the High North, particularly with goods traffic in the transport corridor from Russia Central Asia to North America through the port of Narvik People-to-people cooperation and the culture dimension in the High North Strategy have The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sounded contributed to increased cooperation in the Bar- out other countries’ interest in such a project. ents region, and have resulted in closer contact There did not appear to be sufficient inter- between communities in Northern Norway national interest with regard to cost coverage. >˜`ʘœÀÌ ‡ÜiÃÌiÀ˜Ê,ÕÃÈ>°Ê˜Ê>˜Õ>ÀÞÊÓää™]Ê>Ê A minimum variant is now being considered cultural agreement was signed by the ministers involving transport to St. Petersburg or Moscow of culture of the two countries. as a first step.

17. Consider measures increasing recruit- 21. Consider whether there is a basis for ment of competent and relevant foreign investigating new transport solutions, such manpower to the High North as a railway from Nikel to Kirkenes, and whether there is a market for new air New regulations enabling unskilled workers services on the Northern Cap in the Barents region to obtain work permits ˆ˜Ê œÀÌ iÀ˜Ê œÀÜ>ÞÊi˜ÌiÀi`ʈ˜ÌœÊvœÀViʜ˜Ê£Ê A railway line from Kirkenes to Nikel has been iVi“LiÀÊÓään°Ê œ˜Ãˆ`iÀ>LiÊivvœÀÌÃÊ>ÀiÊ>ÃœÊ considered in work on the national transport being made to make this easier for skilled work- «>˜ÊÓä£äqÓ䣙ʭ /*®°ÊÌʈÃÊ>ÃÃՓi`ÊÌ >ÌÊÌ ˆÃÊ iÀÃÊ­ÃiiÊ>V̈œ˜Ê«œˆ˜ÌÊx®° must still be viewed as an industrial project. Local interest for various railway solutions 18. Encourage increased efforts in bio- must be viewed in context and in relation to prospecting and development of new ÌÀ>vwVÊۜÕ“iðÊ,>ˆÜ>ÞÊ܏Ṏœ˜ÃÊà œÕ`ÊLiÊ products based on marine organisms included in a study on development of the transport system in the High North (see action A state secretary committee chaired by the point 22). Measures for developing airports are Ministry of Trade and Industry is due to submit being considered in connection with work on ˆÌÃÊÀi«œÀÌʈ˜ÊÓä䙰ʘÊ
«ÀˆÊÓään]ÊÌ iÊ-̜À̈˜}Ê /*ÊÓä£äqÓ䣙° >`œ«Ìi`Ê>ʘiÜÊ >Àˆ˜iÊ,iÜÕÀViÃÊ
VÌ]ÊÜ ˆV Ê also provides rules concerning marine bio- 22. Conduct a broader analysis of existing prospecting. An international conference was transport infrastructure and developmental i`ʈ˜Ê/Àœ“éʈ˜ÊiLÀÕ>ÀÞÊÓä䙰Ê/ iÊœÛiÀ˜- needs in the High North in connection with ment is developing a national strategy for ma- work on NTP 2010–2019 rine biotechnology with a primary emphasis on marine bioprospecting, which will be published
ÃÊ>Ê«>ÀÌʜvÊܜÀŽÊœ˜Ê /*ÊÓä£äqÓ䣙]ÊÌ iÊ ˆ˜Ê>ÕÌՓ˜ÊÓä䙰 transport authorities have considered the infrastructure and recommended measures. 19. Provide for increased research into The Government wishes a clear strengthening farming of cod and other marine species of investments in Northern Norway. In work on /*ÊÓä£äqÓ䣙]Ê>ÊÃÌÕ`Þʜ˜Ê`iÛiœ«“i˜ÌʜvÊÌ iÊ The cod farming measures of Innovation transport system in the High North has been œÀÜ>ÞÊ>˜`ÊÌ iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê œÕ˜VˆÊ >ÛiÊLii˜Ê considered. strengthened. Cod is also given priority by the marine wealth creation programme.

91 The Government’s Sources of further information: High North Strategy was The High North portal is a collection of web presented on Regjeringens pages for information on issues concerning nordområdestrategi £Ê iVi“LiÀÊÓääÈ° the High North provided by the Government and the ministries. The purpose of the portal is to increase knowledge concerning the High North and concerning Norwegian policy in this area. It provides a collection of relevant articles, speeches and central documents as well as links to other websites concerning the High North. The High North portal can be found in the pages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the website regjeringen.no: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/cam- paign/the-high-north.html

Photo front page: Arild Lyssand/MFA Norway, the Norwegian Coast Guard, Jan Fredrik Frantzen/Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, Kjell Ove Storvik/Norwegian Seafood Export Council, StatoilHydro, Christian Houge, Scanpix, Elkem

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