Canada. Congratulations, you represent Canadian interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention!

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1 Canada Congratulations, you represent Canadian interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt from Canada s on-line article entitled National Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces : For the purposes of this analysis, the Arctic Region is defined as being north of 60 degrees latitude. This region consists of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik (northern Quebec), all of Labrador; extending from Alaska in the west to Davis Strait in the east, and from 60 degrees north to over 83 degrees north. 4 It also includes the Arctic Archipelago. Combined, these areas represent approximately 40 percent of the country s landmass, and almost two-thirds of its coastline. 5 List two reasons Canada gives in this passage to support defining the region in favor of latitude: 1) It represents approximately 40 percent of the country s landmass. 2) It represents almost two-thirds of its coastline From a defense perspective, one of the most pressing issues is the possibility of a renewal of boundary disputes that have remained dormant, primarily due to the region s inaccessibility. Canada is currently working with other Arctic nations to deal with the issue of claims through various international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Arctic Council. One such dispute is with the United States, where there are differences with respect to the boundary extension into the Beaufort Sea. Another is with Denmark regarding the ownership of Hans Island in the Lincoln Strait. 31 However, of heightened importance to Canada s sovereignty is its control of the historic Inland waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and the dispute over the actual status of the Northwest Passage. 32 Although no one disputes the fact that the passage is Canadian, there is disagreement over its use as an international versus internal waterway. With so much at stake in terms of economic development in the Arctic, it can be anticipated that territorial, passage, and resource disputes will, at the very minimum, be a source of ongoing tensions within the region. In fact, nations have already begun to flex their military and diplomat muscles in order to reinforce specific claims. List two reasons why it is important for Canada to be a part of decisions made by the council? 1) There is a renewal of boundary disputes. 2) Economic development is at stake. 3) There are territorial, passage and resource disputes that are a source of tension in the region. Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that sovereignty rights over the Northwest Passage are important? 1

2 Denmark/Greenland Congratulations, you represent Greenland s interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! You will play the part of Denmark/Greenland that wants to define the region in terms of its economic potential. Read the following excerpt from the Kingdom of Denmark s Strategy for the Arctic: It is our common objective that the Arctic and its current potential must be developed to promote sustainable growth and social sustainability. This development must take place firstly to the benefit of the inhabitants of the Arctic and go hand in hand in safeguarding the Arctic s environment.commercial opportunities in the Arctic are enormous, not least for the Greenland, Faroese and Danish industries, which to a great extent already possess the skills that will be far more in demand with the development of the Arctic region. List two reasons Denmark gives in this passage to support defining the region in favor of economic potential. 1. (Possible answer): Commercial opportunities are enormous 2. (Possible answer): The development must benefit the inhabitants of the Arctic 3. (Possible answer): The Arctic has potential that must be developed to promote sustainable growth. The Kingdom of Denmark is centrally located in the Arctic. The three parts of the Realm Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands share a number of values and interests and all have a responsibility in and for the Arctic region. The Arctic makes up an essential part of the common cultural heritage, and is home to part of the Kingdom s population. Why should other key players listen to you and support your cause? List a minimum of two reasons from the passage above that support your authority in Arctic affairs. 1. (Possible answer) centrally located in the Arctic. 2. (Possible answer) common cultural heritage in the Arctic Think beyond your notes. Why would a country like Denmark need the Arctic territory to maintain a sustainable economy and population? 2

3 Iceland Congratulations, you represent Iceland s interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt from A Parliamentary Resolution on Iceland s Arctic Policy ( Securing Iceland's position as a coastal State within the Arctic region as regards influencing its development as well as international decisions on regional issues on the basis of legal, economic, ecological and geographical arguments. This will among other things be based on the fact that since the northern part of the Icelandic Exclusive Economic Zone falls within the Arctic and extends to the Greenland Sea adjoining the Arctic Ocean, Iceland has both territory and rights to sea areas north of the Arctic Circle. The Government shall in parallel develop the arguments which support this objective, in cooperation with relevant institutions. Promoting understanding of the fact that the Arctic region extends both to the North Pole area proper and the part of the North Atlantic Ocean which is closely connected to it. The Arctic should not be limited to a narrow geographical definition but rather be viewed as an extensive area when it comes to ecological, economic, political and security matters. List two reasons why Iceland defines the Arctic region in terms of oceanic boundaries south of the Arctic Circle: 1) Iceland is located just south of the Arctic Circle yet it depends on the region for its economy. 2) Iceland claims rights to the waters north of the Arctic Circle. 3) The Greenland Sea connects to the Arctic Ocean. Iceland is geographically located by the Arctic Circle and is therefore within the Arctic. Icelanders, more than other nations, rely on the fragile resources of the Arctic region, for example the industries of fishing, tourism and energy production. Therefore, it is of vital importance that Iceland secures its position as a coastal State among other coastal States in the region (i.e. Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway and Denmark on behalf of Greenland). Emphasis should be placed on developing legal, ecological, economic and geographical arguments for Iceland's participation in international decision-making on Arctic issues, contingent to the fact that the exclusive economic zone is within the Arctic Circle to the north and extends to the Greenland Sea, which is an outlying portion of the Arctic Ocean. List two reasons why it is important for Iceland to be a part of decisions made by the council? 1) Icelanders rely on the fragile resources of the Arctic region. 2) The economy of Iceland is dependant on Arctic industries such as fishing, tourism and energy production. Think beyond your notes, what is an economic zone and how would it be important in defining geographic boundaries? 3

4 Sweden Congratulations, you represent Sweden s interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt from Sweden s Strategy for the Arctic Region ( There is no uniform definition of what the Arctic actually is. The region is made up of an ocean (the Arctic Ocean) surrounded by sovereign states. There is however a fundamental difference between the Arctic and the Antarctic, with the latter being a continent surrounded by an ocean. In connection with the establishment of the Arctic Council, the various members adopted a common political definition. According to this definition, the Arctic includes all areas north of the Arctic Circle and the associated eight Arctic states, i.e. Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, the United States and Sweden. The countries that have observer status in the Arctic Council have de facto accepted the same definition. As a result of this regional practice, it can be said that this political definition of the Arctic has significant status in international law. The interpretation is further strengthened by the fact that international bodies refer to the Arctic and the Arctic states as the area north of the Arctic Circle and the eight Arctic states. Give two reasons to support the statement that Sweden has given the arctic region a political definition. Possible answers may include: 1) It has significant status in international law. 2) The area includes the associated eight sovereign states Moreover, deeper Nordic and European cooperation means that Sweden is increasingly affected by other countries policies and priorities in the Arctic. It is in Sweden s interest that new emerging activities are governed by common and robust regulatory frameworks and above all that they focus on environmental sustainability. Sweden will work to ensure that the Arctic remains a region where security policy tensions are low. In bilateral and multilateral contexts, Sweden should emphasise the importance of an approach based on a broad concept of security, and that the use of civil instruments is preferable to military means. List two reasons why it is important for Sweden to cooperate with other countries in the Arctic Council? 1) It is affected by other countries policies and priorities in the Arctic. 2) The use of civil instruments is preferable to military means. Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that political boundaries in this region are an important consideration? 4

5 Norway Congratulations, you represent Norwegian interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt from The Norwegian Government s High North Strategy ( There is growing recognition of the importance of the High North for Norway as a whole. New political working methods are taking shape. Sustainable development in the north is not just a regional policy aim; it is of strategic importance for the entire country. The focus has been mainly on marine resources, and the Norwegian High North tends to be primarily associated with the opportunities and challenges relating to the sea. But it is on land that people live their lives. The Government s policy is to take a broad approach to settlement, employment, value creation, education, culture and cross-border contact in the north. List two reasons Norway gives in this passage to support defining the region in favor of natural resources: 1) The focus has mainly been on marine resources. 2) Sustainable development in the north is not just a regional policy aim, it is of strategic importance for the entire country. An inter-ministerial committee, headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has coordinated the work on the strategy. Additional expertise has been provided by an external committee of experts chaired by the Rector of the University of Tromsø, Jarle Aarbakke, who has drawn on the knowledge and experience to be found in the High North. We have also maintained close contact with a large number of groups and institutions in the High North, and with regional authorities and the Sámidiggi (the Sami Parliament)... This strategy sets out the framework for our efforts in the High North. The government will act as prime mover and facilitator, and has already invested considerable resources in major programmes in the north, including research and efforts to implement the integrated management plan for the Barents Sea Lofoten area. But a modern partnership has room for a wider range of actors: from the public and private sectors as well as other Norwegian and international partners. List at least two reasons why should other key players listen to you and support your cause. 1) An inter-ministerial committee has coordinated the work on the strategy. 2) They have maintained close contact with the Sami Parliament. 3) The government has invested considerable resources in major programs in the north. Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that natural resources in this region are important? 5

6 Finland Congratulations, you represent Finnish interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt from Finland s Strategy for the Arctic Region (formin.finland.fi/public/download.aspx?id=63216&guid ): Changes occurring in the Arctic Region 3 require that Finland make an overall assessment of the prevailing conditions and how they are changing. As an Arctic country, Finalnd has a natural interest in Arctic affairs. In particular, Arctic issues concern Finland s northern regions and population. Much of Finalnd s surface in included in the subarctic climate zone; seen as a whole, Finland is one of the northernmost countries in the world. Using a map and the excerpt above, list two reasons Finland defines the region in terms of climate rather than latitude: 1) Much of Finland s surface is included in the subarctic climate zone. 2) All of the country is located south of the Arctic Circle. Finland has played an important role in presenting initiatives on Arctic issues and is a party to most organizations and treaties concerning Arctic and northern regions. Finland s Arctic expertise, know-how and research are internationally recognized. The Sami in Finland are an Arctic indigenous people, whose status has been secured in the Constitution. Finland underlies that indigenous peoples need to be consulted and they must be able to participate in decision-making in matters affecting them, as stipulated by international law. List at least two reasons why should other key players listen to you and support your cause. 1) Finland is active in most organizations and treaties concerning the Arctic. 2) Finland s Arctic expertise and research are internationally recognized. 3) The Sami play and active role in their government. Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe climate is more important than latitude in this region? 6

7 United States Congratulations, you represent US interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt and map from Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress ( Definition in Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 Section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L of July 31, 1984) 4 defines the Arctic as follows: As used in this title, the term Arctic means all United States and foreign territory north of the Arctic Circle and all United States territory north and west of the boundary formed by the Porcupine, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers [in Alaska]; all contiguous seas, including the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort, Bering, and Chukchi Seas; and the Aleutian chain. This definition, which is codified at 15 U.S.C. 4111, 5 includes certain parts of Alaska below the Arctic Circle, including the Aleutian Islands and portions of central and western mainland Alaska, such as the Seward Peninsula and the Yukon Delta. Figure 1 below shows the Arctic area of Alaska as defined by ARPA: Which of the methods of determining the arctic best fits the US definition? Why is this method most advantageous to the US? Using summer average temperature less than 10 degrees Celsius best fits the US definition (isothermic). It is most advantageous to the US because this method includes more of the US territory and coastline than the other methods. The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region s future. Issues such as Arctic sovereignty 7

8 claims; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, competition, or conflict. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress, the executive branch, foreign governments, international organizations, and commercial firms make on Arctic related issues could significantly affect these interests. List two reasons why it is important for the United States to be a part of decisions made by the council? 1) US human activities may have led to much of the damage that has been done to the climate problems. 2) The economy of the US is affected by Arctic industries such as shipping and energy production. 3) Disputes in the area may cause a security threat to the United States and its allies. Think beyond your notes. How might a country with more shoreline in this region have an advantage over others? 8

9 Russia Congratulations, you represent Russian interests in the Arctic at the Arctic Region Convention! Read the following excerpt from Vladimir Putin s speech at the Second International Arctic Forum ( The Northern Sea Route (NSR) occupies a special place here. We are planning to turn it into a key commercial route of global importance. I'd like to emphasize that we see its future as an international transport artery capable of competing with traditional sea routes in cost of services, safety and quality. The shortest way between the biggest markets of Europe and the Asia-Pacific region lies through the Arctic. It is almost one-third shorter than the traditional southern route and presents a great opportunity to reduce shipping costs. By using it, states and private companies will gain tangible economic benefits. Climate change, which is gradually increasing the navigation period, and technical progress are paving the way to new, still unexplored areas of the Far North, where economic activity is likely to grow. Today, we had a video conference with one of such growth point. I'm referring to the Prirazlomnoye deposit on the shelf of the Pechora Sea. We have already installed one of the world's largest hydrocarbon platforms there. Russia is starting to develop the Arctic shelf and opening a new chapter in the history of Arctic exploration. Very soon it will contain pages on the commissioning of the Shtokman deposit in the Barents Sea and the development of resources in the Kara Sea and on the Yamal Peninsula. You know about Rosneft's agreement on long-term strategic cooperation with the American company ExxonMobil, one of the world's leaders in this field. They plan to build a special centre in St Petersburg to provide scientific and technical support for shelf projects, including the study of environmental issues. What are the two most important issues that Russia will examine to determine the borders of the Arctic region? Why are they important? Possible responses must include: 1) The Northern Sea Route 2) Oil deposits 3) Both will expand their economy. All our plans will be carried out in compliance with the toughest environmental standards. A careful, civilised (sic) attitude to nature is a requirement of all development programmes. Active economic development of the Arctic will be beneficial only if we maintain a rational balance between economic interests and environmental protection for the long term, not just for 10, 15 or 20 years. I mentioned the Prirazlomnoye deposit, where oil production is expected to last for at least 25 years and, hence, environmental support must be provided for this entire period. The Shtokman deposit is expected to last for 50 years. This is why only long-term environmental monitoring can help us achieve the balance I mentioned. Russia's position is borne out by its participation in the Arctic Council's first collective fund, an instrument of financial support for environmental initiatives, including those aimed at dealing with Arctic problem zones. List at least two reasons why other key players should not try to prevent you from developing oil interests in the Arctic region. 1) Russia maintains tough environmental standards. 2) Russia belongs to the Arctic Council and is giving financial support for environmental projects. Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that natural resource rights in this region are important? Write a brief paragraph response 9

10 Greenpeace Congratulations, you represent environmental activists in the Arctic! At the Arctic Region Convention you will play the part of organizations such as Greenpeace, that want to define the region in terms of its indigenous ecosystems the people and animals that live there. Read the following excerpt from Greenpeace International s Arctic Impact Campaign ( The Arctic's extreme weather and freezing temperatures, its remote location and the presence of moving sea ice severely increase the risks of oil drilling, complicate logistics and present unparalleled difficulties for any clean-up operation. Its fragile ecosystem is particularly vulnerable to an oil spill and the consequences of an accident would have a profound effect on the environment and local fisheries. The Arctic is home to four million people, many of whom are descendants of Indigenous communities who have lived in the Far North for thousands of years. It also houses a diverse range of unique wildlife: hundreds of species of seabirds, millions of migrating birds; 17 different species of whale live there, while experts believe that 90% of the world's narwhal population can be found in Baffin Bay alone. Mammals including Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes and various species of seal inhabit the Arctic at different points throughout the year. The impact of a spill on these communities and already vulnerable animal species would be devastating and long-lasting. List two reasons Greenpeace gives in this passage to support defining the region in favor of indigenous people and animals. 1. (possible answer): the ecosystem is fragile and an oil spill would adversely affect the environment and fisheries 2. (possible answer): the Arctic is home to 4 million people as well as a diverse population of birds, whales and narwhals, and other mammals. We've raised global awareness about the dangers of Arctic oil drilling, climbed oil rigs to obstruct operations, mobilized nearly three million people and celebrated as major oil companies backed off plans to drill in the Arctic. View a timeline of our campaign. We won't stop until the Arctic is declared a global sanctuary. ( Greenpeace was founded in 1971 by a small group of anti-war protesters taking nonviolent direct action against US nuclear weapons testing. Today, taking action is as important as ever to the way we campaign for a greener, more peaceful and equitable world. Guiding all of our actions, always, is our commitment to nonviolence and personal responsibility. We have no permanent allies or enemies. We don't solicit or accept funding from governments, corporations or political parties, or donations which could compromise our independence, aims, objectives or integrity. Instead, we rely on the voluntary donations of individual supporters and grant-support from foundations. ( Why should other key players listen to you and support your cause? List a minimum of two reasons from the passage above that support your authority in Arctic affairs. 1. (possible answer) 42 years of experience of nonviolent action for world causes 2. (possible answer) 3 million people successfully raising global awareness of the Arctic 3. (possible answer) workers all independent volunteers Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that protecting ecosystems in this region is important? 10

11 Inuit Circumpolar Conference Congratulations, you represent Inuit interests in the Arctic! At the Arctic Region Convention you will play the part of the circumpolar world Inuit Nunaat, that want to define the region in terms of its indigenous population. Read the following excerpt from A Circumpolar Inuit Declaration of Sovereignty in the Arctic ( Inuit live in the vast, circumpolar region of land, sea and ice known as the Arctic. We depend on the marine and terrestrial plants and animals supported by the coastal zones of the Arctic Ocean, the tundra and the sea ice. The Arctic is our home. From time immemorial, Inuit have been living in the Arctic. Our home in the circumpolar world, Inuit Nunaat, stretches from Greenland to Canada, Alaska and the coastal regions of Chukotka, Russia. Our use and occupation of Arctic lands and waters pre-dates recorded history. Our unique knowledge, experience of the Arctic, and language are the foundation of our way of life and culture. List two reasons the Inuit Circumpolar Conference gives in this passage to support defining the region in favor of indigenous peoples. 1. (possible answer): The Arctic is their home and they depend on the animals and plants there. 2. (possible answer): They live in all of the countries of the Arctic and their occupation of it pre-dates recorded history. A variety of other factors, ranging from unique Inuit knowledge of Arctic ecosystems to the need for appropriate emphasis on sustainability in the weighing of resource development proposals, provide practical advantages to conducting international relations in the Arctic in partnership with Inuit. Inuit consent, expertise and perspectives are critical to progress on international issues involving the Arctic, such as global environmental security, sustainable development, militarization, commercial fishing, shipping, human health, and economic and social development. As states increasingly focus on the Arctic and its resources, and as climate change continues to create easier access to the Arctic, Inuit inclusion as active partners is central to all national and international deliberations on Arctic sovereignty and related questions, such as who owns the Arctic, who has the right to traverse the Arctic, who has the right to develop the Arctic, and who will be responsible for the social and environmental impacts increasingly facing the Arctic. We have unique knowledge and experience to bring to these deliberations. The inclusion of Inuit as active partners in all future deliberations on Arctic sovereignty will benefit both the Inuit community and the international community. Why should other key players listen to you and support your cause? List a minimum of two reasons from the passage above that support your authority in Arctic affairs. 1. (possible answer) unique knowledge and experience 2. (possible answer) Their perspective can benefit both the Inuit community and the international community Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that indigenous rights in this region are important? 11

12 Exxon Mobil Congratulations, you represent oil interests in the Arctic! At the Arctic Region Convention you will play the part of corporations, such as Exxon Mobil, that want to define the region in terms of its natural resources. Read the following excerpt from an Arctic Leadership pamphlet distributed by Exxon Mobil ( "A growing global economy requires energy from multiple potential sources. The Arctic provides the world s largest remaining frontier of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources. With energy demand projected to be about 30 percent higher in 2040 than it was in 2010, arctic resources will play an important role in helping to provide the supplies needed to meet growing demand." List two reasons Exxon Mobil gives in this passage to support defining the region in favor of natural resources. 1. (possible answer): world's largest spot of undiscovered oil and gas reserves 2. (possible answer): energy demands are going to increase over time; our global economy needs more energy sources "ExxonMobil s leadership in arctic and sub-arctic operations is based on 90 years of experience in this environment, a history of pioneering achievements in the Arctic and a sustained commitment to Arctic technology research and development. We are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way, working with indigenous people to develop resources in a manner compatible with their traditional way of life and the natural environment. ExxonMobil has a strong portfolio of assets and opportunities in a range of Arctic environments that will allow us to continue our legacy of delivering complex, integrated projects on time and on budget." Why should other key players listen to you and support your cause? List a minimum of two reasons from the passage above that support your authority in Arctic affairs. 1. (possible answer) 90 years of experience working in the environment 2. (possible answer) commitment to technology research in the arctic 3. (possible answer) work closely with indigenous Arctic peoples for less damage to their lifestyle Think beyond your notes. Why do you believe that finding and extracting natural resources in this region is important? 12