The Contribution of Space Technologies to Arctic Policy Priorities

B.1.2 Sweden Sweden’s Strategy for the Arctic Region Facts in Brief Jurisdiction: Sweden

Responsible Organizations: The Swedish government Status: Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 12 th 2011

Type: Government strategy Coverage: Sweden/Arctic Web link: http://www.sweden.gov.se/download/9168f21a.pdf?major=1&minor=186174&cn=attachmentPublD uplicator_0_attachment

Policy Objectives

The main policy objectives of the strategy yy Climate and the environment

yy Economic development yy The human dimension. The strategy has a focus on international cooperation. The strategy is closely connected to the Swedish program for their chairmanship of the Arctic Council

Policy Implications

Sovereignty

There are few sovereignty implications for Sweden. Will work to support international law There are few safety implications in the Swedish strategy. Wants to improve cross border cooperation in Search and Rescue. Fuels production in the Arctic will positively affect European fuel security The strategy has environment protection as a main objective, climate change being paramount. By developing and disseminating knowledge on how the Arctic is affected by climate change, the Arctic Council can raise the bar with regards to international climate efforts. Important knowledge is fostered within the framework of forums such as the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and the Arctic Council’s Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON). Transported pollutants, a wider use of environmental impact assessments, challenges to biodiversity connected to oil and gas and climate research are also important issues Economic development is important in the Swedish strategy. Sweden has significant industrial policy interests in the Barents region, which contains major ore, mineral, forest and fish assets, i.e. sectors in which Swedish industry is strong and has extensive research expertise. Increased trade and cooperation in energy- and raw material-related sectors have been given high priority in Sweden and would help to achieve economic, energy and environmentally related objectives. Swedish industry should seek opportunities in other Arctic countries especially related to resource extraction The economic development of the Sami population is important; reindeer herding, hunting and fishing. Will combat negative health and social effects of climate change, hazardous substances, and resource extraction. Sweden will promote and preserve the Sami language. yy Improvement of transport infrastructure yy More free trade yy Promote Swedish technology yy Work for the adoption of IMOs Polar Code yy More research cooperation

Safety

Environment

Economic Development

Indigenous and Social Development

Capability Requirements

The capability to: yy Monitor ice in the Baltic yy Communication at sea yy Monitor snow, snow amount and snow intensity yy Monitor long range transport of pollution yy Telemedicine for remote areas

Information Requirements

Information on:

yy Ice and snow yy Rate of climate change yy Navigation hazards yy Ships in the area yy Potential environmental hazards.

CONTRIBUTION OF SPACE TECHNOLOGIES TO ARCTIC POLICY PRIORITIES 50