The Contribution of Space Technologies to Arctic Policy Priorities

B.1.3 Finland Finland’s Strategy for the Arctic Region Facts in Brief Jurisdiction: Finland

Responsible Organizations: The Finish government Status: Issued by the Prime Minister’s Office July 5 th 2010

Type: Government strategy Coverage: Finland/Arctic Web link: http://vnk.fi/julkaisukansio/2010/j07-suomen-arktinen-08-finlands-strategy/pdf/en.pdf

Finland’s Strategy for the Arctic Region defines the goals of Finland’s Arctic policy and means for their promotion. It discusses the region’s security, environment, economy, infrastructure, indigenous peoples, international institutions and the European Union’s Arctic policy. The fundamental observations of the Strategy deal with the utilization of Finland’s Arctic know-how, research, strengthening of the Arctic Council and development of the EU’s Arctic policy.

Policy Objectives

Sovereignty

Finland has few sovereignty issues. After the end of the cold war the strategic importance of the long border with Russia has diminished Promote Nuclear Safety, especially on the Kola peninsula The increase in sea transportation is the biggest threat to Arctic marine ecosystems. Safety systems are inadequate. Climate change is one of the most serious challenges to the Arctic Region. There needs to be development of regional climate models. Promote Nuclear Safety, especially on the Kola peninsula. Need long-term monitoring of the state of the environment. Risk of pollution must be minimized, long-range pollution must be monitored. Need preservation of fish stocks in northern rivers. yy Strengthen the role as an expert on Arctic know how yy Make use of Finish experience with winter shipping yy Norwegian and Russian oil and gas offers opportunities yy Tourism will increase yy Export offices in Norway and Russia It is important to develop transport networks, communications and logistics. Broadband networks must be built along the Northern Sea Route. Will ensure the participation of indigenous people. Safeguard the funding for this. The Sami are the only indigenous people in the EU.

Policy Implications

Safety

Environment

Economic Development

Indigenous and Social Development

The capability to: yy Monitor ice in the Baltic and along the Northern Sea Routes yy Communication at sea yy Monitor snow, snow amount and snow intensity

Capability Requirements

yy Monitor long range transport of pollution yy Long time monitoring of the environment

Information on:

Information Requirements

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

B.1.4 Iceland Iceland’s position in the Arctic (draft translation of Ísland á norðurslóðum) Facts in Brief Jurisdiction: Iceland

Responsible Organizations: The Icelandic government Status: Issued by the Ministry of Foreign affairs 2009

Type: Government report Coverage: Iceland/Arctic Web link: http://www.utanrikisraduneyti.is/media/Skyrslur/Skyrslan_Island_a_nordurslodumm.pdf (Icelandic version)

The main policy objectives of the strategy yy International cooperation yy Security yy Resource development and environmental protection yy Transportation yy People and culture yy Science and monitoring. The report has a heavy focus on international cooperation especially through the Arctic Council.

Policy Objectives

51 B. INVENTORY OF ARCTIC POLICIES AND INDUSTRY INTERESTS