The Contribution of Space Technologies to Arctic Policy Priorities

Germany’s Interests in Arctic Region Policy Implications Sovereignty

Germany has no national borders in the Arctic; the protection of national territory is therefore not an issue. However, Germany encourages the settlement of territorial disputes through UNCLOS and other relevant processes to further the objectives of safe transportation, access to resources and environmental protection. Germany is also supporting the development of military strategies (within appropriate frameworks of international collaboration, such as NATO) to secure trade routes and access to resources. As a major exporting economy, maritime trade routes are of critical importance to Germany. Accordingly, the safety of marine transportation in Arctic waters, including coordinated search and rescue activities, are a major objective of German Arctic policy. As a global leader in environmental issues, Germany promotes environmental protection in the Arctic, including the mitigation of climate change and pollution impacts on the Arctic environment, flora and fauna. The development of a national Arctic strategy and an international Arctic treaty are currently being debated in the German parliament. Germany is investing heavily in polar research programs covering scientific, governance and socio- economic issues in the Arctic. Access to natural resources and safe and secure maritime trade routes constitute major Arctic objectives for Germany. Accordingly, Germany is working actively through international collaborative channels (EU, NATO, Arctic Council, etc.) to achieve these objectives

Safety

Environment

Economic Development

Indigenous and Social Development

Arctic indigenous and social development is not a primary policy objective for Germany.

The capability to: yy Evaluate effects of climate change on the Arctic

Capability Requirements

yy Monitor long range transport of pollution yy Long time monitoring of the environment yy Apply instruments of international law and multilateral governance yy Establish military policy and regional security yy Implement environmental standards yy Provide safe and secure transportation across maritime trade routes yy Provide effective search and rescue capabilities throughout the Arctic yy Provide access to critical natural resources (primarily oil and gas) yy Effective response to environmental emergencies

Information on: yy Environmental conditions

Information Requirements

yy Comprehensive situational awareness yy Rate and impacts of climate change yy Navigation and environmental hazards

B.1.12 France Arctic Policy of France Facts in Brief

Jurisdiction: France Responsible Organizations: Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment

Status: France is increasingly articulating its interests in the Arctic, which include climate change, maritime security, natural resources, as well as geopolitical issues. A permanent observer on the Arctic Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, France is the only non-arctic country with a dedicated Arctic (and Antarctic) ambassador (i.e. Michel Rocard). Type: Diplomatic outreach and negotiations via Arctic ambassador. Coverage: Arctic Web links: http://www.defense.gouv.fr/irsem/publications/laboratoire/laboratoire http://www.senat.fr/rap/r06-230/r06-230.html http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020949548&dateTexte=&categorieLien=id http://questions.assembleenationale.fr/q13/13-43770QE.htm Centered on the principal issues of climate change, maritime security and the exploitation of natural resources, French Arctic policy emphasizes that governance of the Arctic should be globally designed to reflect not only the interests of Arctic states, but the concerns of global Arctic stakeholders.

Policy Objectives

59 B. INVENTORY OF ARCTIC POLICIES AND INDUSTRY INTERESTS