Nachhaltigkeit in der Arktis - Auslandsbüro Baltische Staaten
Seminar
Details
Sustainable development and sustainability have hence become omnipresent catchwords when it comes to human activity in the Arctic region. The frequent use of these terms demonstrates the high level of awareness and commitment towards a precautionary approach in the circumpolar North, but also carries the risk of being hollowed out or overused while lacking substance. As sustainability is nothing that can easily be measured, regular and systematic exchanges between a multitude of Arctic stakeholders are essential to ensure a responsible approach towards Arctic resources, its environment and communities.
Scientists deliver invaluable contributions to the steadily growing body of knowledge on Arctic environmental, political, economic and societal issues. Their research and expertise informs policymakers and entrepreneurs alike, who in turn bring up and inspire new research topics by voicing their own concerns, experiences and perspectives. It is this continuous and mutual exchange of ideas between science, politics, business and local stakeholders that is vital for the promotion and monitoring of sustainability in the Arctic.
Therefore, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation would like to bring together a wide range of stakeholders and analysts to give them the opportunity to share their experiences and expertise.
This seminar seeks to draw attention to the multiple ways in which sustainability in the Eurasian Arctic region can be approached. In doing so, it does not limit itself to one specific industry or group of actors, but seeks to encourage an integrated discussion connecting political, economic and societal dimensions of Arctic sustainability.
While a first workshop in Oslo 2013 primarily addressed economic opportunities and the responsible use of Arctic natural resources, the 2014 seminar seeks to enhance the dialogue between policymakers, business representatives, scientists and local stakeholders. The aim is to facilitate a constructive and open exchange of views in a holistic approach, organized along three thematic clusters:
•Addressing environmental and socio-economic changes in the Arctic region
•Local stakeholders’ perspectives
•The impact of international cooperation on sustainability in the Arctic
Program
Monday, September 08
10.00Opening remarks
Trude Drevland, Mayor of Bergen, Høyre, Norway
Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Konrad Adenauer Foundation Nordic Countries
Svein Anders Dahl, Administrative Director, Vilvite Bergen Science Centre, Norway
10.45 Panel 1: Addressing environmental and socio-economic changes in the Arctic
The first panel aims to set the scene by briefly presenting research perspectives on the changes and challenges in the Arctic. Climate change, an increased human presence and activity in higher latitudes and subsequent socio-economic changes in the Arctic region are inextricably linked to each other. The introductory remarks present key issues of change and how they can be addressed.
Moderator: Luis Fernando Blanco, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Brussels
Stein Sandven, Director, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre, Bergen, Norway
Mikael Anzén, Arctic Council Sustainable Development Working Group, Sweden
Peter Sköld, Arctic Research Centre at Umeå University, Sweden
Adam Stepien, Researcher, Arctic Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland
13.00Lunch
14.00Panel 2: Local research and stakeholder perspectives
The increased economic activity in the Arctic region can lead to tensions between actors on the ground due to overlapping areas of interest. Additionally, the balance between resource exploitation and the conservation of the Arctic’s fragile environment poses a big challenge to all actors involved. This panel aims to trigger discussion on how such a balance could be achieved.
Moderator: Olav Orheim, Board Chairman of GRID-Arendal, Norway
Niila Inga, Association of World Reindeer Herders, Sweden
Tor Arne Morskogen, Political Adviser Tromsø County Council, Norway
Jens Christian S. Justinussen, Social sciences and politics, University of the Faroe Islands
Harald Loeng, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
Tuesday, September 9
10.00Panel 3: The impact of international cooperation on sustainability in the Arctic
Economic activities in the Arctic like the oil & gas, fishing and shipping industries are often impacted by international regulations and policy frameworks. In some cases, public expectations and actual developments in sectors like the shipping industry may diverge stronger than anticipated. To what degree can international frameworks help or discourage sustainable economic activity in the Arctic, and when are they actually needed? What instruments are in place, what needs to be improved?
Moderator: Steffen Weber, Arctic Forum Foundation, Brussels, Belgium
Stefan Steinicke, Fellow EU External Relations, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Germany
Ramon van Barneveld, Policy Officer, DG Mare, European Commission
Kathrin Keil, Project Scientist, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Potsdam, Germany and Europe Director, Arctic Institute
12.00Conclusion
Parallel kids program: The Arctic – History, climate and the future with 23 kids from 6th and 7th grade of the Montessori school Paradise and Tobias Thorleiffson, arctic explorer, Ministry of Environment, Norway
12.30Lunch
13.30Kids ask questions