Adapting to Change UK policy towards the Arctic Jane Rumble, Head of Polar Regions Department

Increasing Global Interest in the Arctic

What are the UK’s Arctic interests? > UK is the Arctic’s nearest neighbour, with: > strong interests in the strategic importance of the region; > as well as climate change and environmental protection; > scientific co-operation; > sustainable use of mineral and natural resources; and > transportation and access.

Arctic is linked to global processes The Arctic is inextricably linked to global processes, whether they are: climatic Arctic changes have potential to affect UK, European and global weather patterns Melting ice sheets significantly contribute to global sea level rise environmental UK shares a common marine and avian biodiversity with much of the Arctic Potential shifts in the distribution of marine species, including fish stocks economic Thought to hold 25% of world’s undiscovered hydrocarbons Potential new global trade routes

Arctic Policy Framework Tell the UK’s story Why it matters Communicate existing policy What we are doing Set the direction for future policy Adapting to change Lay out the UK’s offer Our strengths

UK’s approach to the Arctic Vision RespectCooperation Science Leadership > A new vision: “work towards an Arctic that is safe and secure; well governed in conjunction with indigenous peoples and in line with international law; where policies are developed on the basis of sound science with full regard to the environment; and where only responsible development takes place” > Supported by three principles: > Respect; > Leadership; > Co-operation, and driven by science.

Respect For the environment, its fragility and its central importance to the global climate For the views and interests of people who live and work in the Arctic For the sovereign rights of the Arctic States Unique environment; changing rapidly; not fully understood Vast majority of territory falls within jurisdiction of Arctic States; commitment to existing legal framework Indigenous peoples called it home for millennia; different cultures, languages and traditions; voice in decision making Based on Respect

Driven by science Science Underpins diplomacy Underpins policy Contributes understanding Is co- operative Good Governance Reputation / Influence Security Sustainable Development / Environmental Protection

UK Arctic policy in 3D Work towards an Arctic that is safe and secure; well governed in conjunction with indigenous peoples and in line with international law Human dimension Promote an Arctic where policies are developed on the basis of sound science with full regard to the environment Environmental dimension Promote an Arctic where only responsible development takes place Commercial dimension Vision

Human Dimension Work towards an Arctic that is safe and secure; well governed in conjunction with indigenous peoples and in line with international law First tenet of UK Arctic policy: to support and work cooperatively and constructively with the Arctic States and the Arctic’s indigenous peoples, bilaterally and multilaterally, through fora such as the Arctic Council. Governance Promoting good governance of the Arctic, through existing fora and legal mechanisms Indigenous peoples Respecting the views and interests of Arctic indigenous peoples and supporting their role in Arctic decision- making

Environment Dimension Promote an Arctic where policies are developed on the basis of sound science with full regard to the environment Second tenet of UK Arctic policy: to promote greater understanding of the Arctic through international scientific collaboration and to promote policy development on the basis of sound science. Climate changeBiodiversity Safeguarding the environment from commercial activity

Commercial Dimension Promote an Arctic where only responsible development takes place Third tenet of UK Arctic policy: to support legitimate and responsible business activity in the Arctic. Energy securityShippingTourismBioprospecting UK commercial expertise Fisheries

Arctic Council and its Working Groups ACAP POPs Mercury Black carbon AMAP Ocean acidification Climate change Ozone depletion CAFF EBM Biodiversity Migratory species EPPR Search and rescue Oil spills Radiation PAME MPAs Marine traffic systems Arctic shipping SDWG Socio-economics Human health Cultural heritage

Promoting a Better Understanding

Questions? Jane Rumble, Head of Polar Regions Department