Arctic policy of Norway

In December 2006, the Arctic Strategy of Norway was introduced. The overall objective of this document was to create sustainable growth and development of the Arctic region based on three principles: presence, activity, and knowledge. The strategy also outlined seven key political priorities for Norway:

• implementing a stable, consistent and predictable Arctic policy;
• take a leading role in making international efforts to develop the Arctic region;
• achieve the best indicators when interacting with the environment and natural resources of the Arctic;
• provide an appropriate basis for the further development of oil activities;
• the protection of the livelihoods, traditions and culture of indigenous peoples, as well as the development of cooperation between them and the state;
• strengthening cooperation with the Russian Federation ^[2] .

From that moment on, the official designation of the sphere of influence and interests of Norway in the Arctic - Nordområdene (national priority) ^[3] was introduced.

Norway's updated Arctic Strategy was unveiled in Bodo on April 21, 2017. According to Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, today's growth in the north of the country is significantly ahead of growth in other parts of Norway. This process as a whole is of great benefit to the country and the state’s task is to intensify efforts in the Arctic, that Norway will continue to play a leading role in the development and management of the Arctic. Despite the unrest in many parts of the world, the government was able to maintain the Arctic as a peaceful region where cooperation is paramount. At the moment, Norway is actively developing its Arctic regions, which requires a search for ways of cooperation with the states of the " Arctic Council ". The 2017 Arctic Strategy of Norway contains a detailed overview of such topics as: international cooperation, business development, infrastructure, environmental protection, safety and emergency preparedness ^[4] .

Currently, Norway consists of the following organizations, which are aimed at preserving and developing the Arctic region:

• North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission - An international body for cooperation in the conservation, management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic;
• Arctic Frontiers - an independent Norwegian organization annually developing priorities for development and research in the Arctic;
• Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program - working group for the implementation of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program ;
• Polar View - monitoring and forecasting changes in the drift trajectory of sea ice, icebergs, ice edge, river ice;
• The Barents Euro-Arctic Council - promoting sustainable development of the region, bilateral (Norway - Russia) and multilateral cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, science and technology, environment, infrastructure, education and cultural exchanges, tourism, as well as the implementation of projects aimed at improving the situation of the indigenous population of the Arctic ^[5] .

• Document - Norway's New Arctic Strategy (2017) (en)