With the changing climatic conditions and technological innovation, the
challenges to the Arctic, alongside with its opportunities, are evolving
faster than ever. Environmental and research matters are of outstanding
significance in this context.
The European Union seeks to address these issues with the concrete
action proposals contained in its Communication on the European
Union and the
Arctic Region (COM(2008)763) that build on the long-standing track-record
the EU has established in these two domains. While the EU - along with
its member States - remains committed to the primary goal to mitigate
climate change, such efforts must be complemented by adaptation measures
to the changes already ongoing.
Beyond climate change, the main policy objective is the sustainable
management of the Arctic environment. In order to achieve this, the
European Commission
is committed to promoting dialogue and international cooperation,
involving all Arctic stakeholders, in particular the indigenous
communities living
in the Arctic. With rising pressure on Arctic populations and fragile
ecosystems due to increasing resources exploitation and shipping
activities, the challenges and developments in the Arctic increasingly
become a
shared responsibility that is of concern far beyond the Polar Circle.
The challenges of the Arctic have to be addressed through a coherent
integrated approach that involves all relevant stakeholder and
policy fields. As any policy measures have to be based on sound
scientific
knowledge, extensive and well-coordinated research and monitoring
programs are matter
of necessity. A key project in this respect is the European marine
observation and data network (EMODNET) that will integrate fragmented
data and observation
collections – in geology, physics, chemistry and biology - from
public authorities, academic institutions and private companies.
Other key components for sustainable management of the Arctic environment
are adequate prevention, preparedness and disaster response capabilities,
an adequate regional fisheries management regime and effective
measures concerning Persistent Organic Pollutants and other harmful
chemicals.
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