Towards Regional Ocean Management in the Arctic: From Co-Existence to Cooperation

Authors

  • David Vanderzwaag
  • John Donihee
  • Mads Faegteborg

Abstract

"Current of Change" describes international relations in the Arc- tic. While the strategic importance of Arctic waters has fostered a frigid coexistence between the superpowers, an era of international cooperation is dawning as Arctic states begin to understand the transboundary implications of industrial developments and the movements of living resources. The potential melting of the polar ice pack caused by the "greenhouse effect " calls for a global re sponse; numerous regional initiatives at cooperation are described. The Inuit Circumpolar Conference is developing an Arctic policy and regional conservation strategy. Scientists have proposed the formation of an international Arctic science committee. Inter- governmental initiatives include the recent Canada-United States Agreement on Arctic Cooperation and the Regional Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears. Future cooperative arrangements may also be needed to control land-based pollution and ocean dumping, regulate Arctic shipping, manage transboundary species, and designate a network of special protected areas.

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Published

2021-01-25