Example: tourism industry

NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC REGION - …

M AY 2013 NATIONAL STR ATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC REGIONTHE WHITE HOUSEWASHINGTONMay 10, 2013We in the lower forty-eight and Hawaii join Alaska s residents in recognizing one simple truth that the ARCTIC is an amazing ARCTIC is one of our planet s last great frontiers. Our pioneering spirit is naturally drawn to this REGION , for the economic opportunities it presents and in recognition of the need to protect and conserve this unique, valuable, and changing environment. As we consider how to make the most of the emerging economic opportunities in the REGION , we recognize that we must exercise responsible stewardship, using an integrated management approach and making decisions based on the best available information, with the aim of promoting healthy, sustainable, and resilient ecosystems over the long term.

global objective of combating the climatic changes that are driving these environmental ... While the Arctic region has experienced warming and cooling cycles over millennia, the ... there may be potentially profound environmental consequences of continued ocean warming and Arctic ice melt. These consequences include altering the climate of lower

Tags:

  Global, Strategy, Consequences, Warming

Information

Domain:

Source:

Link to this page:

Please notify us if you found a problem with this document:

Other abuse

Transcription of NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC REGION - …

1 M AY 2013 NATIONAL STR ATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC REGIONTHE WHITE HOUSEWASHINGTONMay 10, 2013We in the lower forty-eight and Hawaii join Alaska s residents in recognizing one simple truth that the ARCTIC is an amazing ARCTIC is one of our planet s last great frontiers. Our pioneering spirit is naturally drawn to this REGION , for the economic opportunities it presents and in recognition of the need to protect and conserve this unique, valuable, and changing environment. As we consider how to make the most of the emerging economic opportunities in the REGION , we recognize that we must exercise responsible stewardship, using an integrated management approach and making decisions based on the best available information, with the aim of promoting healthy, sustainable, and resilient ecosystems over the long term.

2 The ARCTIC REGION is peaceful, stable, and free of conflict. The United States and its ARCTIC allies and partners seek to sustain this spirit of trust, cooperation and collaboration, both internationally and domestically. Together, we have made much progress on issues of common concern, such as search and rescue, and pollution prevention and response. Working together, we will continue to increase our understanding of the REGION through scientific research and traditional knowledge. Through the NATIONAL STRATEGY for the ARCTIC REGION , we articulate our strategic priorities to position the United States to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We will seek to prioritize and effectively integrate the work of Federal departments and agencies with activities that are already underway in the State of Alaska and at the international level.

3 And we will partner with the State of Alaska and Alaska Natives, as well as the international community and the private sector, to develop innovative solutions and new ways of ARCTIC is changing. We must proceed, cognizant of what we must do now, and consistent with our principles and goals for the future. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC REGION Table of Contents Executive Summary .. 2 Introduction .. 4 Changing Conditions .. 5 Lines of Effort .. 6 1. Advance United States Security Interests .. 6 2. Pursue Responsible ARCTIC REGION Stewardship .. 7 3. Strengthen International Cooperation .. 8 Guiding Principles .. 10 Conclusion .. 11 2 Executive Summary The United States is an ARCTIC Nation with broad and fundamental interests in the ARCTIC REGION , where we seek to meet our NATIONAL security needs, protect the environment, responsibly manage resources, account for indigenous communities, support scientific research, and strengthen international cooperation on a wide range of issues.

4 1 The NATIONAL STRATEGY for the ARCTIC REGION sets forth the United States Government s strategic priorities for the ARCTIC REGION . This STRATEGY is intended to position the United S tates to respond effectively to challenges and emerging opportunities arising from significant increases in ARCTIC activity due to the diminishment of sea ice and the emergence of a new ARCTIC environment. It defines NATIONAL security interests in the ARCTIC REGION and identifies prioritized lines of effort, building upon existing initiatives by Federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and aims to focus efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. It is designed to meet the reality of a changing ARCTIC environment, while we simultaneously pursue our global objective of combating the climatic changes that are driving these environmental conditions.

5 Our STRATEGY is built on three lines of effort: 1. Advance United States Security Interests We will enable our vessels and aircraft to operate, consistent with international law, through, under, and over the airspace and waters of the ARCTIC , support lawful commerce, achieve a greater awareness of activity in the REGION , and intelligently evolve our ARCTIC infrastructure and capabilities, including ice-capable platforms as needed. security in the ARCTIC encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from those supporting safe commercial and scientific operations to NATIONAL defense. 2. Pursue Responsible ARCTIC REGION Stewardship We will continue to protect the ARCTIC environment and conserve its resources; establish and institutionalize an integrated ARCTIC management framework; chart the ARCTIC REGION ; and employ scientific research and traditional knowledge to increase understanding of the ARCTIC .

6 3. Strengthen International Cooperation Working through bilateral relationships and multilateral bodies, including the ARCTIC Council, we will pursue arrangements that advance collective interests, promote shared ARCTIC state prosperity, protect the ARCTIC environment, and enhance regional security, a nd we will work toward accession to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Law of the Sea Convention). Our approach will be informed by the following guiding principles: Safeguard Peace and Stability Seek to maintain and preserve the ARCTIC REGION as an area free of conflict, acting in concert with allies, partners, and other interested parties. Support and preserve: international legal principles of freedom of navigation and overflight and other uses of the sea and airspace related to these freedoms, unimpeded lawful commerce, and the peaceful resolution of disputes for all nations.

7 1 NATIONAL Security STRATEGY , May 2010. 3 Make Decisions Using the Best Available Information Across all lines of effort, decisions need to be based on the most current science and traditional knowledge. 2 Pursue Innovative Arrangements Foster partnerships with the State of Alaska, ARCTIC states, other international partners, and the private sector to more efficiently develop, resource, and manage capabilities, where appropriate and feasible, to better advance our strategic priorities in this austere fiscal environment. Consult and Coordinate with Alaska Natives Engage in a consultation process with Alaska Natives, recognizing tribal governments unique legal relationship with the United States and providing for meaningful and timely opportunity to inform F ederal policy affecting Alaskan Native communities.

8 2 Traditional knowledge refers to a body of evolving practical knowledge based on observations and personal experience of indigenous communities over an extensive, multigenerational time period. (BOEM Ocean Science, Vol. 9, Issue 2, May/April/June 2012, page 4). 4 Introduction We seek an ARCTIC REGION that is stable and free of conflict, where nations act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic and energy resources are developed in a sustainable manner that also respects the fragile environment and the interests and cultures of indigenous peoples. As the United States addresses these opportunities and challenges, we will be guided by our central interests in the ARCTIC REGION , which include providing for the security of the United States; protecting the free flow of resources and commerce; protecting the environment; addressing the needs of indigenous communities; and enabling scientific research.

9 In protecting these interests, we draw from our long-standing policy and approach to the global maritime spaces in the 20th c entury, including freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea and airspace related to these freedoms; security on the oceans; maintaining strong relationships with allies and partners; and peaceful resolution of disputes without coercion. To achieve this vision, the United States is establishing an overarching NATIONAL approach to advance NATIONAL security interests, pursue responsible stewardship of this precious and unique REGION , and serve as a basis for cooperation with other ARCTIC states3 and the international community as a whole to advance common interests.

10 Even as we work domestically and internationally to minimize the effects of climate change, the effects are already apparent in the ARCTIC . Ocean resources are more readily accessible as sea ice diminishes, but thawing ground is threatening communities as well as hindering land-based activities, including access to resources. Diminishing land and sea ice is altering ecosystems and the services they provide. As an ARCTIC nation, the United States must be proactive and disciplined in addressing changing regional conditions and in developing adaptive strategies to protect its interests. An undisciplined approach to exploring new opportunities in this frontier could result in significant harm to the REGION , to our NATIONAL security interests, and to the global good.


Related search queries