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APPENDIX I
CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION
THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION
MEETING IN ÖSTERSUND 6 November 2008
Draft minutes 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND THE PROPOSED ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS The Committee was informed about changes in the agenda. Item 3 and item 5 was removed from the agenda and the excursion to “Eldrimner” was put in the program after lunch. With these changes the Committee adopted the agenda and the proposed order of agenda items.
MINUTES FROM THE SCPAR-MEETINGS IN FAIRBANKS 11 AND 14 AUGUST 2008 The Committee approved the minutes from the SCPAR-meetings in Fairbanks 11 and 14 August 2008.
Decision The Committee adopted the agenda and the proposed order of agenda items and approved the minutes from the SCPAR-meetings in Fairbanks.
2. FOLLOW UP OF THE CONFERENCE OF ARCTIC PARLIAMENTARIANS IN FAIRBANKS 12-14 AUGUST 2008 Ms Solberg started by concluding that the Eighth Conference of Arctic Parliamentarians in Fairbanks had been a success. The agenda items were timely and relevant, and the organizing professionally executed. However there should not be more than three speakers on one agenda item. Ms Sinikka Bohlin noted that not so many parliamentarians were taking the floor in Fairbanks as in Kiruna. How can we engage the parliamentarians more in the debates? She wondered if language problems could be one of the reasons. Ms Bohlin was also of the opinion that the Conference Statement from this conference was less concrete than the Statement from the conference in Kiruna. Ms Solberg pointed at the importance of preparing the MPs in advance of the Conference. In Norway the different MPs were giving a topic of responsibility in advance of the Conference. Mr. Niels Sindal encouraged every delegate to work towards their national government to implement the Conference Statement. We need to move in the same direction to get the things done. Ms Solberg underlined the importance of everyone to go back home to promote the conclusions from the Fairbanks statement in their parliaments.
Decision: The Committee noted of the reports from the Secretary General on the Conference and commented on the follow-up of the conference in Fairbanks.
3. THE DEMOGRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARCTIC REGION Professor Peter Sköld from the Centre for Saami Research at Umeå University spoke on the topic: “Demography and Indigenous Perspectives in the Arctic North”. The fourth International Polar Year has a stronger human dimension than the previous. In Sweden they have the largest historical population data base in Europe, with information at the individual level. The Saami population data base includes complete life biographies, family composition, mortality with causes of death and migration. The population data goes back to 1749. However, when studying the Saami-population you have to look at the 4 countries where they live (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia). About 200 years ago there were big differences between the Saami population and the rest of the society when it comes to diseases and mortality. (Saami died more often from Tbc, pneumonia and nerve fevers.) Today there exist no real differences between the Saami population and the rest of the society. (Except for accidents – drowning and freezing.) The Saami didn’t get smallpox to the same extent as in for instance Latin America. The Saamis thought evil spirits were the reason behind Smallpox and escaped for 2-3 years before returning. Modern Arctic Demography, as described in the “Arctic Human Development Report”, lists the following facts: The Arctic is inhabited by around 4 million people, has declining fertility, high extent of non-natural deaths, and large migration out of the area. But there are large variations – differing between nations and regions. After the Second World War there are no special numbers for Saami people/ethnic registration in Sweden. Thus it’s hard to say how many Saami live in Sweden. Some persons have a possible Saami identity, some are genealogically identified, and some are officially recognized as Saami. 8000 are registered to vote in the next Saami parliamentary election. We often lack sufficient knowledge for handling the indigenous related issues of today. The countries in the North have a special responsibility for Northern issues and especially the indigenous peoples. The research structure should be focused on the responsibilities of Northern universities, have a long term strategy involving all relevant disciplines, international cooperation, and have an indigenous perspective. Finally Mr Sköld proposed to have an Arctic census. The Committee raised questions concerning how to conduct an Arctic census and how to draw the line (geographically). The dangers of breastfeeding were also raised as a result of accumulating toxic pollution in the Arctic. The Committee also raised questions about the high suicide rates and the problems of loosing languages. In spite of an ageing population in most of the Arctic, in Canada the fertility rate is high and they have a very young population. Mr. Sköld commented on these issues and still recommended breastfeeding. The young population in Canada gives opportunities but also makes it hard for all the young people to find a job. With regards to an Arctic census we should focus on the traditional areas, but wherever the line is drawn, a census would be meaningful. Further on lack of data on Saami population in Sweden, and who shall be defined as a Saami person, the need for more money, better cooperation, and special programs for Saamis were discussed. Coordination could be improved through closer cooperation in University of the Arctic and by following up on IPY-projects. Many of the IPY-projects are looking at climate change, pollution, cultural changes and how these topics influence the people living in the Arctic. One might ask what you gain if you get a longer life expectancy, but lose your culture.
Decision: The Committee took note of the information
4. RECENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTHERN DIMENSION COOPERATION Ms Solberg briefly summed up SCPARs involvement in the Northern Dimension partnership and gave the floor to Mr. Henrik Olsen from the European Parliament to inform about the preparations for the First Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum to be held in Brussels 25-26 February 2009. Mr. Nikolaev asked the Committee to remember his project proposal regarding the Northern Dimension. Nikolaev wanted to discuss on this basis in Brussels and asked for a stronger will to join our efforts. Ms Solberg wanted to use the Forum in Brussels to discuss Arctic policy with the Members of the European Parliament. Decision: The Committee took note of the information.
5. THE RESULTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE ÖSTERSUND REGION Dr. Ingemar Näslund, from the County Administration, talked about environmental monitoring in a climate change perspective. To provide information on the environmental status we need to use good parameters understandable by the public. On biodiversity they monitor the changing climate and its effects on the Arctic fox, lemming, falcon, grouse, and reindeer. The alpine three line is another parameter. The mountain birch is 19 meter higher since 1975. Today you may also find blueberry up to 1000 meters above sea level. Mr. Näslund also mentioned the example of a (very happy) shrimp which inhabits small ponds in the higher latitude. Warmer water will make the water accessible to other organisms and the shrimp will die from the competition. On questions from the Committee Mr. Näslund wanted more renewable energy, especially wind power. There exist large plans for windmills in Jämtland County, but there is a need of an impact study on how windmills work in harsh climate. Dr. Andreas Gyllenhammer talked to the Committee on how to communicate climate change. How are people affected by climate change and how are they affecting the climate? It’s a complicated issue which need to be simplified – give a simple and concrete message. We have to look at the global effects and the local effects – what will happen locally by explaining what is happening globally. Examples are [thinner] ice on the lakes and earlier and smaller spring flood. The County Administration publish reports describing these changes. At Storsjön they have ice dat[a] since 1870, and it has gone from 170 to 130 days of ice cover. Snow is important in Östersund[, ] and the days with snow cover, is likely to be reduced from 180 to 100 days[,] 80 years from now. Climate change will move the existing climate in the South further north. The climate in Östersund now, will be found in Kiruna in some years. Why is it important? Nature is important, economic and culturally. Clean water can be calculated and fishing provides food. Cultural aspects –like the possibilities to go skiing – are also important. Finally Mr[.] Gyllenhammar suggested more competitions between regions and countries. Wh[ich] is best at eco farming, or [at] reduc[ing] emissions from cars? In questions from the Committee Mr[.] Gyllenhammar explained they work especially towards students and teachers in schools. He underlined the importance of communicating the affects of climate change in a long term perspective. With regards to new possibilities as a result of climate change it was mentioned that the forestry industry will benefit and maybe a warmer climate will attract more tourists.
Decision: The Committee took note of the information.
6. IMPLENTATION OF THE KIRUNA STATEMENT Mr. Nikolaev and Ms Solberg commented on the work that had been done to implement the Kiruna statement from 2006.
Decision: The Committee decided to ask the Secretary General, together with the national secretariats, to make a report reviewing the Rules of procedure of the Standing Committee before the next meeting of SCPAR. 7. STATUS OF THE WORK OF SCPAR West-Nordic Council Mr. Kári P. Højgaard, Chairman of the West – Nordic Council, reported on the Council’s recent activities. At the Annual Session in August the Council recommended to ensure sustainable utilisation of all living resources, a continuous environmental research, and a comprehensive cooperation between search- and rescue institutions in the region. The Council also expressed support to all countries engaged in sustainable whaling and sealing, and the importance of this to the Arctic peoples. Mr. Højgaard also criticised the European Union for banning sale of sealskins. Education to unskilled workers is the main topic until the next Theme conference to be held in Greenland in June next year. Finally Mr. Højgaard criticised the United Kingdom for using the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act of 2001 against Iceland. Senator Lorna Milne voiced her support for the views on sustainable sealing and its importance to the native peoples.
Iceland Mr. Sigurđur Kári Kristjánsson from Iceland informed the Committee of the upcoming Icelandic Chairmanship of the Nordic Council of Ministers. In its Chairmanship program Iceland will include: Mapping of vulnerable areas of the North Atlantic[;] coordination of know-how in the field of environmental technology and renewable energy[;] and environmental contingency planning in the North Atlantic. Iceland has been hit very hard by the international financial crises and is seeking all means to concur the crisis with necessary support. The Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs met with her Norwegian counterpart Mr. Støre to discuss the matter, and agreed on financial assistance as well as investigation in the events which lead to the crises. The Ministers also signed an Agreement concerning trans-boundary hydrocarbon deposits. Finally Mr. Kristjánsson criticised the United Kingdom for applying the Anti- Terrorism Act against a NATO ally. It has made the economical situation in Iceland much worse and should be greatly criticised by other countries.
Sweden Ms Bohlin reported from her participation at the Conference ”Human Dimensions in the Circumpolar Arctic”. The 22 October Nordic, Baltic and Arctic cooperation was debated in the Swedish parliament, and the issue of an Arctic treaty was mentioned by many. There will be an interpellation debate on Arctic cooperation in the Swedish parliament early next year. The 11 March 2009 a third seminar together with the Swedish IPY-committee will focusing on the legacy of the IPY, the need for a Swedish policy for the Arctic region and the future management of the Arctic region. As President elect of the Nordic Council Ms Bohlin plans to arrange a meeting next year between the Chairs of the parliamentary bodies of the North, to address coordination and cooperation between the parliamentary bodies.
Denmark Mr[.] Niels Sindal informed the Committee about the results of the Danish – Greenlandic Self – Rule Commission. The Commission has finished its work and delivered the results to the respective governments. The Commission has decided that the Home-Rule Government in Greenland will have the right to secure minerals from the Greenlandic underground, but revenues shall be deducted from the Danish block grant. For oil in the Greenlandic underground the first 75 millions goes to the Greenlandic Home-Rule, then the revenues are divided, with the block grant of 3.2 billion DKK is reduced. Greenland will however still be a part of the Danish Kingdom. The agreement will be sent to a referendum in Greenland later this month and hopefully get into force from the 21 June 2009, the Greenlandic National Day. Denmark will also be taking over the Arctic Council chairmanship in the end of April 2009 and a seminar will be arranged in the Parliament to raise the attention on Arctic issues.
Saami Parliamentary Council Mr. Lars Anders Baer, President of the Saami Parliamentary Council reported from the Second Saami Parliamentary Conference 28 October 2008 in Rovaniemi. The Nordic Saami Convention is high on the agenda of the Council and next week, 12 November the ministers responsible for Saami issues, will meet do decide the further process of the Nordic Saami Convention. In Sweden the Saami people is still waiting for the bill from the government on Saami issues, and is now expected to be presented in the beginning of next year. Finland Mr. Hannes Manninen reported from the Nordic Council session which took place in Helsinki the week before. Mr. Manninen also informed the Committee about the opening of many mines in the North of Finland. The Finish parliament will discuss a report on energy and climate from the government next week in parliament. The draft Nordic Saami Convention and ILO convention are being debated, and entails many difficult discussions. Finland had local elections 26 October where the Conservative party gained some ground and the Social Democrats and the Centre Party lost almost three percentages each.
European Parliament Mr. Henrik Olsen reported that Vice President Diana Wallis had given speeches at the conferences “Common Concern for the Arctic” in Ilulissat in September and at the Northern Dimension Conference in Helsinki in October. 9 October the European Parliament passed a resolution on Arctic governance.
Norway Ms Solberg reported from a meeting she participated in 13 October in Tromsø on Arctic cooperation hosted by the Norwegian State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ms Solberg further reported from a meeting with representatives from University of the Arctic. Uarctic has developed a new strategy document and proposals for different ways to finance the institution. In the Norwegian parliament they have increased the budget for the Norwegian Polar Institute.
Russia Mr. Usoltsev sits in the special committee for the High North in the State Duma. The Chair of the Committee participated in Northern Dimension debate in Helsinki 26 October. The Committee has arranged [a] meeting with NGOs on indigenous peoples[’] issues to discuss the situation, and the need to get the laws implemented[,] [b]ut they are also concerned about other people living in the North, not only indigenous peoples. New legislation will be adopted. In his speech to the Security Council meeting in September President Medvedev gave a priority list including infrastructure, telemedicine, local aviation, and traditional livelihoods of the local peoples. Solving the housing problems in the North is of high priority. There is process of establishing the frontiers in the Arctic, also in the Russian Arctic. This topic should also be discussed further in SCPAR.
Canada Canada had a national election 14 October which gave the Conservative party increased support, but will still be a minority government. In the new cabinet a representative from the North is the new Minister of Health. Parliament has not been seated yet since the summer and the Throne speech will be given 18 November outlining the new government policies. The global financial crises [has] not hit Canada hard. The Financial institutions are strong with good regulations. But the downturn in the American economy has hit the exporting industry.
Decision: The Committee took note of the information
8. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of SCPAR will be the 25 February 2009, tentatively from 09.00 – 12.00, in the European Parliament, Brussels. The meeting will take place in advance of the First Parliamentary Forum for the Northern Dimension which is to take place in the European Parliament from lunch to lunch 25-26 February 2009.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business.
CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION
THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF THE ARCTIC REGION
MEETING IN ÖSTERSUND 6 November 2008
Draft List of participants
MEMBERS Canada Senator Lorna Milne Mr. Massimo Pacetti, MP Mr. Tim Williams, Science and Technology Division, Parliamentary Information and Research Service
Denmark Mr. Niels Sindal, MP Mr. Peder Pedersen, Adviser
EP Mr. Henrik Olsen, Principal Administrator, Inter- Parliamentary Relations Finland Mr. Hannes Manninen, MP Mr. Kari Salo, Counsellor of International Affairs
Iceland Mr. Sigurđur Kári Kristjánsson, MP Ms Arna Bang, Advisor, International Department
Norway Ms Hill-Marta Solberg, MP
Russia Senator Mikhail Nikolaev Mr. Kirill S. Mangush, Counsellor Mr. Vitaly Artamonov, Adviser Mr. V.Usoltsev, MP Mrs I.Kuzmina Secretary
Sweden Ms Sinikka Bohlin, MP Ms Eva Hjelm, Senior Officer, International Department Mr. Thomas Collén, Assistant, International Department
PERMANENT PARTICIPANTS Saami Parliamentary Mr. Lars Anders Baer, Member of the Saami parliament of Sweden Council Ms Eva Jejlid, Member of the Saami parliament of Sweden
OBSERVERS Nordic Council Mr. Niels Sindal, MP Mr. Torkil Sørensen, Senior Adviser
West-Nordic Council Mr. Kári P. Højgaard, President of the West-Nordic Council, MP from the Faeroe Islands Mr. Thordur Thorarinsson, Secretary General
GUESTS Mr. Andreas Gyllenhammar, Consultant Mr. Peter Sköld, Associalte Professor of History, Umeå University Mr. Ingemar Näslund, Head of environmental monitoring
SECRETARIAT Mr. Bjørn Willy Robstad, Secretary General
INTERPRETERS Ms Alexandra Turganowa Lööw Mr. Alexander Tchekhov
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