Second day of ”The Trans – Arctic Agenda: Challenges of Development, Security and Cooperation” has divided participants into three parallel sessions i.e. environment, economy, systems and societies.
Although the Arctic is remote and lacks dense populations, it is under threat from environmental stresses largely originating in distant regions. The physical constitution of the Arctic dictates how the region reacts to environmental changes. With water occupying about two fifths of the area north of the 60th parallel, the region is essentially an ocean surrounded by land.
Three main issues regarding the Arctic environment are climate change, changes in biological diversity, and the use of toxic substances. The effects of these changes are becoming increasingly evident in the North, affecting largely the people in the northern territories.
Economic development and transfer of political power to the indigenous communities, establishing their fundamental rights to sovereignty was the matter for the dispute during the event as well as the risk managment and the international capability to face security challenges.
The conference will continue until 18.00. After the closing remarks, participants will be hosted by the President of Iceland in his residence in Reykjavik.
Please, click here to see the detailed schedule of the ”Trans – Arctic Agenda”.
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