The European Parliament's resolution represents a significant step forward in global efforts to protect the Arctic. Following the support of the Finnish government, the proposal to establish Arctic protected areas has once again gained endorsement from key political leaders in the international community.
Last August, the Finnish government adopted a new Arctic policy, becoming the first Arctic nation to support the establishment of an Arctic protected area. Conversely, the remaining Arctic Council members, including Norway, Denmark, Canada, and Russia, continue to ignore the growing calls for Arctic conservation.
The European Parliament's latest resolution directly challenges countries that are actively planning to develop Arctic resources. This resolution will also force EU representatives, including former EU Foreign Minister and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, to confront the urgent crisis facing the Arctic.
The Arctic, a land untouched by industrial development, is a precious asset shared by all humanity. The Arctic protected area proposed by the European Parliament, covering 2.8 million square kilometers, will become the largest protected area on Earth, allowing precious Arctic animals like polar bears, as well as fish from Arctic waters, to thrive. It will also provide breathing room for the global climate change crisis.
However, Article 38 of the draft European Parliament resolution states: "The European Parliament supports the proposal of five Arctic states that, based on the principle of early warning, all fishing activities or energy development projects should cease in the Arctic high seas in the absence of a suitable management mechanism." This principle is highly likely to give Shell and Gazprom hope for their plans to drill for oil in the Arctic.
Sources: GREENPEACE (2014-03-18) (Compiled by PIDC)
