According to Atomflot Deputy Director Stansilav Golovinsky, in 2013 foreigners outnumber Russian companies in applications for ice escort in polar waters. RIAC experts regard it as a sign of growing competition in the Arctic. On September 19, Russian International Affairs Council held an expert meeting on international cooperation in the Arctic with participation of representatives of ministries, agencies, think tanks and NGOs to discuss preservation of biological resources and management of shipping in the region, as well as harmonization of ecological legislations.
According to Atomflot Deputy Director Stansilav Golovinsky, in 2013 foreigners outnumber Russian companies in applications for ice escort in polar waters. RIAC experts regard it as a sign of growing competition in the Arctic.
On September 19, Russian International Affairs Council held an expert meeting on international cooperation in the Arctic with participation of representatives of ministries, agencies, think tanks and NGOs to discuss preservation of biological resources and management of shipping in the region, as well as harmonization of ecological legislations.
Mr. Golovinsky said that this year foreign shippers beat their Russian counterparts in applications for ice channeling in Arctic seas. Specializing on icebreaker escort in Arctic waters, State Company Atomflot has sometimes been amused by its contractors. For example, once an icebreaker was channeling ice for a ship with Indian crew that had never seen ice and could not understand how one can "break hard rock".
Among regions of the world, the Arctic is unparalleled in the effects of climatic change on economic activities and future international cooperation in the region. In 2013, the academia has been especially keen on the polar studies. RIAC is to issue its annual report "International Cooperation in the Arctic" early next December, as well as a collection of most significant papers on the Arctic in several volumes to cover several past years, including the first ever attempt to systematize the law on international cooperation and activities of Russian and other Arctic states in the region. The publication will be presented at a large-scale international conference on December 2-3 in Moscow with participation of key experts, businesspersons and heads of appropriate ministries and agencies.
RIAC is carrying on its project "Roadmap for International Cooperation in the Arctic" aimed to promote Russia's interests through efficient international cooperation in the region including such areas as law, institutions, ecology, transportation, resources, defense and research.
Expert meeting on international cooperation in the Arctic
