Natural resources in the Arctic region - Global Compact Nordic ...

Summer sea ice is shrinking fast

MineralsThere is indeed a need for economic development and for diversifyingthe Greenland economy.The London Mining/Isua iron mine project is the most advanced megaproject:• The investment > Greenland’s GDP.• 2.500 (foreign) construction workers, 750 permanent jobs.• Consequences for wildlife – fisheries and hunting.• CO 2 emissions from Greenland will almost double.• Hydro power is best available technique / best environmentalpractice.’Sustainable mining’ sounds strange, but maybe it is possible.

Public participationThere is national and local interest in connection with all theprojects.But conditions for public participation have been difficult:• language barriers.• short consultation periods.• quality of summaries for the public has been questioned.• decisions in practice taken in advance of consultations.• few environmental NGO’s to voice concerns.WWF work together with ICC to improve consultation processes.

Final remarks1. Natural resources are a blessing – but challenges shouldbe taken seriously.2. Arctic nature is fragile and clean-up difficult.3. Public debate and involvement is important as decisionsare long-term and often irreversible.4. Choose projects with minimum environmental impactsand risks - and maximum social benefits.5. Need to strengthen cooperation in the Arctic Council.

Thanks for your attention