Many voices - one dialogue

Summit attendees will reflect a wide range of perspectives on the future of the Arctic. Participants will evaluate options for Arctic governance in terms of four criteria: (i) the feasibility of implementing them under prevailing Arctic conditions, (ii) t he extent to which they are flexible and adjustable in the face of change, (iii) their credibility in the eyes of scientists and legitimacy in the eyes of policymakers and members of the attentive public, and (iv) their compatibility with existing nationa l policies in the Arctic. The aim is to identify critical, cutting-edge questions about Arctic governance, to find common ground wherever it exists, and at least to formulate a set of principles that can guide debates about the relative merits of existing and future proposals. This process will strengthen the networks of Arctic scientists and policymakers in the Nordic countries, Russia, and the North America by addressing central issues of governance such as access to and right of passage through sea r outes, maritime claims and boundary issues, commercial shipping and oil and gas development, Arctic fisheries, the rights of indigenous peoples, the conservation of Arctic ecosystems, and regional governance. During Phase (ii) and based on scientific and other materials in the Compendium and the analyses of the AGP Steering Committee, a White Paper titled "The Arctic: Governance Compass and Barometer" has been distributed to the participants in the AGP Arctic Governance Summit January 29-30, 2010 in Trom so, Norway. The White Paper provides the foundations for the Summit deliberations. During the AGP Tromsø Summit, the White Paper will be discussed, revised and transformed into a Summit Document. This will contain the materials that will be used in the P olicy Briefings to convey science into policy.