The Environmental Agenda for the Arctic: A Russian Perspective

Possessing the largest expanse of territory beyond the Arctic Circle, Russia holds the most substantial reserves of mineral resources. As such, it adopts an active stance on Arctic development, both in its domestic policy and on the international stage. The development of remote Arctic regions with harsh climates relies on anchor resource projects that envisage the use of advanced, including environmental, technologies in the development of mineral deposits and the construction of logistical infrastructure, factories and ships. The pursuit of the most modern technologies for the development of mineral resources and the establishment of alternative transportation routes through the Arctic Ocean encourages Arctic and non-Arctic countries to seek cooperation options on both multilateral and bilateral bases. Environmental considerations play an equally significant role in their Arctic policies.