The Strategy for the Development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and National Security for the period up to 2020 was approved by the President V. Putin last week.
The aim of the Strategy is to implement national interests of Russian Federation in the Arctic Region. The Strategy states the priorities of Russia in the Arctic, such as social-economic development in the region, science and technology development, construction of modern information and telecommunication infrastructure, ecological security, international cooperation in the Arctic, and military security. The main priority is to create the reserve fund of deposits to guarantee energy security and sustainable development of energy sector in long-term perspective, as well as to provide sustainability in the periods of declining in traditional production areas after 2020.
The Strategy underlines that complex socio-economic development of the Arctic region of Russia implies the improvement of management system and life quality of indigenous people in the Arctic, development of the resource base through the use of advanced technologies, modernization and infrastructure development of the Arctic transport system. As an integrated national transport route of Russia in the High North, it represents a strategically important object. The Strategy suggests developing the Northern Sea Route and making it functional throughout the year. That also implies the development of integrated infrastructure system including river and railway communications, airport network, and coastal infrastructure.
From the point of view of science and technology development, the ensuring of energy sustainability means exploration of the continental shelf and the development of its mineral resources. The implementation of this purpose requires the formation of integrated project study of the continental shelf and coastal areas. The strategy underlines the necessity to join the resources and capabilities of the state, business, science and education. The creation of long-term research projects (including international projects) focused on the main dimensions of the Arctic development is suggested as one of the main priorities.
The Strategy also focuses on the issues of Environmental Protection and the development of international partnership in the Arctic. One of the proclaimed aims is to preserve the Arctic as a zone opened to international cooperation.
The Strategy implementation includes two periods: the first period is up to 2015 (preparatory stage), and the second one is up to 2020. The implementation will be controlled by the government of the Russian Federation.
For further information, please, go to http://правительство.рф/docs/22846/
