The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of June 27, 2022
Take Five will be on break until August 15. Have a great summer, and see you again soon!
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Allowed to Continue
As reported by Eye on the Arctic on June 27, the Sami Parliament Assembly of Finland decided on June 22 to continue their support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission a formal body tasked with documenting wrongdoings by the Finnish state against its Sami population that was first appointed in 2019 The decision was taken following the resignations of the Secretary-General and two commissioners appointed by the Sami Parliament of Finland earlier this year. The Assembly also announced that the two new commissioners would be elected in August. (Eye on the Arctic)
Take 1: The future of the Finnish Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been called into question due to several notable resignations, with one commissioner who resigned stating that the commission lacked sufficient resources and support for the Sami people. Numbering about 10,000 in Finland L the Sami in Finland have been subject to colonial policies just like other Arctic Indigenous peoples. Aggressive policies of assimilation in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia have suppressed their language and eroded their culture, and continue to impact Sami life, education, and land-use to this day. Truth comissions have been advocated as vital institutions to investigate discrimination and discover the consequences of these colonial policies. Yet, the turbulent start of the commission in Finland illustrates the difficulty of the process. Many Sami have a deep distrust of the government,concerned that the state will not act to address their systemic inequalities but instead use the commission as a tool to improve its international reputation. Establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an important step in uncovering past injustices and identifying solutions. Still, it requires the trust of the Indigenous people and the cooperation of the government. If Finland wants to support a strong Arctic and improve the welfare of its Indigenous communities, it must demonstrate a firm resolve to provide the necessary resources and follow through with reconciliation. (Arctic Today, CBC News, The Barents Observer)
Russia Constructs New Radar System in Kola Peninsula
As reported by the Barents Observer on June 27, satellite images acquired by the publication indicate that Russia has constructed a new Rezonans-NE radar complex near the town of Zapolyarny on the Kola Peninsula, about 10 kilometers from the Norwegian border. The high-frequency radar system is designed to provide early warning and tracking of ballistic missiles from 1200 kilometers and other targets from 600 kilometers. The facility will also have the capability to detect stealth aircraft. (The Barents Observer)
Take 2: Although the new radar in Zapolyarny is one of many similar systems deployed across the Russian Arctic, its location in the Kola Peninsula emphasizes the region’s strategic importance. The peninsula is central to Russia’s military strategy in the European Arctic and is vital for Russia’s national security. It serves as the headquarters of Russia’s Northern Fleet and hosts extensive military forces, including ballistic missile submarines and second-strike capabilities. Subsequently, the addition of the radar system indicates Russia’s intentions to increase its protection over such a vital area. NATO currently has multiple F-35 fighter jets, an advanced stealth aircraft, stationed at Evenes airport in Northern Norway, whileFinland recently announced that the first of its newly ordered F-35s is set to be deployed to Rovaniemi in the Arctic. In combination with the strengthening of NATO capabilities in the region, these developments may have contributed to Russia’s construction of the radar system. It is therefore important to keep in mind that now that Finland and Sweden have formally been invited to join NATO, the alliance can greatly expand their presence in the Arctic and develop a coherent strategy with the seven other Arctic states. As a result, Russia is likely to continue to invest heavily in military infrastructure in the region, ensuring at the same time that the militarization of the Arctic will remain a significant issue. (Center for Strategic and International Studies, CNN, Council on Foreign Relations, Reuters)
Hamlet of Kinngait Recovers from Water Crisis
As reported by Nunatsiaq News on June 27, residents in the hamlet of Kinngait in Nunavut were unable to receive water deliveries for two days or more after all of the water delivery trucks in the area broke down. The trucks were out of service from June 21 until June 23, when a mechanic was flown in to make the repairs. The hamlet’s senior administrative officer states that all the trucks have now been fixed, but that a permanent mechanic is necessary to work on recurring issues with the ageing heavy-duty vehicles. (Nunatsiaq News)
Take 3: Although access to clean water is a critical issue for many Arctic communities, the situation in Kinngait highlights the particularly severe lack of adequate water infrastructure in the Canadian Arctic. Water infrastructure in Inuit communities is below the Canadian national standard, and many are in poor condition due to age or under-investment. As a result, much of this infrastructure faces issues of contamination or damage that can contribute to extensive water shortages, which can in turn pose a significant risk to communities. Recurring water emergencies can impact communities by weakening health care infrastructure and reducing other public services. At the same time, insufficient water access also prevents growth and development, contributing to other complex issues such as the housing crisis. Moreover, the crisis in Kinngait demonstrates how costly it is for communities to maintain ageing infrastructure, with a mechanic needing to be flown in for every repair. These high costs also hinder the ability of communities to address other important priorities. Without investment in infrastructure, the water systems of many communities will continue to deteriorate and face difficulties, leading to more water emergencies. The water shortage in Kinngait clearly demonstrates the fragility and risk of water delivery infrastructure. With most of Nunavut highly dependent on trucked water, it is essential that the Canadian government commit to building and strengthening Northern water infrastructure to support its local communities. (BBC, CBC News, The Arctic Institute)
Sevmorput Sails at Low Capacity: Uncertain Future of the Northern Sea Route
As reported by the Barents Observer on June 28, Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation has engaged the Sevmorput, the only civilian nuclear-powered cargo vessel, for shipping through the Northern Sea Route for the fourth year in a row. The ship is currently sailing from St. Petersburg to Petropavlovsk but is only carrying 111 containers out of its 1324 shipping container capacity. The voyage is subsidized by the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic with the intention of attracting cargo flow through the Northern Sea Route (NSR). (The Barents Observer)
Take 4: Global warming and climate change are rapidly transforming the Arctic. As the ice melts the Arctic has become increasingly navigable, opening new commercial maritime shipping opportunities. Russia has been particularly active in taking advantage of the warming temperatures by heavily investing in infrastructure along the Northern Sea Route to develop the passage as a major transportation route. Nevertheless, the small amount of cargo on the Sevmorput illustrates that transportation needs and demand for the route remains quite low. Despite significant investment and development, the NSR continues to face several challenges. Although the ice in the Arctic is melting, the Northern Sea Route is still not navigable year-round, and transiting vessels may require the assistance of icebreaker ships even in summer. This presents significant restrictions to commercial shipping, as the need for icebreakers both reduces transport speed and creates dependence on Russia’s icebreaker fleet. Shipping in the Arctic also remains more hazardous than alternative routes due to harsh weather, and unpredictable navigation conditions can cause delays. Thus, logistical issues, unreliability, and environmental concerns have limited interest in the passage. Nevertheless, the subsidized voyages demonstrate that Russia continues to have a strong economic interest in transforming the route into a competitive maritime corridor. But without more robust infrastructure and greater commitment to environmental protection, the route may continue to operate below expectations. (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ocean Conservancy, PwC Russia, The Barents Observer)
Iqaluit Deep-Sea Port Continues to be Delayed
As reported by CBC News on June 24, the Nunavut Economic Development and Transportation Minister has announced that Iqaluit’s new deep-sea port will not be opening until at least next season due to the lack of a plan for its operation. Although the Northern Canadian port was anticipated to be operating by the fall of 2021, the government has yet to receive the management plan from the consultant firm. Despite the delay, the minister stated that the Nunavut government would have an operating plan for the port in the next few months. (CBC News)
Take 5: Inuit communities in the Canadian North are often based in remote locations with little or no road access. These communities therefore rely heavily on maritime shipments for supplies and materials. However, the lack of marine infrastructure makes it difficult and costly for shipments to reach Indigenous communities, raising an already high cost of living. Without ports or harbors, shipping companies must rely on smaller vessels to ferry cargo to shore, which can be time-consuming activity. Harsh weather conditions and dangerous ice can also delay important goods, including everyday essentials orconstruction supplies, This has important implications for communities, as: many Inuit communities face severe crises such as water emergencies or housing shortages that require immediate supplies to address the situation quickly. At the same time, the difficulties of transportation also raises the cost of goods. The high price of construction materials is in fact one of the main contributors to the housing crisis, causing the Nunavut government to often delay or even cancel critical infrastructure and housing projects. These crises severely affect the health and safety of many communities due to overcrowding, increased risk of disease, insufficient access to clean water, and added stress. While constructing the deep-sea port in Iqaluit is an integral part of improving access to the community, until the port is operational, the community’s ability to respond to major concerns is hindered by the speed and cost of transporting supplies. The situation in Iqaluit illustrates the need for more significant investment in infrastructure to improve access and transportation to Arctic communities. (Arctic360, Arctic Today, CBC News)