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Arctic Yearbook 2012
Lempinen and Plouffe
337
regimes and routes, fisheries policies and management as well as industrial activities were addressed
in several presentations. The ‘phenomena’ of emerging new state and non-state actors in the context
of Arctic change, who seem attracted to the region for its economic benefits, lucrative possibilities
and security challenges, was also underlined by many presenters. In addition, also (changes in)
policies and strategies of states and other actors both within and outside the Arctic were discussed
carefully.
Dialogue in the Field
In addition to the presentations and sessions, the Academy and its local partners also organized field
trips inside the host countries. These experiences raise awareness and foster a better understanding
of the local/regional/international dynamics of the towns and municipalities visited by the
participants. For example, in Sweden, the Academy was invited to visit the LKAB mining company
in Kiruna and the research station in Abisko, as well as the Siida Museum in Inari and the Kemijoki
Oy hydropower headquarters in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Future(s) for Research
The 2012 CA was characterized by a strong future orientation, and a wide range of potential areas for
further research both in relation to water as well as to other issues associated to regional
development in and around the Arctic.
Where’s the Water?
Questions were raised notably on the specific burning issue of (fresh) water security. Despite direct
linkages between freshwater, human and ecosystem health, water security is currently not extensively
addressed in states’ Arctic policies, while the lack of monitoring is well known as a widespread
challenge within and outside the region.
Globalization
In the broader context of the Arctic, several questions related to power relations in the Arctic were
identified as requiring urgent attention. Issues associated to the range of actors, and their various
roles and objectives in ongoing developments taking place in the region were amongst the most
emphasized. The changing power relations between local, regional, national and transnational actors
on different political and economic levels are often associated to the growing interest(s) from state