Over the course of the summer, Gov. Bill Walker has initiated the formation of the Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee. This body is charged with highlighting Alaska perspectives and priorities by showcasing the state's people and potential. Co-chaired by GCI's Ron Duncan and Mayor Charlotte Brower of the North Slope Borough, the Host Committee will serve to develop a robust program designed to welcome visiting delegations, inform Alaskans of Arctic Council activities and link decision-makers to the realities, richness and responsibility of Alaska's Arctic. The committee will assist, as needed, the State Department and Governor's Office in identifying and convening subject matter experts, local community leaders and other stakeholders for participation in Arctic Council or other activities during this period.
At no time in history has Alaska's Arctic been as prominent in people's minds as it is today. Communities and peoples, businesses, and local, state, regional and national governments around the circumpolar North are faced with increasing change and challenges, as well as opportunities. Change comes in many forms to the people who live here. It might look like increased traffic through the Northern Sea Route. It could look like a lessening of sea ice and corresponding effects on the environment and marine mammals that depend on it, and the people who depend on them. Change might mean new and different industries in the North, with exploration for oil and gas offshore as well as mining, tourism and fisheries. The Host Committee is made up of Alaskans who well understand change but who also have a strong commitment to improving the quality of life of Alaskans.
In order to manage change and increased activity, the eight Arctic nations (U.S., Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Russian Federation, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland) formed the Arctic Council, with a chairmanship that rotates between member nations every two years. This circumpolar body is unique in its governance structure in that it recognizes six permanent participants -- organizations that represent the Arctic's indigenous peoples. In addition to the governing body, the Arctic Council has six working groups, and task forces that form around a chairmanship's priorities. The U.S. State Department represents America's interests in the council, and just assumed the chairmanship in April, which will last through May 2017. The U.S. theme for their chairmanship is "One Arctic," with three focus areas:
• Improving Economic and Living Conditions for Arctic Communities
• Arctic Ocean Safety, Security and Stewardship
• Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change
The state of Alaska participates in the Arctic Council as part of the U.S. delegation but does not have a formal or independent voice. Federal agency staff, academics, indigenous organizations and environmental organizations are active in the projects of the council as well. Member nations must approve participation in projects and nominate lead participants and representatives from their network, most often with feedback from other federal agencies. To be clear, the outcomes of the Arctic Council are determined by those who participate.
The Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee provides Alaskans with an opportunity to amplify the voices of state and local government, the private sector, community leaders and a variety of stakeholder groups. This is an opportunity for Alaska's leadership to engage the Arctic Council on issues important to Alaska. The development of consistent, structured communication and consultation -- particularly with the private sector and local subject matter experts -- is the best way to build consensus, advance responsible policies, and stimulate broadly beneficial economic and social development.
In order to provide clear, concise and consistent information to decision-makers and citizens throughout the U.S. on Arctic issues, Alaska's leaders need also to understand the Arctic Council's process and issues at stake and be able to articulate clear, consistent messages. A sustained and focused campaign during the next two years can bring real and meaningful attention to the issues Alaskans care about.
The Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee will develop a mutually beneficial feedback loop between federal and state officials, and strengthen relationships with all key Arctic stakeholders. It has the potential to allow partnership opportunities to develop, with more involvement by communities and industry in the sustainable development of the Arctic. The Day of the Arctic in Alaska has come, and now is the time for Alaskans to join together to communicate clearly our Arctic interests.
For a full list of Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee members, visit institutenorth.org. Also, save the date for the Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee Launch Event with Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Friday, Aug. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in Anchorage.
Craig Fleener is Gov. Bill Walker's special assistant on Arctic policy and will act as the governor's liaison to the Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee.
Nils Andreassen is the executive director of the Institute of the North, which is serving as the secretariat for the Alaska Arctic Council Host Committee.
The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)alaskadispatch.com.