FINLAND

ARCTIC COUNCIL: MEMBER

Finland

NATIONAL ARCTIC STRATEGY

- FINLANDS ARKTISKA STRATEGI 2013, STATSRÅDETS PRINCIPBESLUT 23.8.2013

- (ENGLISH VERSION: FINLAND’S STRATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC REGION 2013, GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION ON 23 AUGUST 2013) FINLAND 'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARCTIC

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARCTIC

Research and Education.

Several Finnish universities have focus areas on research and development related to the Arctic. At Aalto University’s School of Engineering, Arctic technology is a priority. Arctic maritime technology and winter navigation, key research areas, are both important to Finland as it offers major business opportunities for companies engaged in international trade. Aalto University also operates the Aalto Ice Tank, a multipurpose ice testing tank, which enables the study of a wide range of hydrodynamic phenomena in ice-­‐free conditions.The universities of Helsinki, Lapland, Oulu and Turku operate research units in northern Finland. The University of Helsinki accounts for a considerable percentage of Finnish Arctic research, for example in the fields of geology, geography and physics.

The University of Lapland is the northernmost university in the European Union. It conducts research on Arctic populations, communities, the environment, and art and design and their interaction. Additionally, it is assigned nationwide responsibility for social and legal research related to the Saami nation. The Arctic Centre, based at the University of Lapland, is concerned with global change, sustainable development and environmental and minority law in the region. Its nationwide role includes the dissemination of scientific information, exhibition activities and expert duties related to the Arctic and Barents Euro-­‐Arctic Council. The Arctic Centre is seeking to establish itself as the EU Centre for Arctic Information. The University of Lapland also houses the University of the Arctic International Secretariat , which is responsible for the administration of the cooperation network between the universities, polytechnics and other educational institutions of the Arctic countries. The universities belonging to the network promote the exchange of researchers, students and teachers in the northern regions. The Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences is also specialises in the research, training and development of sustainable forest use; the coordination of the use of natural resources; and the management of low-­‐temperature conditions.

The University of Lapland, the Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences and the Lapland tourism college jointly runs the Multidimensional Tourism Institute, an expert in the Arctic tourism and hospitability industry.

The University of Oulu is an international science university engaged in research into northern and Arctic issues in several fields of science. The university’s Giellagas Institute has the mandate to provide education in the Saami language and culture. The Thule Institute, based at the university, is engaged in research into the environment, natural resources and northern fields of activity. For this purpose, it operates a Centre for Arctic Medicine and the NorNet network coordinating environmental and natural resources research. The Oulu Mining School and the Nordic Mining School, established in collaboration with the Luleå University of Technology in Sweden respond to the growing needs of the mining industry. The Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory is a national institute subordinated to the University of Oulu. The Saami Education Institute (Sámi oahpahusguovddáš), is a multi-­‐disciplinary institute of education providing instruction in the Saami language and culture as well as offering a wide range of vocational training. Arctic research is one of the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s strategic priorities. The FMI Arctic Research Division studies the various layers of the polar atmosphere, biosphere and the surface of the earth, generating accurate data on the atmosphere, climate and the environment. FMI also operates the Arctic Research Centre located in Sodankylä, Lapland. In addition to its expertise in the fields of marine ecology, ice research, shipping and the northern environments, the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) is in involved in a range of Arctic Council projects to gather data on environmental toxins, climate change and short-­‐lived climate forcers (SLCF). The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health Oulu unit initiated research into the evaluation and management of the detrimental impacts of low temperatures. The Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), a not-­‐for-­‐profit organisation, carries out low-­‐temperature research, low-­‐temperature technology. Tekes -­‐ the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation has launched 100 million Euro Arctic sea program. The Academy of Finland, which represents Finland at international polar science bodies, has an Arctic specific funding call.

State.

Agrifood Research Finland, the Finnish Forest Research Institute and the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute operate in their respective fields in the north. The three institutes will amalgamated in 2015 to form a Natural Resources Institute. Another state agency with a northern regions mandate is the Geological Survey of Finland which carries out geological, geochemical and geophysical research and natural resources exploration in northern regions. The institute’s expertise ranges from the preparation of control schemes and the evaluation of effectiveness and risks to the assessment of the lifecycle impacts of consumption and production. The governmental Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK)’s regional laboratory in northern Finland is the northernmost laboratory in the European Union to monitor radioactivity. It is also part of the environmental monitoring and assessment network for Arctic areas.

Industry.

The Lapland Chamber of Commerce has created the Arctic Business Forum, with the view of bringing together leading international companies with business interests in the European High North. The Chamber is also working towards a Circumpolar Chamber of Commerce. Arctech Helsinki Shipyard is a joint venture owned with equal shares by STX Finland and Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC). They specialized in Arctic shipbuilding technology and innovation. Apart from the infrastructural importance of Arctic shipbuilding, a company like Arctech also fosters cooperation between the marine industry clusters of Russia and Finland. In addition to model and full scale testing services, Aker Arctic, for example, offers sundry types of consulting, design and engineering services, field expeditions, training and other technology services associated with technologies and operations in icy or severely cold conditions. Arctia Shipping Oy owns and operates the Finnish icebreaker fleet. During the cold seasons they ensure that maritime traffic to and from Finnish ports runs smoothly. During the summer season, their multipurpose icebreakers work in the Arctic waters to ensure safe operations in the offshore oil-­‐ and gas fields.

Finnish industries with initiatives with an Arctic edge include companies researching and developing oil spill recovery equipment adapted to Arctic, such as Lamor (Larsen Marine Oil Recovery) which has its headquarters in Finland and works closely with several Arctic countries, including Finland, Canada and the United States on oil spill response and recovery in the Arctic.Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, launched a Green Mining Programme initiative (2011-­‐2016), the main objective of which is to make Finland a global leader of the sustainable mineral industry.

 

  • Finland is member at the Barents-Euro Arctic Council, the forum for intergovernmental and interregional cooperation in the barents region. BEAC was established in 1993 in order to "provide impetus to existing cooperation and consider new initiatives and proposals".
  • The Arctic Society in Finland established in 2012 is an a example of Country specific initiatives to facilitate international collaboration. It aims to support and monitor Finland’s activities in the Arctic region and to coordination of Finnish policy in relation to its activities. In addition, the Advisory Board is responsible for raising awareness about Arctic issues and for forging connections with corresponding bodies in other countries.
  • Finland participates at POLAR VIEW an initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission, with participation from the Canadian Space Agency, under the Copernicus Programme. Current PV service lines include: sea ice monitoring and forecasting; iceberg monitoring; ice edge monitoring; ice drift trajectories; river ice monitoring; lake ice monitoring; glacier monitoring; snow monitoring
  • Finalnd partecipates to ANISTIAMO (Addressing New Challenges in Satellite Based Maritime Surveillance and Arctic Monitoring), an initiative of Kongsberg Satellite Services in Norway. ANISTIAMO builds on previous research that focused on satellite derived information for maritime surveillance, and seeks to continue working with maritime agencies (e.g. naval organisations, coast guards) that are potential users of satellite-based products and services. With this in mind, the primary objectives of the initiative are to: validate the capability to provide products and services responding to requirements for information expressed by end users in the maritime security and Arctic Environmental Monitoring community; demonstrate benefits and utility for a defined set of products and services to a representative group of end users under operational conditions; obtain clear, credible statements from participating end users on the utility of the products and services delivered; compile convincing evidence on the viability of a future operational case for the products and services considered within the target demand sectors.
  • European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument The European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) supports the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). It has been operational since 1 January 2007. Together with the ERDF it co-­‐funds programmes such as Kolarctic, a development programme in which the Finalnd partecipates along with Sweden, Norway and the Russian Federation. The 2007-­‐2013 budget for Kolarctic has amounted to €70.48 million, of which €28.4 million was EU funding. Some of the Kolarctic projects are incorporated in the thematic section of this chapter.

SELECTED EU-FINANCED PROJECTS

  • The Lapland Regional Environment Centre and the Finnish Forest Research Institute, Rovaniemi Research Unit, Thule Institute at University of Oulu, Finnish Environment Institute, University of Lapland Arctic Centre, University of Lapland are partner to Clim-ATIC (Climate Change — Adapting to The Impacts, by Communities in Northern Peripheral Regions), a project aimd at supporting rural peripheral communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Clim-ATIC is partially financed by the EU by the Northern Periphery Programme.
  • The Finnish Environment Institute and the Finland Finnish Meteorological Institute are partners to CryoLand, a project aimed at developing, implementing and validating an operational sustainable service for monitoring snow and land ice. CryoLand is financed by the EU within Copernicus, 7th Framework Programme.
  • The Finnish Meteorological Institute is partner- to CoreClimax, a project for Coordination the identification of essential climate change variables and the creation of long term climate data records. CoreClimax is partially financed by the EU by the 7th Framework Programme. The Finnish Meteorological Institute, along with the University of Eastern Finland, is also partner to Page21, a project aimed at understanding and quantifying the vulnerability of permafrost environments to a changing global climate, and to investigate the feedback mechanisms associated with increasing greenhouse gas emissions from permafrost zones. Page21 is partially financed by the EU. With the Arctic Centre -­‐ University of Lapland, (associated partner). The Finnish Meteorological Institute ans Arctic Centre-University of Lapland are partners to SIOS, (Svalbard Integrated Earth Observing System) a project for the creation of an optimized observational infrastructure which can match advanced Earth system models with observational evidence and provide near--‐real--‐time information on Arctic Change to relevant stakeholders. SIOS is partially financed by the EU by the 7th Framework Programme. The Finnish Meteorological Institute partecipates at LSP Polar Wind, a project aiming at creating stable and environmentally clean energy supply for the villages. The project is partially financed by the Kolarctic ENPI CBC, Large Scale Project.

  • Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland, is lead partner to Barents Mediasphere, a project aimed at improving cross-­‐border communication and information flow within the Barents region. The Barents Mediasphere project aims to create flexible cooperation mechanisms for media in the Barents region, and increases its visibility in media both inside and outside the region. Barents Mediasphere Is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC.
  • The Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland, is partner to ACCESS (Arctic Climate Change, Economy and Society /Climate Change and the Arctic environment WG), a project aimed at evaluating the Arctic climate change scenarios and their impact on specific economic sectors and human activities over the next decades. The project is fully financed buy the EU by the 7th Framework Programme and Ocean of Tomorrow.
  • Arctic Centre, University of Lapland is partner to Arctic Transform / Shipping Working Group, a project aimed at developing transatlantic policy options for supporting adaptation in the marine Arctic environment, Arctic Transform / Fisheries Working Group aimed at developing transatlantic policy options for supporting adaptation in the marine Arctic environment, Arctic Transform / Offshore Hydrocarbon Working Group, aimed at Developing transatlantic policy options for supporting adaptation in the marine Arctic environment . Arctic Transform is partially financed by the European Commission Directorate General for External Relations

  • University of Helsinki (UH), Finland University of Oulu (UOULO), Finland University of Turku (UTURKU), and Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA), are partners to INTERACT, (International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic) a project aimed at building capacity for identifying, understanding, predicting and responding to diverse environmental changes throughout the wide environmental and land-­‐use. INTERACT is partially financed by the EU by the 7th Framework Programme.

  • Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment is the lead partner of The Barents Freeway, a project for the Integration of the current transport strategies, plans and projects of each country Elimination of border constraints in order to add fluency of transport flows To improve accessibility of regional, national and international markets for the producers Acceleration of the integration of local economies of the Region into the global economy. The Barents Freeway is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC . The Regional Council of Lapland is also partner to The Barents Freeway.

  • The Finnish Maritime Administration is partner to SAFEICE, a project aimed at increasing road, rail and waterborne safety and avoiding traffic congestion. SAFEICE was partially financed by the EU by the 6th Framework Programme
  • STX Finland OY, AKER ARCTIC TECHNOLOGY OY, AALTO-­‐KORKEAKOULUSÄÄTIÖ, WARTSILA FINLAND OY, and VTT Technical Research Center of Finland are partner JOULES (Joint Operation for Ultra Low Emission Shipping), a project aimed at significantly reducing the gas emissions of European Built ships. JOULES is partially financed by the EU by the 7th Framework Programme
  • Game and Fisheries Research Institute AND Turku University, are partners to Kolarctic Salmon, a preject aimed at merging modern science with traditional knowledge to improve the future management of the Atlantic salmon. Kolarctic Salmon is a project partially financed by the EU, Kolarctic ENPI CBC.

  • Tunturilapin kehitys Ry is leading partner to North Calotte Network for Sustainable Tourism Development, a project aimed at Increasing cooperation between those involved in tourism in the Arctic area and raising awareness of sustainable tourism in the Arctic. North Calotte Network for Sustainable Tourism Development is partially financed by the EU by Interreg IV A North.
  • The Finnish Forest Research Institute is leading parnter to DILACOMI (Different Land Use Activities and Local Communities in Mining Projects) a project researching on mining and mines, and how they affect and are able to function in the local communities. DILACOMI is financed by the European Regional Development Fund. University of Lapland and University of Oulu are also partners to DILACOMI.

  • Municipality of Salla and Lapland development Centre for Economic, Transport and Environment, are partners to LSP Reconstruction of the road “Kandalaksha - Alakurtti – Checkpoint Salla”, a project Contributing to the development of the transport infrastructure and social-­‐economic development of the Barents region. Project purpose is to reconstruct the section 100-­‐130km of the road Salla-­‐Alakurtti. LSP Reconstruction of the road “Kandalaksha - Alakurtti – Checkpoint Salla” is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC, Large Scale Project. Municipality of Salla along with Proagria Lappi ry, is also partner to AgroPark Alakurtti, a project aimed at the Promotion of sustainable social and economic development. AgroPark Alakurtti, is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC
  • Metsähallitus, Natural Heritage Services is leading partner to ABCG Heritage (Arctic Biological, Cultural and Geological Heritage), a project aiming at increasing regional knowledge, particularly where schoolchildren are concerned, but also for tourists, local residents and nature tourism operators To increase the sustainable use of protected and recreational areas create new, innovative co-­‐operative networks along the Green Belt of Fennoscandia, which do long-­‐term nature conservation work and establish sustainable nature tourism. ABCG Heritage is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC. Geological Survey of Finland, and Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment are also partner to the project.
  • Metsähallitus, Natural Heritage Services Ostrobothnia and City of Tornio are partners to Cross-Border Co-operation of National Parks of Bothnian Bay , a project aimed at fostering Cross-­‐border co-­‐operation between the only marine national parks in Bothnian Bay. Cross-Border Co-operation of National Parks of Bothnian Bay is partially financed by Interreg IVA Nord.
  • Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences, are partners to MineHealth, a project aimed at Providing long-­‐term sustainability of well-­‐being, health and work ability among workers in the mining industry by increased knowledge on how to cope with the environment and to adopt preventive measures for working in the mining industry within the Barents region.þ MineHealth is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC
  • University of Lapland is leading partner to SUMILCERE (Sustainable Mining, local communities and environmental regulation in Kolarctic area), a project aimed at support public-­‐private collaboration for achieving the sustainable development; enhance the using of developed practices and recommendations for sustainable social licensing, environmental regulation; contribute to the diminishing risks in global mining investments; sustain research network collaboration. SUMILCERE i sfinanced by Kolarctic ENPI CBC.
  • Regional Council of Lapland is leading partner to Fennoscandia Exploration and Mining, a project aimed to create or find an organisation/association which can continue with the FEM conferences in the future without considerable public finance. Fennoscandia Exploration and Mining is partially financed by Interreg IVA Nord.
  • Geological Survey of Finland is lead partner to ENVIMINE (Developing environmental and geodynamical safety related to mine closure in the Barents region) a project aimed at Developing innovative and environmentally safe methods for mine closure in the Barents region, and cooperation in mining environmental studies between the participating countries will be developed as well. ENVIMINE Is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC.

  • Local Federation of East Lapland is lead partner to Salla Gate - Business and Tourism Partnership, a project aimed at creating a functioning network of entrepreneurs and companies in two key industries; tourism and supporting services for mining. Salla Gate - Business and Tourism Partnership is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC. Kemijärvi Development Ltd, is also partner to the project.

  • University of Lapland is lead partner to A School for all - Development of inclusive Education , a project aimed at Promoting educational opportunities of persons considered as vulnerable by increasing their access to and participation in society. A School for all - Development of inclusive Education is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC. University of Lapland is also lead partner to BCBU+ (Barents Cross Border University Development Project), a project aimed at contributing to the development of the Barents Region by promoting Cross-­‐Border academic cooperation.

  • Sámi Education Institute is lead partner to NÉDA,. The project’s main objective is to enhance the appeal of the Sámi, Nenets and Komi regions, consolidate their identity and expand local investment opportunities. The concrete objective is to develop culture and tourism products that have arisen from the needs of local indigenous people and to educate entrepreneurs and trainees as well as administrative personnel involved in tourism. NEDA is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC. Hotelli Korpikartano, Inari is also part of the project .

  • Lapin Nahka Oy is lead partner to Reindeer Hide - Quality High, a project aimed at Improving methods and know-­‐how in raw reindeer hide processing among reindeer owners and slaughterhouses in North-­‐West Russia. Reindeer Hide - Quality High is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC.

  • Kemi-­‐Tornionlaakso Municipal Education and Training Consortium Lappia is leading partner to Young Innovative Entrepreneurs, a project aimed at the creation of a region wide support system that will enhance the development and implementation of innovative business ideas across the borders by young entrepreneurs. Young Innovative Entrepreneurs is is partially financed by Kolarctic ENPI CBC. Rovaniemi Municipal Federation of Education/RUAS Länsipohjan yrittäjät are also partners to the project.

  • Kemi-­‐Tornio University of Applied Sciences
 

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