Arctic Council

Finland held the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2017–2019. Finland’s priorities for the Chairmanship were environmental protection, connectivity, meteorology and education.
The Paris Climate Change Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development form the broad framework for the Chairmanship programme. Finland’s Arctic cooperation is coordinated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The Chairmanship offered an excellent opportunity to present Finnish expertise in sustainable and responsible Arctic bioeconomy. In the Arctic Council the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry includes invasive alien species, climate change adaptation and resilience. Climate resilience refers to the capacity to adapt to climate change and to take appropriate action in the event of exceptional circumstances.

Finland’s Strategy for the Arctic Region

Finland also has a national strategy for the Arctic region, including an action plan.  The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has a particular role in two key areas, one concerned with using our Arctic expertise to create business opportunities and the other with the development of sustainable tourism.

Sustainable and responsible use of natural resources is in a key position in the Arctic bioeconomy as well. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, together with its cooperation partners, strives to strengthen the Arctic expertise, create sustainable business, and promote public-private partnerships.

Related links

Arctic Council

Finland’s Strategy for the Arctic Region

Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Finland’s Chairmanship

Arctic invasive alien species
 

Further information:

Saara Lilja-Rothsten, Senior Officer, tel. +35 295 162 060
Heidi Alatalo, Coordinator, tel. +35 295 162 046
Riitta Pelanteri, Administrative Officer, tel. +35 295 162 245 riitta.pelanteri@mmm.fi

 

Useful external website