The Arctic, a highly coveted strategic region

The population of the Arctic is approximately four million people, of whom some 500,000 are indigenous.

In addition to the eight riparian nations, six indigenous organizations are represented on the Arctic Council which begins this Wednesday, May 19, 2021. via REUTERS - Natalie Thomas

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The Arctic Council is meeting from this Wednesday in Reykjavik, Iceland.

This year, it is Russia which will assume the rotating presidency of this biannual summit, which aims to strengthen the peaceful cooperation of the riparian states in this region which is the object of much covetousness.

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It is a territory of four million inhabitants subject to extreme conditions, which global warming could turn into a polar El Dorado.

The accelerated melting of the ice makes more accessible hydrocarbon deposits supposed to rest under its seabed.

And new maritime passages that could become essential in international trade fuel a race for territorial claims. 

The Arctic is thus at the heart of the desires of the eight riparian states which will meet from this Wednesday in Reykjavik.

This is the case of Norway, which estimates that the Barents Sea contains more than 60% of the oil reserves still to be discovered in the country, even if the drilling there has so far been disappointing.

Donald Trump had for his part granted oil and gas concessions in Alaska, in the largest protected natural area in the United States, but his successor Joe Biden blocked them.

Greenland is attracting the interest of mining companies, even though the new local government will bury a controversial uranium and rare earth mine project.

Russia no longer hides its ambitions for the Arctic

Russia is counting on the Northeast Passage to link Europe to Asia by passing off Siberia.

This still under-exploited maritime route could one day compete with the Suez Canal.

It would save 15 days on the journey of the large freight ships that link Europe and Asia.

And Russia has every intention of exploiting this new trade vein, indicates our correspondent in Moscow,

Daniel Vallot

.

► See also

 : 

Suez Canal blocked: Moscow promotes its northern route

The energy potential of the Arctic has also led Russia to make the development of the region one of the priorities for the next 15 years. To achieve this, the Russian authorities want to invest in port infrastructure, encourage private investment and build a large fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers.

The strategy is also military: Russia has made it clear that it intends to mark its territory. With the proliferation of military maneuvers in the region, the opening or modernization of several military bases and the deployment of the S-400, the famous Russian anti-aircraft defense system. But also Monday through the voice of his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. “ 

We see criticism that Russia is expanding its military activity in the Arctic. But it has been clear to everyone for a long time that this is our land, our territory. We are responsible for the safety of our coastline and everything we do there is perfectly legal and legitimate,

 ”he argued during a press conference.

►

To read also: Moscow warns the West before a meeting on the Arctic

Tensions between Moscow and Washington

Even before the start of the meeting, the tension is therefore already evident.

This Tuesday, the head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken responded to his Russian counterpart, calling on him to avoid the militarization of the Arctic.

The growing military activities in his view increase the risk of accidents and undermine the shared objective of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region.

The US Secretary of State implicitly called on Sergey Lavrov to "

 avoid statements

" like those made on Monday, showing his "

 hope 

" that the Arctic summit on Wednesday and Thursday will " 

strengthen peaceful cooperation in the region 

".

Established in 1996, the Arctic Council meets every two years and aims to promote " 

the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development in the region

 ".

In addition to the eight riparian nations, six indigenous organizations are represented there.

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