Arctic Security on Svalbard, Container Shipping on Northern Sea Route, SDGs for the Arctic and Just Transition Board Game

Dear readers,

Today's issue of Arctic Highlights covers novel research on UN Sustainable Development Goals applicability in the Arctic context, Russian development of Northern Sea Route, Security concerns on Svalbard and some exciting free resources and career opportunities!

Why the Arctic Needs Its Own Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A new study published in Nature Urban Sustainability argues that the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while important for addressing global challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality do not fully meet the needs of Arctic cities. The Arctic is home to communities that face harsh climates, remote geography, shrinking populations, and economies often tied to resource extraction. Applying the SDGs without adjusting for these local realities can actually do more harm than good, the researchers say.

The authors set out to understand what sustainable development should look like for cities in the Nordic Arctic, including Greenland. They spoke directly with local professionals involved in urban planning and development, gathering insights into their priorities and concerns.

The study identified seven different ways Arctic experts think about sustainability.

Some focus on building green infrastructure and switching to renewable energy. Others stress the need for strong population growth and better housing, transportation, and public services. A third group is most concerned about balancing environmental protection with cultural and social well-being, especially by including indigenous perspectives. Across all views, there is agreement on key principles:

the need to protect ecosystems, move toward renewable energy, diversify Arctic economies beyond resource extraction, and put local communities at the center of decision-making.

However the ways to implement these visions differ. Some believe that population growth is essential for economic survival, while others say the priority should be improving life for the people already living in Arctic cities. Tourism is another point of tension, while some see it as a major growth opportunity, others warn it must be strictly limited to protect fragile ecosystems. There is also a split over transportation, with some pushing for improved air access to global markets and others calling for more sustainable, local transport options.

At the heart of the study is one key message: the Arctic is not a one-size-fits-all region, and global development goals need to be carefully adapted to local conditions. That means recognizing the region’s extreme climate, unique cultures, and reliance on fragile ecosystems. It also means working closely with Arctic communities, not imposing solutions from outside. This study closely mirros our study that we published in 2020, Implementing the United Nations Sustainable DeveloImplementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Norwegian Arctic: A Ready-made Framework? highlighting how Agenda 2030 lacks targets and indicators pertinent to the Arctic.

Russian Official Urges New Arctic Economic Model at SPIEF

Alexander Tsybulsky, Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast, has called for the creation of a comprehensive financial and economic model for Russia's Arctic Zone. The proposal was made at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) during a session on the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

Discussions at the session, which included governors from Arkhangelsk and Murmansk oblasts, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, and representatives from Rosatom and China's NewNew Shipping Line, focused on the NSR's prospects and the development of icebreaker transport systems.

Tsybulsky highlighted Arkhangelsk's historical role in Arctic exploration and its recent port successes, noting an 8.3% increase in cargo turnover in 2024, contrasting with a general 7.8% decline across the Arctic basin. Container traffic through Arkhangelsk has also surged nearly 30-fold since 2017, largely driven by the "Arctic Express No. 1" project.

The Governor emphasized Arkhangelsk's readiness for expanded maritime transport and its growing appeal to investors, including foreign partners. He stressed the need for a systemic approach to fully realize the Arctic's economic potential, advocating for accelerated development of port and transport infrastructure, new equipment leasing programs, and the construction of technologically advanced ports.

Tsybulsky cited the construction of a new deepwater area in Arkhangelsk port as a flagship regional project, undertaken in collaboration with Rosatom and Evrosib, with Chinese interest already expressed. He expressed confidence that Arkhangelsk Oblast will play a significant role in the overall development of the NSR and the Arctic. (source here)

Rosatom's and China's New Shipping Jont Venture for Arctic Container Fleet

Russia's state atomic energy corporation, and China's NewNew Shipping have established a joint venture (JV) aimed at constructing ice-class container vessels for year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). This strategic partnership, formally completed in late 2024 under Chinese jurisdiction as Northern Sea Route Shipping Line, was announced by Vladimir Panov, Rosatom's Special Representative for the Arctic.

The JV is currently evaluating shipyards for the design and construction of Arc7 ice-class container ships, each with a capacity of 4,400 TEU. While investment figures remain undisclosed pending shipyard selection, the initiative underscores a push for round-the-clock container shipping between China and Russia's northwestern ports. St. Petersburg has been identified as a key Russian terminal, although future development of modern container terminals in Murmansk and Arkhangelsk could significantly reduce transit times by seven to eight days.

Panov emphasized that achieving year-round operations hinges on both the introduction of these high-Arctic class container ships and an increase in the icebreaker fleet in the NSR's eastern sector to five units. The first vessel is projected to be operational by 2027, with a broader goal of establishing continuous container services within three years. This development aligns with Rosatom's broader mandate as the operator for NSR infrastructure development. (source here)

This significant development in Arctic shipping infrastructure and logistics directly addresses key challenges and opportunities highlighted in our academic IEEE article co-authored with Michele Fiorini "Feasibility of Container Shipping on the Northern Sea Route (NSR)" where we underscored the critical role of specialized vessel design, robust icebreaker support, and the strategic establishment of hub ports for the technical and economic viability of high-latitude shipping lanes. This partnership therefore, serves as a compelling real-world case study for capabilities and infrastructure deemed essential for unlocking the NSR's full commercial potential for container shipping.

Russia and US Discuss Rare Earths, Arctic, and Space Projects Despite Political Divide

Russia and the United States are holding talks on possible cooperation in energy, rare earth elements, Arctic activity, and space exploration, according to Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation. He spoke during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“Energy, the Arctic, rare earths, and space are the main areas under discussion,” Dmitriev said, adding that economic dialogue continues in parallel with political disagreements. (source here)

In a separate statement, Russian officials drew a line on foreign participation in Arctic rare earth mining. “Foreign investors are not involved in rare earth projects in the Arctic and should not be,” said Alexei Chekunkov, minister for the development of the Russian Far East and Arctic. “This sector must remain sovereign.”

Chekunkov said that about 75 percent of Russia’s known rare earth reserves are located in the Arctic. He acknowledged that some cooperation with Chinese metallurgical firms may occur on specific technologies but emphasized that key projects including Lovozero, Afrikanda, Pavlovsk, and Tomtor are either active or nearing development. The extraction process, he noted, is technologically demanding and strategically significant.

Arctic Security Tightens: Norway Blocks Chinese Students from Svalbard University

Recent developments on Svalbard highlight growing security concerns surrounding Chinese activity in the strategically vital Arctic. Norwegian authorities have taken a decisive step, with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) barring Chinese students from enrollment, a move stemming from a Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) assessment. This assessment labels the presence of Chinese researchers and students on the archipelago as a national security threat.

The PST's rationale is that they believe the Chinese presence aims to facilitate intelligence gathering in the Arctic region. This concern is amplified by reports of Chinese attempts to purchase properties on Svalbard and a stated desire to construct a laser station in Adventdalen, raising alarms about potential dual-use capabilities for both civilian research and military applications. While the university officially stated a desire to avoid stigmatizing students based on nationality, the underlying security implications are the driving force behind this unprecedented decision. The restriction means Chinese students, previously permitted, will now be excluded from field excursions crucial for their degrees if such trips involve facilities deemed sensitive by Norwegian state interests.

The incident reflects a complex interplay between academic freedom, international cooperation, and national security interests. (Source: here)

Understand the Green Transition with Terra Nordica

Educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in the Arctic's future can now explore sustainable development through Terra Nordica, a free interactive role playing game.

Created by Nordregio researcher Hilma Salonen, Terra Nordica is a powerful learning tool based on extensive research. Players become local actors like municipal leaders, planners, and residents, facing real world dilemmas about wind park locations, revenue investment, and balancing environmental, social, and economic needs.

Why Terra Nordica is Relevant for the Arctic?:

• Addresses complex challenges of the green transition in Arctic and Nordic contexts.

• Learn through dynamic gameplay, fostering dialogue and critical thinking.

• All game materials are freely downloadable and printable. You just need a group, the kit, and a standard dice.

• Ideal for educational settings, policy workshops, stakeholder dialogues, or independent learning.

• Designed from Nordregio's robust research for a realistic and impactful experience.

Terra Nordica has already proven its effectiveness with policymakers. Download it today and empower your students, colleagues, or community to envision a fair and sustainable future.

Opportunity Alert for Youth Leaders!

ICIMOD is seeking applications for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Arctic Youth Leadership Forum! This year-long engagement aims to empower young climate champions from both the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and Arctic regions.

Eligibility:

• Aged 19-35 years.

• Citizen of an HKH or Arctic country.

• Part of a youth focused climate or environmental organization/program.

• Demonstrated interest in Arctic and/or HKH climate and environmental issues (especially cryosphere and biodiversity).

• Leadership potential and community involvement.

This forum is a fantastic chance to amplify your voice, co-create solutions, and connect local realities to global climate platforms. This is a great opportunity for preserving our glaciers and promoting sustainable solutions!

Learn more and apply via the official ICIMOD website.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱

On 26, June I moderated a panel at EU Arctic Forum in Kittilä, so here are some highlights from the panel.

𝗘𝗨 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴:

• €350M invested in Arctic research during Horizon Europe

• Projects ranging from €6M to €15M, enabling large-scale collaborative research

• €150M in new funding opportunities identified for 2025

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱:

• 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 - Expanding EU-European Space Agency (ESA) cooperation through the 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, combining research efforts with knowledge dissemination

• 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - All polar research now systematically includes indigenous and local knowledge as core component

• 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 - EU chairs the All Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance, with Arctic forum planned for September in Brussels

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗨 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵:

European Polar Research Coordination Office (EPCO) was established as a central coordination hub in January 2025, building stronger connections between researchers, policymakers, and communities. The integration of polar research into future EU policy frameworks remains a key priority.

Strong collaborative opportunities ahead for European polar research!

Thank you for the opportunity to moderate this panel! I am grateful to all the speakers for sharing their expertise and knowledge.

You can watch the panel starting at 7:05 https://lnkd.in/dRzSudwE

with this I wish you all a wonderful summer! I am going to be on holidays in July, so we will meet again in August!

Yours,

Alexandra Middleton