Only 36 of 1400 participants at Arctic Frontiers are from Russia. The conference is the largest meeting place discussing Arctic issues in 2015. Traditionally, Arctic Frontiers has branded itself as a high-profile stage for science, business and politics with Russia as an important partner.
Last autumn, Arctic Frontiers signed a partnership deal with the Russian Geographical Society aimed at strengthening ties and friendship across the borders and develop cooperation where possible.
Under the agreement, representatives of the Russian Geographical Society joins the expert council of Arctic Frontiers conference and is involved in shaping the agenda.
One offical from Moscow
Out of the 36 Russian participants, 10 are students- and young researchers that got travel grants and conference costs covered by the Norwegian organizers. There are some journalists from Murmansk, one official representative from the Foreign Ministry in Moscow and some diplomats based in Oslo and Kirkenes.
Climate and energy is the themes of Arctic Frontiers 2015. BarentsObserver has spoken to several sources saying there is a lack of logic in making sanctions against Russia’s Arctic oil development one day and hoping for Russian participation in discussions the other day.
Ukraine
Norway’s Foreign Minister, Børge Brende, says to BarentsObserver that he appreciates that there are Russian participants at the conference.
“Norway wants Russia to remain a part of the Arctic cooperation and in the Arctic Council,” Brende says.
“There is no doubt that the last year has been special. Russia has violated international law in Ukraine and captured a part of another European country. Norway will never compromise on international law.”
The Foreign Minister believes there is a connection between few Russian participants and the general situation with Russia’s violation of international law in Ukraine.
Putin holds the key
“Russia is the one that has the key. If Russia adherence to the Minsk agreement, to international law, there will come a normalization. Putin is the one with the key,” says Børge Brende.
Salve Dahle, Chair of the steering committee for Arctic Frontiers believes the political situation is a main reason why there are so few Russian participants this year.
“Cooperation with Russia in science and economic development has always been a trademark for the conference. We have tried to maintain this tradition. Little participation now is a result of political problems between Russia and the West,” Salve Dahle says to BarentsObserver.
A weak ruble does not help, adds Dahle.
Lack of travel cash
“It is more expensive for our partners to travel to Tromsø. I do especially think this is the case for scientists from smaller research institutions.”
The ruble decline makes expenses in Norway nearly twice as costly as only some few months ago.
First vice-president of the Russian Geographical Society, Artur Chilingarov, was the only Russian supposed to address the audience in a plenary session. He was, however, delayed, but will speak on Tuesday.
No-one from business or industry
Moderator of the session, Liv Monica Stubholt says to BarentsObserver it is a pity that so few Russians attend.
“It is not because we haven’t tried. A state-secretary from the Ministry of Natural Resources was supposed to come. Also others were supposed to be invited,” she explains.
Liv Monica Stubholt is President of the Norwegian-Russian Chamber of Commerce.
At Arctic Frontiers, there are no business or industry representatives from Russia. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a separete session will take place where Arctic business development and Barents Sea oil and gas are on the agenda.
