Arctic

Prepared for change
© Finnish Wind Power Association

The Arctic region is important for the Netherlands and for the health of the planet. The region is warming up to four times faster than the global average. A warmer climate in the Arctic has global implications. It leads to melting ice-caps, loss of biodiversity and more extreme weather conditions – also outside the Arctic region. As a result, the vulnerable ecosystem in the Arctic has been severely impacted by climate change. This affects both the people and the wild life living in and outside the Arctic.

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The Netherlands is working specifically to curb and adapt to climate change, prevent pollution in the Arctic region, and protect biodiversity, indigenous groups and the marine environment. Dutch scientists conduct state of the art research in the Arctic, focusing on climate change.

In protecting the interests of people and the environment, and striving to ensure security, international stability and sustainable economic development in accordance with international agreements and sustainability standards, the Netherlands supports and (where applicable) helps strengthen international legal and administrative frameworks. Among others, the Netherlands is an active and reliable observer state in the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum for cooperation in the Arctic.

The embassy participates in relevant fora for Arctic cooperation and science, like the annual Arctic Circle in Reykjavik and Arctic Frontiers in Tromsø. The embassy also (co-)organises symposia and events together with Norwegian and Dutch partners.

Further reading:
The Netherlands' Polar Strategy
Norwegian Arctic Policy

Arctic Youth

Image: ©fotograf-skaare.no / Minbuza

A selected group of young entrepreneurs, students and scientists met to discuss the Future of the Arctic together with the Dutch and Norwegian royal couples during the State Visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Norway in 2021. 

The embassy has on several other occasions invited students and youth to participate in infomative and interative events on Arctic topics, including indigenous rights, climate change and economic development in the High North of Norway.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended the Roundtable discussion at the FRAM museum about the future of the Arctic with young representatives of Arctic organisations.

SEES science expeditions

Image: ©University of Groningen / Ben Bekooy
Two successful SEES expetidions (Scientific Expedition Edgeøya Spitsbergen) have been conducted in the Arctic wates around the Svalbard archipelago. The SEES is a multidisciplinary expedition, which studies the consequences of global warming in and around the island of Edgeøya in the Svalbard archipelago. It is headed by the University of Groningen’s Arctic Centre, along with NWO’s Polar Programme and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 2022 edition was the largest Dutch science expedition ever! It gathered over 50 scientists and 50 science supporters on a expedition ship sailing to several locations to measure changes in the environment. Both terrestial changes, changes to sea ice and the social aspects of climate science were covered.

Group picture of the SEES expedition 2015.

Contact

Please do not hesitate to contact the Netherlands embassy in Oslo for more information.