Sixty-one participants representing the eight Arctic states (Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States), three observer states (Italy, Singapore and South Korea) and four guests representing IALA, University of the Arctic, WWF and Bonn Agreement, met from 6 to 8 December last in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the second meeting of the Emergency, Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group (EPPR WG).
This working group ofArctic Council, addresses and discusses various aspects related to the prevention, preparedness and response to environmental emergencies and to search and rescue in the Arctic sea. Italy participated in the working group with the frigate captain Paolo Dei, hydrographic officer of the Navy.
The phenomenon of global warming is a challenge that requires an immediate response from the international community, in close coordination with the Arctic states. The most important forum for dialogue on this subject regarding the Arctic is currently theArctic Council.
In particular, the members of the working group exchange information on the best experiences they have and lead projects for the development of specific guidelines, risk assessment methodologies, practical exercises and staff training, with the aim of contributing to the protection of the Arctic environment from the threat or impact that can result from an accidental release of pollutants or radionuclides.
Italy considers theArctic Council and its articulated composition as the main area of discussion for deepening the different aspects and problems of a region with a complex reality, as well as the possible forms of cooperation.
All the details relating to the Italian strategy for the Arctic are contained in the document published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
