ABSTRACT
The issue of sovereignty has been a part of the Arctic environmental cooperation from the beginning. The problem of state sovereignty over the environment and natural resources is emphasized by the awareness that there is a growing number of 'international' environmental problems. Different states used environmental concerns to construct their 'Arctic' identity. The states recognized their role as major actors in Arctic environmental cooperation. The preparatory meeting in Rovaniemi 1989 resulted in affirming the concern for the Arctic environment and the need for special measures by the states to protect the environment. The most serious environmental change affecting indigenous peoples and their communities in the Arctic is the constriction of indigenous controlled land. The demand of indigenous peoples is to be considered as 'peoples' and claim their right to self-determination. Self-determination is understood as the right to autonomy and self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs.
