ABSTRACT
The Arctic region, which includes the Arctic Ocean and the sub-Arctic waters of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, is an unique area. The Arctic Ocean itself covers about 14 million square kilometres, almost two thirds of the area within the Arctic region. 1 Its deep central basin is crossed by three ridges, extensions of the mid-Atlantic continental rift structure and is surrounded by extensive continental shelf areas. The region is both an indicator and regulator of change in the world’s climate system. The Arctic region’s extreme climate influences terrain with the presence of sea ice and permafrost creating the need for innovative technologies to facilitate accessibility and permit resource exploitation. Despite the environmental obstacles, development in the Arctic has been substantial, with both economic and strategic considerations influencing the pace and nature of development. The littoral states, Denmark, Canada, the United States, Norway, Iceland and the USSR, have all, to varying degrees, recognised the uniqueness of the region and developed policies and plans to deal with specific aspects of development and utilisation of the region and its resources.
