The US Geological Survey estimates that a fifth of the
world’s undiscovered, technically-recoverable resources
lie within the Arctic Circle. This sets the potential for
geopolitical conflicts as the search for new oil, gas and
minerals intensifies. An urgent need for clear policy-making
on Arctic issues is therefore necessary, prompting researchers
at Durham University, UK, to create the first ever “Arctic
Map” to show the disputed territories that states might
lay claim to in the future.
The new map outlines the historical and ongoing arguments
about ownership and the race for resources in the frozen
lands and seas of the Arctic. It shows the areas where boundaries
have been agreed, where known claims are, as well as the
potential areas that states might claim.
The results have huge implications for policy-making as
the rush to "carve up" the polar region continues.
The Durham map aims to assist national and international
policy-makers across the world, showing what is currently
possible and what might be permissible in terms of territorial
claims under international law.
"The map is the most precise depiction yet of the limits
and the future dividing lines that could be drawn across
the Arctic region," says Director of Research at the
International Boundaries Research Unit (IBRU), Martin Pratt.
Current Climate
It’s been one year since Russia planted a flag on the seabed, underneath
the North Pole, highlighting its claim to a huge chunk of the Arctic.
According to international law, any coastal state can claim
territory 200 nautical miles from their shoreline and exploit
the natural resources within that zone.
Some coastal states have rights that extend beyond this
due to their continental shelf. Areas of the seabed beyond
the continental shelf are referred to as ‘The Area’ and
any world state – landlocked or not – has equal
rights in this area.
The continental shelf is the part of a country’s landmass
that extends into the sea before dropping into the deep ocean.
If a state can prove its rights, it can exploit the resources
of the sea and the seabed within its territory.
Russia claims that its continental shelf extends along a
mountain chain running underneath the Arctic, known as the
Lomonosov Ridge. Theoretically, if this was the case, Russia
might be able to claim a vast area of territory.
The Lomonosov Ridge is just one area of contention between
countries. Other disputes involve Canada, USA, (Greenland)
Denmark, Iceland and Norway.
The problem with claims is that they must be verified by
geological and geomorphological analysis, as well as "sub-sea" surveys.
It's therefore not an easy or quick process to verify claims.
The Durham map could be vital in helping to settle future
sea territorial disputes.
The map is available for download from the IBRU
website http://www.dur.ac.uk/ibru/resources/arctic/.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL
BOUNDARIES RESEARCH UNIT
The IBRU works to enhance the resources available for the peaceful resolution
of problems associated with international boundaries on land and at sea, including
their delimitation, demarcation and management. Since its foundation in 1989
IBRU has built up an international reputation as a leading source of information
and expertise on boundary and territorial issues around the world.
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