Norway, Canada and Sustainable Development: Science, Policy, Infrastructure, Business and Blue Economy
- 10/05/2023
- 9:00 am
- Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa
Canada and Norway possess the longest and second longest coastlines in the world, spanning approximately 344,000 kilometers combined. Both countries hold untapped potential for ocean growth and boast strong policies, research, and business developments in the blue economy sector.
Arctic Frontiers and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa hosted two days of discussions on policy, science, infrastructure, and business in the High North, focusing specifically on Canada and Norway. This event promoted greater cooperation between the two High North regions and provided a platform for exchanging information and recognizing emerging issues in the fields of policy, science, and business.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, we were in Ottawa to host an evening reception, bringing together young professionals from across the North Atlantic.
On the morning of Thursday, May 11, 2023, we held panel discussions focused on the Norwegian chairmanship of the Arctic Council, addressing policy decisions and challenges across various sectors of the Blue Economy.
We then traveled to Montreal on Friday, May 12, 2023, for discussions centered on scientific and research developments in the Blue Economy and the businesses supporting these advancements, including data services and infrastructure.
Advancing the Arctic Blue Economy through Innovation and Partnership
Blue economy refers to maximising the economic value of the oceans with sustainability and preservation at the centre of the activities. A blue economy can provide additional effects including social development, improved well-being and biodiversity protection. Additionally, much of the funding and research is going into small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and startups, and blue economy has a huge potential in the Arctic.
A sustainable ocean and blue economy benefit many sectors including aquaculture, infrastructure, technology, Indigenous and Traditional livelihoods, transport, energy, security, research and education.
Canada and Norway note their close relationship concerning sustainable management of marine resources, as well as technological knowledge and biological research in their 2008 Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries and oceans. A number of additional agreements and bilateral projects have produced a strong relationship between the two North Atlantic nations, and produced excellence in the fields of ocean technology, innovation and growth.
