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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress
due to limited surveillance, monitoring, and information system capabilities. Persistent
awareness enables identification of threats, information-sharing with front-line partners,
and improved risk management. Improving awareness requires close collaboration within
DHS, as well as with the Departments of State, Defense, Interior, the National Science
Foundation and other stakeholders to enhance integration, innovation, and fielding of
emerging technologies. The Intelligence Community and non-federal partners are also vital
stakeholders.
Modernizing Governance: The concept of governance involves institutions, structures of
authority, and capabilities necessary to oversee maritime activities while safeguarding
national interests. Limited awareness and oversight challenge maritime sovereignty,
including the protection of natural resources and control of maritime borders. The Coast
Guard will work within its authorities to foster collective efforts, both domestically and
internationally, to improve Arctic governance. In so doing, the Coast Guard will review its
own institutions and regimes of governance to prepare for future missions throughout the
Arctic.
Broadening Partnerships: Success in the Arctic requires a collective effort across both the
public and private sectors. Such a collective effort must be inclusive of domestic regulatory
regimes; international collaborative forums such as the Arctic Council, International
Maritime Organization (IMO), and Inuit Circumpolar Council; domestic and international
partnerships; and local engagements in Arctic communities focusing on training and
volunteer service. Success in the Arctic also depends upon close intergovernmental
cooperation to support national interests, including working closely within DHS, as well
as with the Department of State, Department of Interior and other Federal partners as the
U.S. prepares to assume Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2015.
Beyond these three strategic objectives, there are a number of additional factors that will
position the Coast Guard for long-term success. These factors include building national
awareness of the Arctic and its opportunities, strengthening maritime regimes, improving
public-private relationships through a national concept of operations, seeking necessary
authorities, and identifying future requirements and resources to shape trends favorably.
This strategy outlines a number of priorities, ranging from capabilities and requirements to
advances in science and technology that will facilitate our Nation's success in the region.
Specifically, the strategy advocates to leverage the entire DHS enterprise and component
capabilities to secure our borders, prevent terrorism, adapt to changing environmental
conditions, enable community resilience and inform future policy.
Operating in the Arctic is not a new venture for the Coast Guard. However, adapting to
changing conditions will require foresight, focus, and clear priorities. This strategy will
ensure we attain the aim of safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity
in the Arctic by improving awareness, modernizing governance, and broadening
partnerships to ensure long-term success.314
January 2014 Implementation Plan for National Strategy for Arctic Region
The Obama Administration's January 2014 implementation plan for its national strategy for the
Arctic region (see "Background") makes "Department of Homeland Security (United States
Coast Guard)" the lead federal agency for 6 of the plan's 36 or so specific initiatives, and a
supporting agency for 13 others.315 The six initiatives where the Coast Guard is designated the
lead federal agency include
" enhance Arctic domain awareness;
314 United States Coast Guard Arctic Strategy, Washington, May 2013, pp. 9-10. Emphasis as in original.315 Implementation Plan for The National Strategy for the Arctic Region, January 2014, pp. 7-31.
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O'Rourke, Ronald. Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress, report, August 1, 2018; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1248258/m1/86/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.