Environment and nature

Climate: The Nordic Region is strongly committed to international co-operation on the climate. Here, just as in other areas of environmental concern, the Region aims to be a pioneer and set a positive example.

Energy: Nordic co-operation on energy aims to contribute with visible and sustainable solutions for the most important and relevant energy challenges facing the Nordic Region. These include fighting greenhouse gas emissions and securing energy supplies in the future.

Environment: There are a large number of environmental challenges that must be met together - nationally, regionally and globally. This applies above all to climate change, the use and emission of hazardous chemicals, protection of marine ecosystems, and conservation and exploitation of biological diversity. Co-operation between the Nordic countries must be strengthened to make best use of the resources we have access to and to create joint solutions in the Nordic Region.

Fisheries: Nordic co-operation in this area covers fisheries, fish-farming and catching and is based on living marine resources. The co-operation in the Nordic Council and Council of Ministers is political and is directed towards the politicians and the administrations in the Nordic countries. The core aim of the co-operation is to develop a sustainable approach to the use of living marine resources such as fish and marine mammals.

Forestry: Nordic forestry is very diverse in terms of its climatic and geographical conditions, but the Region as a whole faces a number of common challenges.

Nature, the cultural environment and outdoor life: Nordic society is characterised by the co-existence of mankind and nature, which has lasted for millennia. Therefore, we cherish Nordic nature and cultural environment very highly and want to take good care of it for present and future generations.

Sustainable development: Globalisation, the development of the information society, an ageing population, and unsustainable consumer and production patterns with consequences for climate change present both challenges and opportunities for the Nordic countries. Meeting these challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities demand joint Nordic cross-sectoral efforts that integrate the principle of sustainable development.

The Arctic: A large part of the Nordic land and sea areas lie in the Arctic region. The Nordic countries are therefore strongly involved in issues that concern this unique and harsh, but also vulnerable area. The Nordic countries co-operate to improve the quality of life for the indigenous people in the northern areas and to promote social and cultural development for the Arctic people. Nordic co-operation also strives to protect the sensitive and characteristic Arctic nature, and to ensure sustainable use of the region's resources, and protection of its biological diversity.