National Strategy for the Arctic Region
National Strategy for the Arctic Region

On 30 January 2014 the Obama Administration released the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for the Arctic Region (Implementation Plan). This plan sets forth the methodology, process, and approach for executing the National Strategy for the Arctic Region (Strategy), which the Obama Administration released on 10 May 2013. (For more information about the Strategy, see: "White House Announces National Strategy for the Arctic Region" in Witness the Arctic -Spring 2013).

According to its overview, the Implementation Plan complements and builds upon existing initiatives by Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners. It upholds national interests in safety, security, and environmental protection and it works with international partners to pursue global objectives of addressing climatic changes.

According to the White House press release, "While the Implementation Plan is designed to guide the activities of Federal Departments and Agencies, successful implementation will depend upon active engagement and coordination with Alaska Natives and the State of Alaska." The Implementation Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis. Progress on implementation actions by Federal Departments and Agencies will be provided through an annual report to the President.

The full Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for the Arctic Region can be found here.

For further information about the National Strategy for the Arctic Region and source material for this article, see the White House press release.