The European Parliament called for the establishment of protected areas in the North pole

The creation of a reserve around the North pole in the waters, which now does not belong to any of the countries meets the interests of Russia.

As reported by Greenpeace Russia, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of the protected area around the North pole. The resolution repeats the requirements of the Arctic campaign of Greenpeace, which has supported more than five million people. The European Parliament is calling for the waters area of 2.8 million square kilometers, today does not belong to any country, to protect it from commercial fishing and mineral resources. Today she has no protection status.

The European Parliament also stressed the need for the signing of the Arctic Council binding agreement on pollution of Arctic waters.

Earlier, European politicians did not dare to address environmental issues of the North and oppose the interests of major oil companies, including Gazprom Shellи.

"The Russian leadership claims to be part of the Arctic waters beyond the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but industrial exploration of the North pole hopeless due to the great depths and distances. The oil and gas reserves are minimal compared to the shelf. Thus, it is possible to preserve the unique natural area without detriment to the economy. Besides, President Putin spoke about plans to "significantly expand the network of specially protected natural territories of the Arctic zone, – says Vladimir Chuprov, head of energy program Greenpeace Russia.

Moreover, if the protected mode will be limited to shipping via the North pole, it will contribute to the loading of the Russian Northern sea route.

Resolution of the European Parliament can influence the policy of the "Arctic eight" (which includes Russia). There's a good background: in August 2013, the government of Finland has supported the establishment there of the reserve, including it in its strategy of development of the region.

The participant of the peaceful action against oil extraction in the Barents sea, the activist of Greenpeace Finland's Sini Saarela commented on the resolution as follows:

-I am very glad that the European Parliament adopted a decision which will give rise to a very important debate among politicians. The vote of parliamentarians means that the opinion of millions of people that need to protect the Arctic really means a lot. This is something to ponder for the leaders of those countries that now look at the melting polar ice solely as a business opportunity.



Source: www.ridus.ru