Russia may become a leader in the protection of the Arctic environment and northern indigenous peoples, the head of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Patricia Cochran, who heads the U.S.'s Alaska Native Science Commission, said rapid climate change is the main problem facing the Arctic, causing a number of concerns, such as "food safety and security, erosion and permafrost impacting community housing and infrastructure, safe traveling with loss of stable sea ice."
Among other problems, Cochran said, are land and resource development that is not coordinated with the needs of Arctic residents, as well as the loss of cultural identity by indigenous peoples, and health-related issues.
"Working together and recognizing the rights of all involved is an important step in resolving these problems. Open discussion among organizations, states and communities is vital. Forums that include all actors as equal participants provided richer dialogue and more appropriate actions," Cochran said.
She said Russia had an "important role" in the dialogue as an "area critical to future development."
"Russia has the opportunity to provide worldwide leadership in setting the stage and setting the bar to standards that meet the needs of all people."
WASHINGTON, April 19 (RIA Novosti)
