Therriault Resolution Opposes UN Designation
of Arctic Ocean as World Heritage Site

“Sea Park” Designation Would Preclude Resource Development, Shipping

JUNEAU – Responding to a recent proposal by a group of North American scientists to have the United Nations designate the Arctic Ocean as a multi-location World Heritage Site, Sen. Gene Therriault has introduced a resolution (SJR 7) expressing Alaska’s opposition, which will be sent to President Barack Obama and the Alaska congressional delegation.

“These scientists have asked for World Heritage designation specifically to eliminate any increased trans-oceanic shipping, resource extraction and other development around the Arctic Ocean,” Therriault said. “Such a designation would erode the sovereignty of the nations that border the Arctic Ocean, preventing them from exploring for and developing any natural resources they might find.”

Therriault noted there are significant amounts of oil, gas, and minerals estimated to be under the waters of the Arctic Ocean, which could be brought to development as technology advances, if the ocean becomes ice-free.

“This resolution does not involve itself with the controversy over what may be the cause of global warming,” Therriault said. “We wanted to focus on the high importance of access to natural resources in the far north. In addition, any move toward UN control over what is sovereign territory of the United States is a threat to not only Alaska’s economy, but our nation’s as well.”

SJR 7 was referred to the Energy and Resources committees.

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