International cooperation in the field of environmental protection and rational use of Arctic bioresources: history of development and current realities.

The subject of the research is the current state of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and conservation of living resources in the Arctic. It is noted that the Arctic remains a zone of heightened attention and collision of geopolitical interests. The leading role in resolving conflicts arising in the region belongs to international law, which is in a process of constant development, taking into account the changing realities of the modern world. The continuously deteriorating inter-state relations and the frozen international cooperation of Russia with Western countries hinder effective resolution of global problems in the Arctic region, including: global warming and finding ways to effectively adapt to it, conservation of living resources, ensuring the traditional way of life of indigenous peoples, and other environmental protection issues. Based on the historical research method, the article analyzes the development of international law and the cooperation of Arctic states in the field of environmental protection in the region. Special attention is given to the Cold War period and the positive results of cooperation achieved during that time. The scientific novelty of the research lies in parallel made between various periods of tense international political situations and conclusion that peaceful and sustainable development of the Arctic must be ensured by the efforts of all circumpolar states, as well as with the direct participation of non-Arctic countries. The leading role in this process should belong to international law and international cooperation, conducted regardless of the political context and existing disagreements. The author also concludes that the restrictions imposed by the West on scientific cooperation with Russian counterparts effectively undermine the connections established over decades between scientists from leading scientific and educational centers. The contemporary Arctic policy of circumpolar countries, which excludes scientific and other cooperation with Russia on environmental protection issues, significantly increases the risks of sustainable development in Arctic territories. It appears that multilateral international cooperation in the Arctic without Russia cannot fully encompass the entire spectrum of regional problems, let alone develop the most effective ways to resolve them. It has been identified that in the context of the pause in the work of the Arctic Council, cooperation among non-state actors may now become the most important form of cooperation.

environment, environmental protection, Arctic, international law, international cooperation, indigenous peoples, legislation, Arctic Council, ecosystems, marine bioresources