Netherlands

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The Netherlands is a seafaring nation with a proud history of exploration, and Svalbard was originally discovered by a Dutch the explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596. Dutch exploration in the Arctic region continued, and Dutch nationals have been engaged in industry and commerce in the area since the 16th century, when they were active in whaling and cod-fishing. Present-day involvement includes polar research and the activities of Dutch NGOs and companies including, until recently, Shell.

The Netherlands has several strong areas of interest in the Arctic, both in research and industry. The main concerns of the Netherlands are the impact of climate change, due to its low-lying coastlines, and Arctic cooperation and security. Before Shell moved its headquarters to the UK, Dutch concerns in the Arctic were also related to the future of the oil and gas industry. The Arctic Center for Polar Research in Groningen is an example of the importance that the Dutch place on the region. In 2022, the second Netherlands Scientific Expedition Edgeøya Spitsbergen (SEES) took place. The Netherlands has also been contributing to working groups of the Arctic Council, through for example Wageningen University’s Arctic Marine Litter Project. Furthermore, in 2016 the Dutch appointed their first Arctic Ambassador, Ambassador Kees Rade. Ambassador Rade was replaced by Ambassador Carola van Rijnsoever in 2017. As of October 2022, the Arctic Ambassador of the Netherlands is René van Hell. The Dutch also have an Arctic station in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard which is run by the Arctic Centre in Groningen.

This page was updated on 1 August 2022. If we have missed anything, please contact info@thearcticinstitute.org.