DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH GREENLANDIC

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COPENHAGEN 000339 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL SENV KGHG DA SUBJECT: DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH GREENLANDIC PREMIER ENOKSEN Classified By: Regional Environmental Officer Erik Hall. For reasons 1.4 (b&d). ¶1. (C) Summary: In a respectful but serious bilateral meeting following the Arctic Ocean Conference in Ilulissat, Greenland, Greenland Home Rule (GHR) Premier Hans Enoksen expressed concern to Deputy Secretary Negroponte about the U.S. listing of the polar bear as a threatened species. The Greenlanders emphasized the negative effects of the ruling on Greenlandic traditional culture, which shares with Inuit cultures throughout the Arctic a respect for nature and sustainable harvests of native wildlife. The Deputy Secretary explained that the decision had already been taken, and had been entirely science-based, under U.S. law. He suggested that U.S. scientists share their evaluation of world polar bear populations with Greenlandic scientists. OES A/S McMurray explained that the decision would not affect Greenland, since it does not export polar bear products to the United States or conduct commercial hunting. The Greenlanders emphasized their disagreement with the listing nevertheless, but welcomed the opportunity to exchange scientific information. They also expressed appreciation for U.S. engagement with Greenland under the U.S.-Denmark-Greenland Joint Committee. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Background: The May 28 meeting, after the conclusion of the Arctic Ocean Conference in Ilulissat, Greenland, came at Greenland's request. The Deputy Secretary was accompanied in this meeting by Ambassador Cain, OES A/S McMurray, Department Legal Advisor Bellinger, D Special Assistant Wittenstein, and REO Hall (note-taker). Premier Enoksen was accompanied by Finance and Foreign Minister Aleqa Hammond; Deputy FM Inuteq Holm Olsen; Mikaela Engell, Danish MFA Deputy Head of Department; and an interpreter. Polar Bear Listing -------------- ¶3. (C) After expressing appreciation for improved relations with the U.S. over the past few years, Premier Enoksen said he hoped that relationship would continue to improve. Nevertheless, Enoksen said the GHR government disagreed with the recent U.S. decision to list polar bears as a threatened species. Enoksen emphasized he intended to share this concern "in a friendly manner" and "without an aggressive tone in disagreement." Polar bears are a part of Greenlandic culture, he said, and "we make our living with whales, seals, polar bear, and they are crucial to us." A strict quota of 130 polar bears per year is imposed on Greenlandic hunters, who are concentrated in isolated indigenous communities which use the meat for their own subsistence. No bears with cubs can be killed. Other quotas exist on the beluga and narwhal whales, as well as birds. Hunters complain the bear quota is too low, he said. A growing population of well-fed bears are visiting our towns, he added. ¶4. (C) The Deputy Secretary told Enoksen that Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne had based his decision strictly on scientific evidence, and the decision was certainly not intended to complicate U.S. relations with Greenland. A/S McMurray explained that under U.S. law, the decision was based exclusively on an evaluation of scientific evidence. Before making the decision, Sec. Kempthorne had convened a meeting of polar bear range states, including scientists from Greenland. Greenlandic subsistence hunting should not be directly affected by the listing, since Greenlandic polar bear products are not exported to the United States. She suggested scientific cooperation to study the polar bear population in Greenland. The Deputy Secretary asked the Premier what he would do in our position, with scientific evidence that the polar bear population is endangered worldwide. Enoksen recommended a strict management regime, saying that Greenlanders have hunted the bear for thousands of years, and wants to ensure their survival for generations to come. ¶5. (C) FM Hammond expressed great respect for scientific evidence, and said Greenlandic biologists from the Institute of Natural Resources did not consider the bear to be endangered but growing in population. She said it was important to keep in mind the human dimension. Polar bear meat is crucial to some isolated Greenlandic communities, COPENHAGEN 00000339 002 OF 002 where alternatives do not exist. ¶6. (C) The Deputy Secretary suggested that it might be useful for Greenlandic and U.S. scientists to share their data, to increase understanding for the basis of the U.S. decision. FM Hammond welcomed dialogue with the U.S.; she also noted that the U.S. decision was featured prominently in the Greenlandic press. The Deputy Secretary affirmed that the U.S. decision had already been made, but expressed a willingness to manage the issue to increase understanding, in a spirit of friendship. Appreciation for U.S. Engagement with Greenland -------------- -- ¶7. (C) Enoksen thanked the Deputy Secretary for listening to Greenland's concerns, and expressed appreciation for the recent meeting of the U.S.-Denmark-Greenland Joint Committee in Washington. He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Cain for "his efforts as a fantastic facilitator and door opener for Greenland." The Deputy Secretary concluded the meeting saying the U.S. would "keep looking for ways to deepen the (bilateral) relationship." Comment -------------- ¶8. (C) Greenlandic concerns regarding the polar bear were clearly rooted in domestic debate caused by press coverage of the recent U.S. announcement. It also reflected Greenlandic concern over what is sometimes perceived as a lack of concern for indigenous communities, traditions. Greenlanders believe indigenous hunting practices have been and still are sustainable, and contrast their approach to that of larger industrial nations that have hunted some species of whale, for example, to near-extinction. Greenlanders reject decisions they perceive as stigmatizing traditional indigenous culture, and complain that decisions on marine mammal management are sometimes taken without what they feel to be adequate consultation. Greenland's unease may also be reflected in the narrative here that Canada came to a different conclusion on the polar bear after taking indigenous concerns into account. ¶9. (U) The Deputy Secretary's party reviewed this cable. CAIN