Arctic Yearbook 2014 | Page 460

460 Arctic Yearbook 2014 the first legally binding agreement under the auspices of the Arctic Council on cooperation in Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue, which requires better readiness and safer navigation in the Arctic Ocean, (geo)economics and economic interests seem to have taken over (geo)politics and science, as well as environmental protection. Finally, the voyage showed, and its record speed manifested, the fact that the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean is melting and becoming thinner. If the sea ice is going to melt this fast, there might be no solid multi-year sea ice in near future for activities in a summer time. Then we, the people, and humankind have lost something very special, a part of the beauty of nature. From this point of view the Olympic Torch Relay voyage to the North Pole with its nice pictures and videos can be seen either as a picturesque and extreme excursion; or as an experimental endeavour with international participation and in a new global context; or an ultimate presentation on behalf of the snowy and icy marine Arctic ecosystem. Sailing to the North Pole (Photo: Organizing committee of Sochi 2014) Heininen