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Permanent participants weigh in 10 MAGAZINE Looming challenges 16 No. 1 2017 THE CIRCLE on deck 22

Sustainability

Connectivity

Conservation

Development FINLAND TAKES THE CHAIR COUNCIL EDITION

PUBLISHED BY THE WWF ARCTIC PROGRAMME THE CIRCLE 1.2017 EDITION

Contents EDITORIAL Collaboration in times of change 3 IN BRIEF 4 JUHA SIPILÄ Finland takes the Chair 6 HEATHER EXNER-PIROT The U.S. – in like a lion, out like a lamb? 8 LARS-OTTO REIERSEN Looming challenges 16 KEES RADE and JORDEN SPLINTER Early Adopters 19 EIRIK SIVERTSEN Support for Finland 20 ARNI THOR SIGURDSSON Iceland on deck 22

Permanent Participants weigh in JON PETTER GINTAL Including Sámi Parliaments 10 JIM GAMBLE Improving connections and information 11 GRANT SULLIVAN Clean power for Arctic communities 12 OKALIK EEGEESIAK From policy shaping to policy making 12

Increasing Indigenous capacity 13 Scoring the Arctic Council 14 THE PICTURE 24

The Circle is published quarterly Publisher: Editor in Chief: Clive Tesar, COVER: Flag of Finland. by the WWF Arctic Programme. WWF Arctic Programme [email protected] Illustration: Ketill Berger, Film & Form, filmform.no Reproduction and quotation with 8th floor, 275 Slater St., Ottawa, appropriate credit are encour- ON, K1P 5H9. Managing Editor: Becky Rynor, ABOVE: Arctic tern. Photo: Smudge 9000, CC, Flickr.com aged. Articles by non-affiliated Tel: +1 613-232-8706 [email protected] sources do not necessarily reflect Fax: +1 613-232-4181 the views or policies of WWF. Design and production: Send change of address and sub- Internet: www.panda.org/arctic Film & Form/Ketill Berger, scription queries to the address [email protected] on the right. We reserve the right ISSN 2073-980X = The Circle to edit letters for publication, Printed by St. Joseph Communications and assume no responsibility for Date of publication: unsolicited material. April 2017. Thank you for your interest in The Circle. Many of our ­subscribers have moved to an e-version. To receive an electronic copy in your email instead of a paper 2 The Circle 1.2017 copy, please write to us at [email protected] and help us reduce our costs and footprint. THE CIRCLE 1.2017 EDITORIAL

Collaboration in times of change

THE CIRCLE frequently addresses changes taking place tion of the importance of long term strategic goals that in the Arctic –changes to , waters, human activi- look beyond the two-year chairmanships. ties and wildlife – which are occurring in this region at Within the Arctic Council structure, the Permanent unprecedented speed. One constant throughout these Participants – the circumpolar Indigenous peoples’ orga- changes has been the government of Finland’s recogni- nizations – also have a voice in directing the Council. tion of the need to work on them collaboratively through They also weigh in on what they feel needs to be priori- the Arctic Council. tized in this term. Finland first chaired the Arctic Council in 2000. At that Outside of the Council, Arctic parliamentarians are time, its Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja acknowledged requesting a forum of the Arctic state ministers respon- that Finland was starting its term “preoccupied with our sible for climate to discuss initiatives for reducing emis- constant cause of anxiety, the vulnerability of the Arctic sions of carbon dioxide and short-lived climate forcers. environment. The repercussions of climate change are Observer states to the Arctic Council far-reaching not only in the Arctic region but also glob- – non-Arctic countries – also need to ally.” He also noted that all their activities as Chair must be involved and aware of how they can be based on an appreciation of the link between the envi- contribute to a well-governed Arctic. The ronment, and the knowledge of the government of Indigenous peoples and others living the Netherlands in the region. FINLAND RECOGNIZES THE speaks to how the At that time, Minister Tuomioja IMPORTANCE OF LOOK- Observer states LIISA ROHWEDER is underscored the importance of focus- can and should CEO of WWF Finland ing on the ecological, as well as the ING BEYOND THE TWO- engage with the social, cultural and economic dimen- YEAR CHAIRMANSHIPS Council. sions of sustainable development. As an organizational observer The rotating chair of the Arctic and active participant in the Coun- Council now returns to Finland. In introducing its priori- cil’s work, WWF has strong views on what the Council ties for the next two years, Finland is again highlighting should tackle. One of our repeated requests has been that climate change and sustainable development. As always, Arctic states track progress on joint conservation commit- these priorities must merge with the views of other coun- ments. To assist them, WWF has developed a scorecard tries in defining the Ministerial direction for the upcom- showing progress to date against several critical indicators. ing term. As you’ll read in this edition of The Circle, the We also urge this Ministerial to include: developing outgoing US Chair faced a mid-term change in presidents Arctic-wide plans and incentives for renewable energy; and no one is entirely sure what the new administration’s advancing creation of a network of marine protected priorities are for the Arctic. Meanwhile, Iceland is on areas to further minimize the risks of increasing Arctic deck to chair the Council in 2019 and is already consult- shipping, and improved understanding of the effects of an ing its citizens on what issues should be highlighted in its acidifying on fisheries. Our full input to the Minis- upcoming term. This neatly ties in to Finland’s recogni- terial meeting can be found at panda.org/arctic. l

The Circle 1.2017 3 IN BRIEF

pearance of ice. “We must leverage the Paris Agreement on climate change through increased scale and speed of implemen- tation,” he urges. Great Siberian Polynya to be protected AN AREA OF OPEN WATER in

© MOW – Michael Alesi © MOW – Michael the high Arctic – the Great Left to right: Lisa Speer (NRDC), H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Fanny Douvere (UNE- Siberian Polynya – impor- SCO), Carl Lundin (IUCN). tant to polar bears, walruses, and many other species, is significance,” says Clive Tes- says Martin Sommerkorn, gaining greater protection World Heritage ar, who leads WWF’s Last Ice Head of Conservation for with the creation of the New Area project. “Annual records WWF’s Arctic Programme. Siberian Islands reserve in sites in Arctic set by shrinking Arctic sea ice “Polar bears need the ice to the Yukutia territory. It will indicate we are running out reach denning areas, or to get be among ’s biggest Waters of time to protect these areas out onto the ice to feed after marine protected areas. for species such as polar a long fasting period in the The New Siberian Islands SEVEN GLOBALLY significant bears and narwhals. Their den. Several species of seal is home to one of the least- marine sites in the Arctic homes are melting away.” also rely on the ice to give studied polar bear popula- Ocean have been identified birth in the spring.” tions – the popu- by the International Union A recent study suggested lation – along with walrus for Conservation of Nature that 50-70% of the Arctic ice subspecies, spectacled eider, (IUCN) as warranting pro- Declining ice sets disappearance is caused by klokotun, pink seagull, and tection and could qualify people. Bewick’s swan. Every winter, for World Heritage status. “This is not just about the the Great Siberian Polynya The report, in partnership new record effects on Arctic animals; it is a sanctuary for these and with the US-based Natural THE US NATIONAL SNOW and is also about the people who many other animals. Unique- Resources Defense Council Ice Data Centre has con- rely on those animals,” says ly located between the East (NRDC) and UNESCO’s firmed that Arctic sea ice set Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, head Siberian and the Laptev , World Heritage Centre, was its lowest spring extent in 38 of WWF’s Climate & Energy the polynya never freezes, supported by WWF. years of satellite measure- Practice. “We’re trying to allowing many Arctic species Some areas identified by ment. The ice maximum cool a larger, hotter part of to winter there. the report for potential heri- – when polar sea ice hits the world with a smaller and The nature reserve project, tage designation overlap with its greatest extent in spring smaller air conditioner. If the spearheaded by WWF Rus- the Last Ice Area, prioritized – has been declining at a sea ice goes, it will impact sia, was validated by the state by WWF for conservation. rate of about 3 per cent per the lives and livelihoods of ecological expert examina- “This report is another decade. billions of people and cause tion and approved by the nudge to Arctic nations that “This is extremely wor- untold damage to sensitive Government of Yakutia. It they need to act now to con- risome for animals at the ecosystems.” He says this is has been submitted to the serve these areas of local, margins of the ice extent, a reminder that we must act Government of the Russian national and international such as the European Arctic,” quickly to slow the disap- Federation to sign.

4 The Circle 1.2017 IN BRIEF

Polar bear subpopulations stable, but shrinking sea ice taking a toll

NEWLY-RELEASED results of a polar bear subpopulation survey show two of Canada’s 13 polar bear subpopula- tions, previously thought to be declining, are likely stable while another may even be increasing. However, the sur- vey has also uncovered some worrisome trends. Scientists observed the bears looked thinner, fewer cubs are sur- viving into adulthood, and female bears are being forced Photo: Alex Berger, CC, Flickr.com Alex Berger, Photo: to swim longer distances Polar Bears, Churchill, Canada for food. The evidence also shows declining Arctic sea ice may be a major threat to create a baseline for measur- bears in are espe- north in all seasons. Bears their long-term survival. ing polar bear health. “The cially worrisome,” WWF- are also now spending 20 to This research – funded in decreases in reproduction Canada Arctic species expert 30 days more on land than in part by WWF Canada – helps and body condition of polar Brandon Laforest explains. the 1990s. “As sea ice continues to ■■ The Kane Basin sub- decline, frequent and timely population is experiencing a monitoring of polar bear sub- temporary benefit as climate populations across Canada change transforms their will be necessary.” habitat into a more seasonal Other findings of the sur- sea-ice zone. More cubs are vey include: being born and bears have ■■ Baffin Bay and Kane Basin increased access to food. This subpopulations are now esti- benefit is likely temporary if mated to be 2,826 and 357 sea-ice loss continues. bears respectively, up from Sea ice is a vital habitat for the previous survey in the polar bears. It is where they 1990s. feed, give birth, and is the ■■ The Baffin Bay subpopula- platform they use to move tion has experienced dramat- across their range. Sea ice ic losses in sea ice habitat. is the central feature for the

Map: WWF-Canada This has resulted in polar entire Arctic marine food web. Range map of polar bear subpopulations in Canada. bears having to move farther

The Circle 1.2017 5 Juha Sipilä, Prime Minister of Finland.

Finland takes the Chair The following text is from a speech by the Prime Minister of Finland, JUHA SIPILÄ to the Arctic Frontiers international conference on sustainable development in Tromso, Nor- way, January 2017.

E ARE PREPARING ment are our guidelines for Arctic coop- to take over the eration. The priorities for our upcoming chairmanship of chairmanship are now set. We will focus the Arctic Council on environmental protection, connectiv- in May. We take ity, meteorology and education. We will this task very seri- build our 2-year chairmanship in the ously as we Finns Arctic Council on strong Arctic tradition always tend to do. Over 20 years of its and expertise. Our motto is “if it works Wexistence the Arctic Council has become in Finland, it works anywhere”. Finland a valuable international forum with is successful because of the Arctic cli- distinctive qualities including the active mate, not in spite of it … together with involvement of Indigenous peoples’ the present chair, the and organizations and strong connections other Arctic countries we are looking at with the scientific community. As the how Arctic cooperation could respond Chair, we will continue this path. Dur- even better to the changing situation in ing our chairmanship, we also aim to the . Our non-Arctic partners increase the cooperation between the in Asia, and America are invited Arctic Council and the Arctic Economic to support this common goal as well. Council. We need to do this to support There are opportunities that should sustainable growth and business oppor- be used; for example, improving con- tunities in the north. nectivity in the northern regions is cru- We must keep the bigger global pic- cial. Finland is exploring the possibility ture also in mind, the Paris Climate of connecting Europe and Asia via tele- Agreement and the adoption of the communications cable running through 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop- the . We also want to enhance the role of the European Union in the development of Arctic Europe. But as in all EU cooperation the most FINLAND IS SUCCESS- important issue is implementation. We FUL BECAUSE OF THE need to put our words into action. We hope to make progress on these issues ARCTIC CLIMATE, in the EU’s first Arctic stakeholder NOT IN SPITE OF IT forum to be held in Oulu in June. l

6 The Circle 1.2017 Photo credit: Arctic Council Secretariat / Linnea Nordström Photo credit: The Circle 1.2017 7 The U.S. – in like a lion, out like a lamb? The priorities put forth for the U.S. tenure as Chair of the Arctic Council included addressing climate change, improving economic and living conditions, and better stew- ardship of the , tied around a common theme of “One Arctic: Shared Oppor- tunities, Challenges and Responsibilities”. Then, writes HEATHER EXNER-PIROT, the unex- pected happened.

DONALD J. TRUMP was elected U.S. Presi- The State Department, under John Ker- Trudeau, in March and December 2016. dent, with an almost wholly undevel- ry, privileged climate change and envi- To the cynical observer, the attention oped foreign policy beyond the slogan, ronmental protection; whereas Alaskan given the Arctic was a proxy for Oba- “America First”. But as Alaskan Senator politicians expected investment and ma’s interest in climate change, with the Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, con- progress on economic development and region acting as an object, not a subject, ceded when hosting the Conference of infrastructure. They got moratoriums in the discussion. It was unusual, if Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region in instead. Disagreements have been aired nothing else, for the Chair of the Arctic Anchorage on February 24, “there has publicly. The Arctic Council, which has Council to spend so much time on Arctic not been a clear lay-down of a policy on been trying to find compromise between issues outside of the parameters of the all things Arctic” by the Trump Admin- those two solitudes for twenty years, Council itself. istration. And there may not be before was able to stay above the fray. the Ministerial in Fairbanks on May 11. For its part, the Obama administra- The U.S. approached its Arctic Coun- tion embraced the Arctic, if not neces- cil Chairmanship with energy and ideas, sarily the Arctic Council. The Arctic THE U.S. APPROACHED marking a period of growing American became a much higher profiled piece interest in the region following the of American foreign policy than ever ITS ARCTIC COUNCIL indifference of the 1990s and early before, with the well-attended GLA- 2000s. But it faced some shortcomings CIER conference in in August CHAIRMANSHIP WITH even before Trump was elected. 2015 that focused on climate change The biggest challenge was, and efforts; the White House Arctic Science ENERGY AND IDEAS… remains, the disconnect between Wash- Ministerial in September 2016; and two BUT IT FACED SOME ington D.C. and Alaskan perspectives Joint Arctic Leaders’ statements with on policy priorities for the Arctic region. the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin SHORTCOMINGS

8 The Circle 1.2017 Photo: Pete Souza, Wikimedia Commons

New president in The Oval Office. What will the future U.S. Arctic policy look like?

On that matter, the appointment Arctic Science Cooperation Agreement the Council and the region. The focus of Admiral Robert Papp as the State was already agreed to ad referendum in on climate change may be diluted. Pub- Department’s Special Advisor for July 2016, and will be signed with the lic debate around Obama’s unpopular the Arctic in July 2014 always raised requisite fanfare in Fairbanks in May. moratorium more questions than it answered. He Traditional Council fare – important on oil drilling HEATHER launched the U.S. Arctic Council Chair- scientific work that consistently fails to in the Alaskan EXNER-PIROT manship agenda, seemed to preside at capture the public’s imagination – will Arctic may is the Managing some Arctic Council events, and became be proffered. Amongst other things, the hijack the Editor of the the public face of the Chairmanship, U.S. Chairmanship’s efforts on telecom- Ministerial’s Arctic Year- but his role was never clear. He left the munications, sanitation and renewable preferred mes- book. post rather ignominiously, with a press energy are some of the most practical saging. release coming from Eastern Shipbuild- endeavours the Council has taken to At this point, ing Group Inc. of Panama City, Florida, address sustainable development. it would be a blessing if the U.S. Arctic on January 6, 2017 – well before the But the U.S. Chairmanship is still Council Chairmanship ended with a inauguration, the time when political subject to the whims of the Trump whimper rather than a bang, and if the appointees usually offer their resigna- Administration. U.S. Secretary of State Fairbanks Ministerial was a bit of a tion – announcing he was the com- Rex Tillerson, who will preside over the bore. There are far less desirable alter- pany’s new President of its Washington meeting, has kept a very low profile, natives. l operations, i.e. its lobbyist. and the State Department has been on Politics aside, the history books will the defensive. The prospect of Tillerson likely remember the U.S. Arctic Coun- meeting publicly with Sergei Lavrov, the cil Chairmanship as a successful one, Russian Foreign Minister, on American judging by Arctic Council standards. An soil may bring unwanted attention to

The Circle 1.2017 9 Demography of Indigenous peoples of the Arctic based on linguistic groups

PERMANENT Aleuts

Evens

Alutiiq Central PARTICIPANTS Alaskan Yupik Chukchi Evenks Dena’ina Siberian Tanacross Yupik Eyak Upper Evens Kusko- Deg Evenks WEIGH IN Tutchone kwim Hit’an Chukchi Yukagirs Tagish Tanana (Iñupiat) Evens Carrier Hän Yukagirs () Babine Kaska Sakha SÁMI PARLIAMENT IN NORWAY Sarsi Gwich'in Evens (Yakuts) Sakha Evenks Slavey (Yakuts) Beaver Inuit Dogrib (Inuvialuit) Including Sámi Parliaments Evenks Chipewyan Inuit Evenks THE SÁMI PEOPLE have been engaged in the Arctic Council since it began Nganasans in 1996. The Saami Council is one of the six Indigenous peoples’ organi- Inuit zations that are Permanent Participants to the Arctic Council. The Sámi Dolgans Parliament of Norway works actively with High North issues and has participated in the Arctic Council through the state delegation since Enets Kets Kets Norway had the chairmanship in 2006-2009. When Finland takes over Selkups the chairmanship, it will be critical that Finland Selkups and Sweden work to ensure the other Sámi par- Nenets Nenets JON PETTER Inuit liaments are present at Arctic Council meetings. Inuit GINTAL is a The Sámi Parliament maintains that interna- Senior advisor Khanty tional climate action should continue to respect to the Sáme- Inuit the rights of Indigenous peoples pursuant to () Mansi diggi, the Sámi the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Nenets Komi Parliament in Norway. recognize the value of Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge, practices, and innova- Saami tions; and ensure access to climate funding for Indigenous peoples of all

i regions. The Sámi people are determining the path of our own econom- m a a ic, social and cultural development. It is important that future develop- S ment and growth in the Arctic has the latitude to tailor new economic activities to the contexts and needs of the communities they affect. The Sámi people must be able to express their values, priorities, and perspectives on our full participation in the economy, on the impacts of development, on what constitutes sustainable development and envi- ronmental protection, and on fundamental human rights. Many aspects of Indigenous cultures in the Arctic are dependent on snow and ice and are tied to renewable resources. The Sámi traditional livelihoods, especially in husbandry, fresh and seawater fishing, small-scale Na'Dene family - family Altaic family Isolated languages farming, and hunting and gathering, have been the cornerstone of Sámi culture for centuries. Today, these livelihoods face a serious threat from Athabaskan branch Inuit group (Eskimo) Finno-Ugric branch Turkic branch Chukotko- Kamchatkan family climate change, which the Arctic is experiencing twice as fast as any- Eyak branch Yupik group (Eskimo) Samodic branch Tunguso-Manchurian branch where else in the world. l Tlingit branch Aleut group Yukagiran branch Kets

Map: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal. Sources: Arctic Human Development Report, 2004 and Norwegian Polar Institute (W.K. Dallmann).

10 The Circle 1.2017 Demography of Indigenous peoples of the Arctic based on linguistic groups Aleuts THE ALEUT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Aleuts

Evens

Alutiiq Improving Central Kereks Koryaks Alaskan Yupik Chukchi Evenks Dena’ina Siberian Alutiiq connections and Tanacross Yupik Tlingit Evens Eyak Ahtna Upper Evens Kusko- Deg Evenks Tutchone kwim Chukchi Yukagirs Tagish Tanana Holikachuk information (Iñupiat) Sakha Evens Carrier Hän Koyukon Yukagirs (Yakuts) Babine THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY to look at what Kaska Sakha new initiatives and priorities will take place Sarsi Gwich'in Evens (Yakuts) Sakha Evenks Slavey (Yakuts) during the Finnish Chairmanship. The Arctic Beaver consists mainly of small populations separated Inuit Dogrib (Inuvialuit) by large distances. Many Arctic communities are not located on a road or rail system and Evenks rely on air transportation. Poor connectivity Chipewyan Inuit Evenks makes distance learning problematic. But edu- cation is a key factor Nganasans Dolgans in community sustain- Inuit The Aleut ability and resilience. Dolgans International Working with the Association Enets Kets Kets University of the Arc- represents the tic to strengthen edu- Selkups Aleut people Selkups cational opportunities in the Aleutian and Pribilof Nenets Nenets for polar communities Inuit Islands of Alaska and the Inuit Khanty and continuing the Commander Islands in the work of the Task Force Khanty Russian Federation. JIM on Telecommunica- Inuit GAMBLE is the Executive (Kalaallit) Mansi tions Infrastructure director of the AIA. Nenets Komi in the Arctic could have long-term and Saami far-reaching positive influence.

i m A new area for potential cooperation is in a a S Arctic meteorology and should include collabo- Karelians ration between the Arctic states and the World Metrological Organization. Continued work to implement the existing Search and Rescue Agreement and the Agreement on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response will benefit from improved weather data. Improved cooperation between the Arctic states in marine activities both within their respective Exclusive Economic Zones and in areas beyond Na'Dene family Eskimo-Aleut family Uralic-Yukagiran family Altaic family Isolated languages national jurisdiction will also benefit the region Athabaskan branch Inuit group (Eskimo) Finno-Ugric branch Turkic branch Chukotko- through increased safety and consistent man- Kamchatkan family Eyak branch Samodic branch Tunguso-Manchurian agement practices. Monitoring amendments branch Tlingit branch Aleut group Yukagiran branch Kets to the International Marine Organization will also be important, especially when it first Map: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal. Sources: Arctic Human Development Report, 2004 and Norwegian Polar Institute (W.K. Dallmann). comes into force. Measures are also needed to ➤

The Circle 1.2017 11 ➤ strengthen internal Arctic Council coop- tic Council globally. through a commitment to the Paris Cli- eration by working to ensure smooth Work to strengthen social progress for mate Agreement which the Arctic states transitions and cooperation between Arctic Peoples will be vital in the coming should lead since the Arctic is experienc- chairmanships and working groups, years. The profound effects of accelerat- ing those effects more drastically than improving the inclusion of observers in ing climate change need to be recognized any other place on the planet. Work that the Council’s work, and continued sup- while looking at ways to stop global focuses on human health, education, port of the Arctic Council Secretariat warming and mitigate those effects that and combating social problems such as while improving the visibility of the Arc- cannot be stopped. This can happen suicide and substance abuse will benefit

GWICH’IN COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL Clean power for Arctic communities THE FINNISH Prime Minister says all can teach us while sharing with them Academy (ARENA) provides mentorship of Finland will be powered by renew- what we’ve already learned as per the and educational opportunities for com- able energy by 2050. This is a goal the mandate of the Arctic Council: inhabit- munity leaders and Gwich’in Council International (GCI) can ants across the Circumpolar North work- ■■ Arctic Renewable Energy Atlas get behind. For the past two Arctic Coun- ing together. (AREA) creates an inventory of existing cil chairmanships GCI has prioritized GCI is contributing to this goal by renewable energy infrastructure avail- projects related to a clean energy future. acting as the lead or co-lead on several able in the Arctic. The environmental and economic Arctic Council projects related to renew- We’re also proud to be a partner in impact of the high price of energy in able energy: the Finland-hosted Arctic Energy Sum- our communities is too high. We need ■■ Arctic Renewable Energy Futures mit, which will take place later this year to share the goal of the Finnish chair to Framework (AREFF) aims to create a in . The Summit will highlight move our communities towards renew- toolkit of resources for communities to innovations in renewable energy tech- able energy technologies. We look for- develop energy plans that move towards nologies, create opportunities for sharing ward to learning from Finland how they renewable energy; best practices, and build a circumpolar will do this and see what their experience ■■ Arctic Renewable Energy Network network of companies, governments, and

THE INUIT CIRCUMPOLAR COUNCIL From policy shaping to policy making WE HAVE MUCH to be grateful for in the arena where good things are happening celebrate the US Chairmanship successes Arctic, this peaceful region governed by and where even more can be achieved. and have the courage to reflect on where eight nation states. Four million people The Arctic Council remains the most we can improve. As the US Senior Arctic call this home and more than 40 differ- important forum to ensure the Indig- Official suggested in an interview, we ent Indigenous peoples or ethnic groups enous knowledge of the Inuit and other need to re-visit the 2013 Arctic Council form a significant part of the population Permanent Participants is heard and Ministers’ “Vision for the Arctic” and – all of whom have varying degrees of that the Permanent Participants directly assess if we are indeed pursuing the rights, including settled land claims, self- contribute to Arctic science, research and appropriate opportunities to expand the government and treaty rights. Important- policy development through the Council role of the Arctic Council and the Per- ly, all have the right to self-determination and bilateral relationships with Arctic manent Participants from policy shap- advanced through the United Nations states. The 160,000 Inuit who live in 150 ing to policy making. This is an ongoing Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous communities and villages in Canada, evolution – each chairmanship moves the Peoples. It is also a complicated region. , Russia and the United States target forward, bringing new vision and Communicating with each other is diffi- share the responsibility of engagement energy to the Council. cult as is travel. It is extremely expensive and influence within the Council with the The United States has worked hard to to live, work and function here. other Permanent Participants. address issues concerning the peoples To those who live and work in the Arc- As the US chairmanship concludes and of the Arctic and we have enjoyed work- tic, it is a privilege and an international Finland assumes the Chair, we should ing with our American counterparts.

12 The Circle 1.2017 all Arctic communities. Finally, all the Arctic Council’s work will benefit from a robust inclusion of Indigenous knowl- Increasing Indigenous capacity edge. When considered from the very beginning of every initiative, project out- THE ARCTIC COUNCIL Structure of the Arctic Council comes will always be improved making provides a platform them more vital to Indigenous peoples for Indigenous peo- and local communities. l ples to add their voices to international GWICH’IN COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL issues. These Per- manent Participants – the Aleut Interna- tional Association, non-governmental organizations work- the Arctic Athabaskan ing towards a renewable energy future. Council, Gwich’in Finland takes over the chairman- Council International, ship at a crucial time for environmental the Saami Council, stewardship globally. We welcome their the Inuit Circumpolar continued leadership in environmen- Council and the Rus- tal sustainability, exemplified by their sian Association of renewable energy goal. l Indigenous Peoples of the North – sit at the Arctic Council GRANT SULLIVAN table and contribute

is Arctic Council Secretariat Graphic: the Executive Director of the substantially through Gwich’in Council Internation- their unique perspective and input vide reliable funding on an equitable al, which represents Gwich’in on international issues. This ensures basis to each of the Indigenous orga- in the , the actions of the Council are shaped nizations represented at the Arctic , and Alaska. by those who are affected by those Council. actions and that Indigenous culture, Álgu in the Saami language means traditions and knowledge are reflect- “beginning”. In this case, it marks a THE INUIT CIRCUMPOLAR COUNCIL ed in Council business, research and new beginning for the participation proceedings. of Indigenous peoples’ organiza- These Permanent Participants tions in the business and proceed- Projects which advanced human rights, contribute substantially to the ings of the Arctic Council. The Álgu Indigenous knowledge and science, Arc- Council’s authoritative status in the Fund will operate independently of tic Ocean cooperation, renewable energy region. Yet since the Council was but alongside the Arctic Council to projects and mental health and suicide created two decades ago they have provide stable, predictable funding. prevention have been implemented. consistently been challenged to This will be distributed on an equal As Chair of the ICC, I want to encour- maintain robust involvement due basis to the five Permanent Partici- age the incoming Finnish Chair to keep to a lack of adequate, sustained and pant organizations to increase access moving forward projects that have real stable funding. to research, while improving capac- societal value for the Arctic and its peo- In the Council’s 20-year history, ity for community engagement and ples. Successive Chairmanships can count each Ministerial declaration has rec- ability to collaborate on projects. on ICC to support their mandate for the ognized the need for an appropriate The Álgu fund is chaired by benefit of all partners and our respective funding mechanism to ensure the James Gamble, (AIA), while Vladi- peoples. Raising the bar, building equity Permanent Participants can fully mir Klimov (RAIPON) is the vice and demonstrating partnerships through engage in the business of the Arctic Chair. The other board members collaboration must always be our goal. l Council. The vehicle to finally act are: Grant Sullivan (GCI), Chief on this long-standing deficit is the Gary Harrison (AAC), Outi Paader newly-created Álgu Fund. In early (SCI). The Álgu Fund is now OKALIK ­EEGEESIAK is the 2017, this capacity-building chari- actively soliciting support. International Chair of the table foundation was established by Contact: Elle Merete Omma Inuit Circumpolar Council the Permanent Participants to pro- [email protected] l

The Circle 1.2017 13 Harbour seal, Svalbard, Norway.

SCORING the Arctic Council

The Arctic Council provides direction in the form of Min- Arctic states are advancing towards isterial decisions, policy recommendations, guidelines, 1 identification of conservation areas. framework plans, and binding agreements. It is then However, the implementation of specific area-based protection measures such imperative that the Arctic states put this direction into as marine protected areas is fragmen- practice to deliver good governance. This firstWWF ARCTIC tary and few mechanisms are in place COUNCIL CONSERVATION SCORECARD looks at the extent to which to safeguard Arctic marine biodiversity under changing environmental condi- Arctic States have implemented Arctic Council direction tions. 20.2% of the Arctic’s terrestrial nationally, and whether the Arctic Council has delivered area is protected but only 4.7% of the agreed-upon commitments through its own work. Since Arctic’s marine areas are protected. Further action is required to establish WWF focuses its work on conservation, that is the direc- a comprehensive network of specially- tion analyzed here. managed marine areas.

Arctic states are slow to main- WHILE SOME COUNTRIES are moving to countries to reap the rewards of their 2 and incorporate strategies address specific environmental issues in involvement at the Council. for resilience and adaptation of Arctic the Arctic, our findings indicate national biodiversity in their plans for develop- implementation of Arctic Council direc- NATIONAL RESULTS SUMMARY ment, legislation and practices. This tion has, overall, been poor. The Arctic The Scorecard is based on an analysis of could be because the recent, ambitious, Council itself is excellent in delivering Council direction in six assessment are- long-term policy recommendations of on its commitments, demonstrating as. These areas were chosen to evaluate the 2013 Arctic Biodiversity Assessment that the Arctic states’ involvement at implementation performance because will take time to implement. There is the Arctic Council is extremely valuable. they have been the focus of Arctic also slow progress on reducing human However, greater efforts in implementa- Council direction over the past decade disturbance outside protected areas, tion are required by member states to and because they relate to the protec- except for fishing regulation. Arctic secure a healthy Arctic, and for Arctic tion of the Arctic environment. states have introduced practices that

14 The Circle 1.2017 Harbour seal, Svalbard, Norway.

FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED TO ESTAB- LISH SPECIALLY MAN- AGED, PROTECTED MARINE AREAS

THE WAY FORWARD Establishing the Arctic Council as the preeminent policymaking forum in the region will require member states to develop reporting capacity for ensuring a transparent, effective and accountable institution. Arctic states should report back to the Arctic Council secretariat on national action and progress in imple- menting Arctic Council direction to

Christopher Michel, CC, Flicr.com achieve this. reduce by-catch of marine mammals, Canada, Norway, Russia, and the Based on the Scorecard results, seabirds and non-target fish and avoid 5 United States are exploiting mas- governments also need to upgrade significant adverse impact to the seabed. sive oil resources, thus increasing emis- their respective national processes to The states also have solid biodiversity sions of greenhouse gases responsible strengthen implementation of Arctic monitoring systems in place. for climate change. WWF urges Arctic Council direction domestically and states to transition swiftly towards a across borders. WWF recommends Arctic states are taking steps to low-carbon economy to reduce these Arctic States establish national action 3 protect areas of heightened ecologi- emissions. In 2015, Arctic states col- mechanisms to lead implementation of cal and cultural significance from the lectively represented 21.40% of global Arctic Council direction. impacts of Arctic shipping, but imple- carbon dioxide emissions. The effects The direction is expected to become mentation is incomplete. Countries of black carbon in the Arctic are unique more specific to provide effective appear slow to reduce air emissions and noticeable in that it darkens snow guidance to implementing authori- from shipping, although they are acting and ice, reducing their ability to reflect ties including results that should be to prevent the introduction of invasive sunlight. WWF commends many of achieved. Future Council direction species and to establish marine moni- the Arctic states for implementing early should identify responsible parties, toring traffic systems. actions to reduce black carbon emis- clarify terms of action requested, and sions. provide timelines. The Arctic Council direction for The WWF Arctic Council Conserva- 4 oil spills focuses on administra- The outlook for national efforts to tion Scorecard will be updated every tive preparedness and response. Arctic 6 implement ecosystem-based man- two years to assist the Council and its states perform very well against those agement in the Arctic is bleak. Arctic member states in monitoring progress. commitments. The provisions of the states need to invest in applying the We hope this will encourage a more sys- 2013 Agreement on Cooperation on ecosystem approach as requested by tematic delivery of actions critical to the Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Arctic ministers. This poor performance Arctic Council’s mission to protect the Response in the Arctic, however, are not can be attributed to a lack of specific Arctic environment. l ambitious. This Scorecard did not assess research on combined effects of multi- whether response capacity is sufficient ple stressors as well as a lack of political ■■ www.panda.org/acscorecard for real-world oil spill response. leadership.

The Circle 1.2017 15 Polar bears, Spitsber- gen, Svalbard, Norway.

16 The Circle 1.2017 Photo: Stefan Cook, CC, Flickr.com Looming challenges For much of the Arctic Council’s existence, climate change has been a driver behind the Council’s priorities. Now its latest update on climate science has been released, and LARS-OTTO REIERSEN says the climate-driven regime shift calls for urgent attention.

AFTER A LONG, STABLE PERIOD of thick multi- even been documented in southern latitudes, year ice, thinner one-year ice now character- including South according to the new izes Arctic sea ice cover; is thawing scientific assessment Snow, Water, Ices and and snow cover extent is declining. The effects Permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA 2017). These of changes in the Arctic sea ice extent have findings presented by the Arctic Monitoring ➤

The Circle 1.2017 17 and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Fig. 1: Potential temprature change scenarios 1900-2100 to the Arctic Council Ministerial confer- ence in May, 2017 update the earlier SWIPA assessment conducted by AMAP in 2011. These physical changes have already resulted in effects on Arctic ecosystems and societies, and together with regional and global socio-economic drivers documented in the three regional AMAP reports on Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic underscore an urgent need to improve adaptation strategies and actions to face this new reality. These changes are expected to con- tinue for at least the next several dec- ades. According to the SWIPA 2017 assessment, Arctic will continue to increase and by 2040-50 the annual mean air for areas sion makers so that the policy perspec- e.g. new species moving into warming north of 60°N will be 4-5°C higher than tive of the new documentation can be Arctic waters and die-offs of existing the reference period independent of any understood. Priorities include: species. Some of the world largest fish- mitigation actions. This is due to the ■■ Better capability in predicting how eries are in sub-Arctic areas. We cur- inherent input and transfer of energy changes in the Arctic cryosphere may rently do not have a clear understanding (Fig.1). This figure also illustrates what affect the weather, climate and the of the combined effects of changes in may happen if no reduction is initiated hydrological system within the Arctic temperature, ocean acidification and – with the yearly average tempera- region and globally but especially for pollutants on species composition and ture potentially increasing by 10°C by the . We specifi- future fisheries. 2100, and in cally need to improve the prediction of ■■ The change in climate and hydrology LARS-OTTO winter months extreme weather and how it may affect will be accompanied by new vector- infrastructure such as houses, roads, borne diseases in the North that will REIERSEN is (November harbors, airports, etc., and the environ- affect the people living there. Science the Execu- – March) by ment thereby allowing governments will have to clarify how best to cope with tive Secretary 13°C. If actions and businesses to take preparatory this new situation. There is increas- of the Arctic according to measures and adaptation actions. Bet- ing evidence for human health effects Monitoring and Assess- the Paris agree- ter understanding at local and regional from contaminants, climate change and ment Programme (AMAP) ment (http:// levels of the environmental processes dietary changes. New research must Secretariat unfccc.int/par- is_agreement/ and conditions that will be affected by identify precautionary actions. items/9485. changes in climate and hydrology which ■■ Securing and improving existing phpt) are implemented, the increase will effect daily life in Arctic communi- observation networks to provide nec- might be reduced to 5-6°C on average ties including traditional fishing, hunt- essary data from remote areas. This and 7°C in the winter months (blue ing and herding. is especially important in monitoring curve reflecting the rcp 4.5). Therefore, ■■ It is especially important to clarify Arctic marine and terrestrial areas and the sooner mitigation action is initi- changes and effects on the marine, the run-off from Arctic glaciers and the ated, and the more comprehensive this freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, . The network of action, the greater its effect will be in in-situ observation stations needs to be reducing the long-term impact of the improved to document both linear and projected temperature rise in 2100. BY 2040-50 THE AN- non-linear (extreme) changes. Some Science, however, must still clarify Arctic countries and the European numerous questions to help prepare NUAL MEAN AIR TEM- Union have over recent years allocated for the near- and long-term future in some funding to these priority areas, the Arctic and the influence of climate PERATURE FOR AREAS but it is insufficient to provide all the change on southern latitudes. The prior- data needed. However, Arctic and non- ity will be to convey the new results to NORTH OF 60°N WILL Arctic countries must also make sub- people living in the North and to deci- BE 4-5°C HIGHER stantial contributions. l

18 The Circle 1.2017 Early adopters The Netherlands is one of the longest-standing observers at the Arctic Council – since 1996 – and at its predecessor, the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS). KEES RADE and JORDEN SPLINTER look at how this small non-Arctic country contributes to the sustainable development of the North, The Netherlands’ niches and strengths in this region, and how it views the incoming Finnish Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

HISTORICALLY, THE DUTCH were among 1639 painting by Cornelis de Man picturing the whaling station of the Amster- the earliest Arctic explorers in the 16th dam chamber of the Northern Company in Smeerenburg, Svalbard, Norway. century, naming and mapping numer- ous locations. But what is the current Dutch interest and involvement in the Arctic? The Netherlands 2016-2020 polar strategy makes that very clear: while it doesn’t rule out economic opportunity, environmental protection and sustainable development – based on the ecosystem-based approach and the precautionary principle – come first. This implies that the government does not actively encourage further and exploitation by the Dutch private sector. However, Dutch research pub- companies are very much aware of A MULTI-STAKE- lication. The KEES RADE environmental and safety aspects, and HOLDER APPROACH quality of our became the where they are active in the Arctic we research makes first Arctic ask them to go beyond local or national IS A LONG-STANDING The Nether- Ambassa- regulations and keep raising the bar for lands a reliable dor for The sustainable operations. DUTCH TRADITION partner in three Netherlands This is where a multi-stakeholder of six working in 2016. He is also Ambas- approach is key with government, pri- groups of the sador for Sustainable vate sector, scientists and NGOs par- Arctic Council – Development. ticipating equally in decision-making. considered a constructive and engaged Conservation of This approach is a long-standing Dutch actor in this vulnerable part of the Arctic Flora and tradition and an export product in world. Fauna (CAFF), JORDEN SPLIN- itself, reflecting the strong legal posi- For sustainable Arctic operations, the Sustainable TER is Senior tion NGOs have in The Netherlands. solid science and research data are Development Arctic Official In the Arctic, the Dutch government indispensable. Arctic countries agree Working Group for The Nether- has a good working relationship with on this as per a binding agreement on (SDWG), Arctic lands . NGOs such as WWF, which is generally Arctic research cooperation signed in Monitoring May 2017. This is a critical area in which and Assess- non-Arctic countries can also contrib- ment Program Netherlands research themes: ute to the Arctic Council and to the (AMAP) and ■■ ice, climate and sea level rise sustainable development of the North. other Arctic ■■ polar ecosystems The Netherlands conducts research on fora. The Netherlands has also had its ■■ sustainable development numerous themes, and even though own research facility on Svalbard for ■■ social, legal and economic land- its polar program is modest in terms over two decades. scape of quantity, we are proud to rank first One of the obvious reasons The Neth- in the world in terms of citations per erlands is involved in Arctic research is ➤

The Circle 1.2017 19 climate change and subsequent sea level rise. Roughly one third of the country is below sea level, and two thirds of the national GDP is generated there. Arctic changes are already affecting the bio- Support for Finland diversity in the Netherlands, notably Finland is preparing to take over the Chairmanship in an in the area, so we have a increasingly uncertain political situation. EIRIK SIVERTSEN strong sense of responsibility for the Arctic. The Netherlands is a country says it is Finland’s job to ensure cooperation continues on with a large ecological footprint per climate-related challenges, and on economic and political capita, including CO² emissions. This, development of the region. combined with a that parts of the Arctic belong to us all (as a global common), illustrates the need for an ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT tasks fac- been diminishing in the Arctic to the Arctic policy. Part of this policy is the ing Finland is to prevent any negative point that startling monthly lows rarely position of Indigenous peoples, as The trends from spiralling out of control and even make headlines any longer. At the Netherlands is one of the few coun- thus undermining decades of East-West beginning of 2017 the World Meteoro- tries globally to ratify the International cooperation that have established the logical Organization reported that sea Labour Organization 169 Convention High North as a region of low conflict. ice extent in the Arctic and on Indigenous Peoples Rights. Finally, While a detailed chairmanship pro- was the lowest for the month of January a changing Arctic means changing rela- gram is presented at the Ministerial since satellite records began 38 years tions between states. It is very much a Meeting on 11th May, we already know ago. Even though this was something Foreign Affairs task to analyze Arctic that the Finnish Chairmanship will that gained wide publicity, many failed changes and understand what global focus on the implementation of the to understand its true meaning and con- and Arctic climate developments mean Paris Agreement on Climate Change and sequences. for national and European security. Our the United Nations Sustainable Devel- These dramatic changes profoundly Minister of Foreign Affairs had this in opment Goals (SDGs) as part of Arctic influence the life of the people and ani- mind when he joined the former US cooperation. As the Arctic Council’s mals living in the Arctic. Therefore, Arc- Secretary of State John Kerry’s GLA- primary mandate relates to sustainable tic parliamentarians will ask the Arctic CIER conference on Svalbard in the development and environmental protec- Council to organize a meeting between summer of 2015. tion in the Arctic, the Finnish priorities the ministers responsible for climate to The US Chair of the Arctic Council are readily justifiable. take new initiatives to reduce emissions has done a great job in terms of working Arctic parliamentarians have a long of CO² (carbon dioxide) and short-lived with observer countries and giving them tradition of defining new goals for the climate forcers. The Council should also a voice. We are confident the Finnish Arctic Council. In its efforts to improve explore how the 12 observer countries Chair will continue this practice. We effectiveness, the Council’s plan of stra- can be more closely involved in the fight have recently met with the Finnish Arc- tegic development has the support of against climate change. tic team, and have concluded that the the parliamentarians. But this requires Global warming is not created by Dutch and Finns share similar Arctic the establishment of an adequate and priorities: sustainable development, stable budget for the Arctic Council. environmental protection – particularly In the latest Parliamentary State- GLOBAL WARMING the reduction of black carbon emissions ment, the Arctic parliamentarians out- – and education. Nothing stands in the line three areas where we expect results. IS NOT CREATED BY way of future cooperation. If there is Climate change has been viewed as the THE ARCTIC’S 4 MIL- one thing needed to safeguard the Arc- most pressing challenge. We annually tic, it is international cooperation. l witness how the extent of sea ice has LION INHABITANTS

20 The Circle 1.2017 . , Sweden.

the Arctic’s 4 million inhabitants. The not a wildlife sanctuary, but a home for and governments of the Arctic Council climate challenges can therefore not more than four million people. We are member states, as well as the heads of be solved by turning the Arctic into a obliged to ensure the opportunity for the Permanent sanctuary. Yet the Arctic is hit first and sustainable economic development for Participants hardest by the impact of climate change. all people living in the Arctic. Requisite who represent EIRIK SIVERTSEN Every opportunity should therefore be standards for Corporate Social Respon- the Indigenous is a Norwegian taken to raise a strong voice to com- sibility – CSR – should be established peoples of the Member of Par- municate the consequences of climate for companies doing business in the circumpolar liament for the change in the Arctic at all relevant inter- Arctic Region. Arctic. Labor Party. He national meetings. In the two decades it has existed, As Arctic par- Chairs Norway’s delega- In order to meet the consequences the Arctic Council has been a success. liamentarians, tion to the Arctic Parlia- of climate change, we must understand Due to innovative ways of governance we will contin- mentary Cooperation and and support the regions and communi- and the ability to meet new opportuni- ue to work for the Standing Committee of ties affected by it. We propose that the ties, it has become the most important the interests of Arctic Parliamentarians. Arctic Council support development international body for governing the the inhabitants of national, regional and local climate Arctic. Now that we have celebrated the of the Arctic, and welcome all initiatives change adaptation plans in the Arctic, Council’s 20th anniversary, we need of the Finnish chairmanship that sup- including ongoing work on building to look ahead. To secure continued port the well-being of the people living resilience. Arctic Parliamentarians development and success in the years in the Arctic. l strongly advocate the need for economic to come, we propose holding an Arctic development in the Arctic. The Arctic is Summit involving the heads of state

The Circle 1.2017 21 Ghost ship in a snow storm. Reydarfjordur, Sudur-Mulasysla, Iceland

Iceland on deck Iceland will follow Finland as Chair of the Arctic Council in 2019 and has already begun consultations on its programme. For Iceland, the Arctic is a key foreign poli- cy priority but it is also important in the domestic realm. ARNI THOR SIGURDSSON notes that development there will have great impact on the health and well-being of its communities and inhabitants.

ICELAND’S ARCTIC POLICY was unani- environment, regarded as seminal democratic debate, and consensus on mously adopted by its Parliament in when discussing the future of eco- the implementation of the policy in the 2011 and encompasses twelve wide- nomic development. Further, the policy society at large. ranging principles. These include pro- emphasises cooperation between the As an Arctic coastal State and a moting and strengthening the Arctic Arctic states, but also with non-Arctic founding member of the Arctic Council, Council as the premier forum for Arctic states, intergovernmental organisa- Iceland has great interests at stake in cooperation and the importance of and tions, academia, Non-Governmental the Arctic, shaped strongly by its geo- respect for international law – most Organisations (NGOs), etc. Here, the graphical position and the importance notably the United Nations Conven- active participation and contribution of access to natural resources and their tion on the Law of the Sea. In addition, of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples in the sustainability. Therefore it is a welcome science and knowledge are considered work of the Arctic Council is of utmost opportunity for Iceland to assume the fundamental to policy and decision significance. Moreover, the policy rotating chairmanship in the Arctic making in the Arctic. The policy states underscores domestic consultation Council in 2019, following Finland. that Iceland will adhere to principles and cooperation on Arctic issues as a The United States will pass the torch of sustainability and protection of the means to ensure increased knowledge, to Finland at the upcoming Ministerial

22 The Circle 1.2017 AS AN ARCTIC COASTAL STATE AND A FOUND- ING MEMBER OF THE ARCTIC COUNCIL, ICE- LAND HAS GREAT IN- TERESTS AT STAKE

was a very important first step to involve relevant stakeholders in Iceland in the Ministry’s work, ensuring broad owner- ship and commitment to the approach- ing task. During Iceland’s first chair- manship in 2002-2004, a particular emphasis was placed on the social, eco- nomic, and cultural aspects of sustain- able development, resulting in the first comprehensive attempt to document and compare systematically the welfare of Arctic residents on a circumpolar basis (the Arctic Human Development Report I). Regarding the 2019-2021 chairmanship it would be premature to make any statements at this stage about potential priorities. However, in defining our chairmanship, ARNI THOR we will presum- SIGURDSSON ably look to is the Senior issues that Ice- Arctic Official in land normally Iceland‘s Minis- emphasizes: try for Foreign Affairs international cooperation

Photo: Tristan Ferne, CC, Flickr.com Tristan Photo: regarding the environment, particularly the marine environment; sustainable in Fairbanks, Alaska in May, thereby on its defined priorities, such as climate resource management; renewable ener- concluding a successful leadership of change, meteorology and education, gy and socioeconomic conditions in the the Arctic Council, which has included while preparing our own chairmanship Arctic. In this important work, Iceland an emphasis on Arctic Ocean safety and programme. will be guided by the commitments in stewardship, improving economic and In line with our policy of inclusive- the Paris Climate Change Agreement as living conditions in the Arctic, as well ness and participation, the Ministry for well as the United Nations’ Sustainable as addressing the impacts of climate Foreign Affairs launched its prepara- Development Goals. change. Finland will inevitably build tions for the Icelandic chairmanship by Exciting times lie ahead of us with on the accomplishments of the Arctic inviting stakeholders to a brainstorming both opportunities and challenges. Only Council so far. However, it is important meeting in Reykjavik in mid-January. through extensive and all-embracing that each chair country shape its own More than one hundred people from cooperation will we be successful in our priorities, develop the already broad ministries, government agencies, aca- goals. The Arctic Council is the most collaboration within the Council, and demia, business, politics, NGOs etc. befitting forum for Arctic cooperation even extend it into new areas. Iceland gathered to discuss Arctic issues and and Iceland looks forward to duly shoul- looks forward to working with Finland Iceland’s chairmanship in 2019. This dering its responsibility as Chair. l

The Circle 1.2017 23 Return WWF Arctic Programme 275 Slater Street, Suite 810, Ottawa ON, K1P 5H9, CANADA

THE PICTURE Arctic Council 1996-2016 Photo: Arctic Council Secretariat/Linnea Nordström Photo:

Arctic Council delegates pose on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks during a meeting of Senior Arctic Offi- cials. The Arctic Council celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2016.

Why we are here To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

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