Securing a Resilient Arctic Ocean

"It is crucial that we bring different knowledge systems together in order to have effective conservation," said Martin Sommerkorn, Head of Conservation, WWF Global Arctic Programme. "It is the homeland of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples, where scientific research is still relatively young compared to the knowledge of the people who have lived in the area for millennia."

Although there is no universal definition, IPCAs can be viewed as lands and waters where Indigenous Peoples have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems. These areas support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems while maintaining cultural, spiritual, and nutritional relationships with nature.

Implementation

The extent of protected and conserved areas in the Arctic marine environment has increased almost fivefold since 1980.

How protected areas are established depends on whether they lie within a state's national jurisdiction. Within national waters, Arctic States can designate MPAs, OECMs, or IPCAs through domestic processes. These approaches differ from country to country.

In areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), such as parts of the Central Arctic Ocean, conservation depends on international cooperation. The Arctic Council's Working Groups, including the CAFF and the PAME, contribute with scientific and technical knowledge that can inform conservation planning across jurisdictions.

"Through its Working Groups and Permanent Participants, the Arctic Council has developed and continues to provide essential guidelines and expertise to support the protection and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment," said Lis Jørgensen.

Designing connected networks for effective outcomes

Conservation is most effective when MPAs, OECMs, and IPCAs function together as connected networks. "The Arctic Ocean is an enclosed and connected ocean, and we need to look at the region as a whole when we design conservation measures," said Martin Sommerkorn.

"Conservation in the Arctic presents unique challenges. The effects of global climate change are dramatic, especially for sea ice-dependent species. Ice has a phase shift at zero degrees. So, it either exists or it doesn't."

Networks of marine protected and conserved areas not only help the protection of biodiversity but also strengthen their ability to adapt and develop to changes. Many marine mammals, fish, and seabirds migrate across vast parts of the Arctic Ocean to access habitats for feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds. Within a single season, they may cross several jurisdictional boundaries.

PAME's Framework for a Pan-Arctic Marine Conservation Network outlines opportunities to connect national and regional efforts, including ABNJ. By linking important habitats across boundaries, such networks can strengthen the resilience of Arctic ecosystems.

"Cooperation on marine protected and conserved area networks, including in ABNJ, could be a primary avenue for sustaining cooperation in the region, including the Arctic Council," said Martin Sommerkorn.