of MEAs relevant to the Arctic were prepared, in some cases by the secretariat responsible for the MEA. These summaries are contained in the document entitled Overview report: Multilateral Environmental Agreements and their relevance to the Arctic.


This report provides an analytical overview of information arising from scientific studies, programme initiatives and international collaboration in relation to biodiversity. It is presented in two main parts – the first an analytical overview, and the second a collection of case studies and stakeholder perspectives.


Part I is designed to frame discussions on Arctic biodiversity into the future. Chapter one describes the current status, trends and threats to Arctic biodiversity. It also explores the Arctic as a region and the various concepts through which the Arctic is viewed. Chapter two highlights the importance of Arctic biodiversity in the global context and identifies some of the challenges and efforts being made to improve our understanding of biodiversity. Chapter three sets out in some detail what multilateral environmental agreements are, and summarizes the relevance, strengths and weaknesses of existing MEAs in the context of biodiversity within the Arctic.


Recognising that the conservation of biodiversity in the Arctic will unlikely succeed without the effective participation of northern residents, including Indigenous Peoples, chapter four is devoted to the ecosystem approach as a promising strategy for conservation and sustainable use within the Arctic. Finally, chapter five critically analyses the main issues and barriers inherent to an assessment of the effectiveness of MEAs in the Arctic, and concludes by


outlining major areas where Arctic nations should further strengthen their work.


Part II provides an “on-the-ground” context to the broader issues discussed in Part I. Each case study presents an objective, evidence-based overview (though not exhaustive) of the current status of species, the challenges and threats to its conservation and sustainable use, and the existing environmental agreements and regimes that relate to the species.


Also in Part II, five groups of stakeholders contribute their perspectives on biodiversity management and governance issues in the Arctic. Each stakeholder represents different interests within the Arctic – be it of local and Indigenous Peoples, decision-makers, or scientific advisory groups and international bodies.


PROTECTING ARCTIC BIODIVERSITY 11


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