Climate change, biodiversity and livelihoods in the Arctic region

STAKEHOLDER’S PERSPECTIVE

I Introduction

The Arctic contains unique biodiversity, which is well adapted to the dark and cold conditions which characterize the region. The wealth of life in the Arctic includes between 500 million and 1 billion birds, which migrate from the Arctic throughout the world, and more than 20 species of whales. This abundance of biodiversity supports more than 400,000 Indigenous Peoples that inhabit the Arctic Region.

II

As climate change emerges as one of the most significant threats to biodiversity, the Arctic region, with its dramatic visible changes, has come increasingly into focus along with the Indigenous and local communities who base their livelihoods and culture on this unique and fragile region. Climate change has already begun to affect the functioning, appearance, composition and structure of Arctic ecosystems at a rate far exceeding that which has been observed in the temperate and tropical regions. These changes to Arctic ecosystems are having significant impacts on Arctic species and the Indigenous and local communities who rely on them for their livelihoods and culture.

Although the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has not adopted a specific programme of work on Arctic biodiversity, the issue is, nevertheless, reflected in many aspects of the Convention, particularly through the consideration of the importance of Arctic biodiversity to Indigenous and local communities and the associated threats from climate change. In fact, a number of activities requested by the Conference of

44 PROTECTING ARCTIC BIODIVERSITY

the Parties (COP) to the CBD reflect the particular vulnerability of Arctic ecosystems to the impacts of climate change.

Arctic biodiversity in the context of the CBD National governments who are Parties to the CBD have taken many commitments with regards to climate change adaptation and its link to indigenous and local communities. Such commitments include identifying, within their own countries, vulnerable ecosystems, including with regard to the impacts of climate change on Indigenous and local communities. Countries, through the Convention on Biological Diversity, are also encouraged to consider introducing necessary measures for ensuring the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

An International Expert Meeting on Responses to Climate Change for Indigenous and Local Communities and their Impact on Traditional Knowledge Related to Biological Diversity in the Arctic Region was convened by the Government of Finland from 25 to 28 March 2008. At this meeting, a number of specific activities were identified that could help Parties meet their obligations concerning biodiversity, climate change, and Indigenous and local communities in the Arctic. Such activities include processes and legislation to link local knowledge and activities in the Arctic region to national level planning exercises through: • National mitigation and adaptation strategies which fully consider all environmental, socio-economic and cultural impacts on Indigenous and local communities; and

Ahmed Djoghlaf Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity