Foreword

We are currently witnessing unprecedented change in the Arctic, which will have important and far-reaching consequences not only for the region itself, but for the rest of the world.

Evidence of a warming Arctic, and its associated consequences, is mounting and this year is no exception. Current warming in the Arctic atmosphere, oceans and on land is contributing to far-reaching and rapid change across the world’s largest ecoregion.

One well-publicised impact of a warming on Arctic biodiversity is the loss of habitat for species dependent on sea ice, including polar bears. Yet this is but one of the most visible changes occurring across the Arctic. Other habitats that are critical for biodiversity, such as the tundra, have been disappearing over recent decades as a result of climate change.

At the same time, habitat loss and fragmentation from infrastructure and industrial development, pollution and toxins, overharvesting, and invasive species infestations continue to have impacts on biodiversity in the region.

Changes in the abundance and distribution of certain species are also threatening traditional ways of life for Arctic peoples. The recovery of wild reindeer and caribou populations, which have declined by one-third since the start of this millennium, is not assured given current habitat loss and climate-related changes across the Arctic.

UNEP has singled out the Arctic for particular attention in order to address the growing concerns about the region’s vulnerability. This report responds to the request by the participants to the Arendal Seminar in 2006, co-organised

by UNEP/GRID-Arendal and the Standing Committee for Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR), to examine the limitations and strengths of existing environmental agreements for conserving and protecting Arctic biodiversity, and options for improvement. It makes an important contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), at a time when the world is reflecting on achievements to reverse biodiversity loss.

The report makes four significant recommendations. These are (1) to strengthen investments in co-management and support to programmes of adaptation, (2) to increase the extent of protected areas in the Arctic, especially in the coastal zones and the marine environment, (3) to increase the monitoring of Arctic biodiversity and to further promote cooperation with non-Arctic states that share responsibility for Arctic migratory wildlife, and (4), that the Arctic Council work towards an even more progressive role in ensuring the protection and sustainable use of the living natural resources in the Arctic, similar to its efforts in combating long-range transboundary pollutants.

With a unique history of environmental cooperation within the Arctic Council, I remain convinced that Arctic states will continue to lead the way to address both Arctic and global issues that influence the future sustainable management in the Arctic. My hope is that this report will contribute to the process.

Achim Steiner United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme

PROTECTING ARCTIC BIODIVERSITY 7