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' loading='lazy' /></picture><figcaption class='credit'>Sea ice in the Arctic. © </figcaption><div class='mt-5 text-center'><nav class='breadcrumbs mb-2'><small><span class='breadcrumb-item'><a href='/explore/'>Our work</a></span><span class='breadcrumb-item'><a href='/explore/topics/'>Topics</a></span></small></nav><h1>Cooperation for a sustainable Arctic Ocean</h1></div></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/site/templates/scripts/lists.js"></script> <div class='submenu bg-light' id='submenu'><h5><a href='/explore/topics/'>Topics</a></h5><div class='py-1'><a href='/explore/topics/arctic-peoples/' class=''>Arctic Peoples</a></div><div class='py-1'><a href='/explore/topics/biodiversity/' class=''>Biodiversity</a></div><div class='py-1'><a href='/explore/topics/climate/' class=''>Climate</a></div><div class='py-1'><a href='/explore/topics/ocean/' class='current'>Ocean</a></div><div class='py-1'><a href='/explore/topics/pollutants/' class=''>Pollutants</a></div><div class='py-1'><a href='/explore/topics/emergency/' class=''>Emergencies</a></div></div><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class='bg-transparent depth-0'> <div class='textblock'><p>With sea ice cover shrinking, the Arctic Ocean has taken centerstage in global discussions related to climate change and economic opportunities. While open waters may bring new opportunities to the region, increasing accessibility to the High North also presents risks for Arctic inhabitants and ecosystems, including through oil spills and shipping accidents.</p> <p>The Arctic States hold a responsibility to safeguard the future development of the region and to develop models for stewardship of the marine environment. This requires both a better understanding of the drivers and effects altering the Arctic marine environment and enhanced cooperation amongst the Arctic States, local inhabitants, external actors and international legal frameworks.</p> <p>To protect the Arctic marine environment and counteract possible detrimental effects of climate change and pollution, the Arctic States have recognized the need to work together closely – and they do so on a wide range of marine issues. These include issues related to marine pollution, sustainable shipping practices, search and rescue operations, marine cooperation and risk management.</p></div> </div></div></section><section class='block block_featured bg-secondary'> <div class='container'><div class='p-0 breakout'> <div class='row align-items-end'> <div class='col-xl-4 offset-xl-2 p-5 text-xl-right'><h5>Featured</h5><a href='/explore/topics/ocean/plastics/' class='h3 accent'>Plastics in the Arctic</a> <p>Back in sight, back in mind</p> </div> <div class='col-xl-6 bg-image featured' style='background-image:url(/site/assets/files/4517/pame_litter.600x300.jpg)' title=''> <a href='/explore/topics/ocean/plastics/' class='w-100 h-100 d-block'></a> </div> </div> </div></div></section><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class='bg-transparent depth-0'> <div class='textblock'><h2>How does the Arctic Council contribute to a sustainable Arctic Ocean?</h2> <h4> </h4></div> </div></div></section><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'> <div class='row justify-content-center'><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-transparent depth-1'> <div class='textblock'><h3>Tackling marine pollution</h3> <p>Over the past years, marine litter has emerged as one of the most pervasive problems affecting the marine environment globally. The Arctic is no exception. In addition, increased shipping and exploration activities in the Arctic increase the risk of oil spills. In 2013, Arctic Ministers signed the <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/529">Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic (MOSPA)</a>. Its objective is to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and mutual assistance on oil pollution preparedness and response in the Arctic in order to protect the marine environment from pollution by oil. The <a href="https://arctic-council.org/about/working-groups/eppr/">Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response </a>(EPPR) Working Group has been tasked to implement the agreement and its operational guidelines.</p></div> </div></div><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-light depth-1'> <div class='textblock'><h4>Marine pollution projects</h4> <ul> <li><a href="/projects/arctic-coastal-cleanup/">Arctic Coastal Cleanup</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/arctic-marine-microplastics-and-litter/">Arctic Marine Microplastics and Litter</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/circumpolar-oil-spill-response-viability-analysis-cosrva/">Circumpolar Oil Spill Response Viability Analysis (COSRVA)</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/existing-waste-management-practices-and-pollution-control-for-marine-and-coastal-mining/">Existing Waste Management Practices and Pollution Control for Marine and Coastal Mining</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/fishing-practice-gear-inventory/">Fishing Practice & Gear Inventory</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/new-low-sulphur-fuels-fate-and-behavior-in-cold-water-conditions/">New Low Sulphur Fuels, Fate, and Behavior in Cold Water Conditions</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/regional-action-plan-on-marine-litter/">Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/wastewater-discharges-from-vessels-in-the-arctic-a-survey-of-current-practices/">Wastewater Discharges from Vessels in the Arctic</a></li> </ul></div> </div></div></div></div></section><section class='block block_break bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class='w-100'></div></div></section><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'> <div class='row justify-content-center'><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-transparent depth-1'> <div class='textblock'><h3>Sustainable and safe shipping</h3> <p>Safe and sustainable shipping and operations in Arctic waters is an important component of safeguarding the Arctic marine environment – and a prerequisite has been to evaluate current and future use of the Arctic Ocean. One of the outcomes was the 2009 <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/54">Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA)</a>, developed by <a href="https://arctic-council.org/about/working-groups/pame/">PAME</a>. Its recommendations - such as the need to enhance Arctic marine safety, protect Arctic people and the environment and building the Arctic marine infrastructure - continue to guide activities of the Council. PAME projects and initiatives promote safe and sustainable shipping in the Arctic, such as a <a href="https://pame.is/index.php/projects/arctic-marine-shipping/astd">comprehensive shipping activity database</a>; the development of the <a href="/projects/arctic-shipping-best-practice-information-forum/">Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum</a> in support of effective implementation of the IMO’s Polar Code; and a number of projects on use and carriage of Heavy Fuel Oil in the Arctic and the development of a Regional Reception Facilities Plan. Outcomes from both have been communicated to the International Maritime Organization.</p> <p>Cooperation amongst the eight Arctic States and other stakeholders is key to safe operations in the Arctic Ocean. <a href="https://arctic-council.org/about/working-groups/eppr/">EPPR </a>collaborates with international bodies and fora to identify best practices, exchange information, and develop a repository for lessons learned in Arctic search and rescue exercises and incidents.</p> <p>The <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/531">Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic</a> is an international instrument for cooperation on search and rescue operations in the Arctic that was negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council. It was signed by the Arctic States in 2011.</p></div> </div></div><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-light depth-1'> <div class='textblock'><h4>Shipping projects</h4> <ul> <li><a href="/projects/arctic-green-shipping/">Arctic Green shipping</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/arctic-shipping-best-practice-information-forum/">Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/arctic-shipping-status-reports/">Arctic Shipping Status Reports</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/compendium-of-arctic-ship-accidents-casa/">Compendium of Arctic Ship Accidents (CASA)</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/overview-of-polar-code-implementation/">Interpretation of the Polar Code</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/low-impact-shipping-corridors-in-the-arctic/">Low Impact Shipping Corridors in the Arctic</a></li> <li><a href="/projects/wastewater-discharges-from-vessels-in-the-arctic-a-survey-of-current-practices/">Wastewater Discharges from Vessels in the Arctic</a></li> </ul></div> </div></div></div></div></section><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class='bg-transparent depth-0'> <div class='textblock'><h3>Enhancing marine cooperation</h3> <p>The Arctic Council’s <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/2388">Arctic Marine Strategic Plan 2015-2025 (AMSP)</a> provides a framework to guide its actions to protect Arctic marine and coastal ecosystems and to promote sustainable development. The AMSP articulates how the Arctic Council can increase its understanding of the impacts of human activities, climate change and ocean acidification. The AMSP recognizes the importance of acquiring a better understanding of Arctic change so that actions can be taken that allow Arctic inhabitants, including Arctic Indigenous peoples to further adapt to the change. The strategic actions identified in the AMSP guide the work of the Arctic Council and its subsidiary bodies on marine-related activities.</p> <p>In an effort to enhance strategic and policy guidance, as well as collaboration and coordination of marine activities in the Arctic Council, the Senior Arctic Officials have been assigned a central role. As government representatives from the Arctic States, Senior Arctic Officials are well positioned to engage in holistic discussions on marine issues of which the AMSP plays an important role. Going forward, they will do so jointly with marine experts that bring in both scientific findings and Indigenous expertise. The objective of this mechanism is – amongst other tasks – to give strategic guidance to the Council’s Working Groups on marine issues, to provide policy guidance, and to develop a unified marine workplan for the Arctic Council.</p></div> </div></div></section><section class='block block_featured bg-transparent'> <div class='container'> <div class='row justify-content-center'><div class='col-md'><a href='/trash/7572.1077.90_agreement-on-cooperation-on-marine-oil-pollution-preparedness-and-response-mospa/' class='block-feature-partial bg-gradient'> <div class='featured bg-dark bg-image bg-zoom' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,48,50,.9) 0%, rgba(51,48,50,.8) 30%, rgba(51,48,50,.1) 60%), url(/site/assets/files/2901/map_background-01-01.480x480.png)'><div class='p-4'><h5>Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response (MOSPA)</h5> </div> </div></a></div><div class='col-md'><a href='/projects/iea/' class='block-feature-partial bg-gradient'> <div class='featured bg-dark bg-image bg-zoom' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,48,50,.9) 0%, rgba(51,48,50,.8) 30%, rgba(51,48,50,.1) 60%), url(/site/assets/files/5363/istock-1184414695.480x480.jpg)'><div class='p-4'><h5>Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) of the Central Arctic Ocean</h5> </div> </div></a></div></div></div></section><section class='block block_projects bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><section><h3 class='text-center'>The Arctic Council's marine projects</h3><section class='recommended mb-5'> <div class='row justify-content-center'><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/4254/istock-boat-in-ice-1024x512-1.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/arctic-shipping-best-practice-information-forum/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/3711/pame_litter.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/regional-action-plan-on-marine-litter/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter: Implementation</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/3713/pame_shipping.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/arctic-ship-traffic-data-astd/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Arctic Ship Traffic Data (ASTD)</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/3723/istock-cod-drying-c-1024x512.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/blue-bioeconomy-in-the-arctic-region/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Blue Bioeconomy in the Arctic Region</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/2901/map_background-01-01.480x480.png)'><a href='/projects/low-impact-shipping-corridors-in-the-arctic/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Low Impact Shipping Corridors in the Arctic</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/4302/ppr.480x480.png)'><a href='/projects/prevention-preparedness-and-response-for-small-communities/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Prevention, Preparedness and Response for small communities</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/4452/istock-boat-prow-in-ice-1024x512.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/risk-assessment-methods-and-metadata/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Arctic Marine Risk Assessment</h5> </div></a> </div><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/4464/istock-1044899528_sodar99.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/arctic-marine-microplastics-and-litter/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Arctic Marine Microplastics and Litter</h5> </div></a> </div> </div> <div class='row text-center collapser'> <a data-toggle='collapse' role='button' href='#collapse_76453' class='btn btn-dark col mt-2 '><span class='d-none'>toggle</span></a> </div> <div class='collapse row' id='collapse_76453'><div class='col-md-3 bg-dark bg-image border' style='background-image: 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linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(51,51,51,1) 0%, rgba(82,82,82,.5) 80%, rgba(82,82,82,0) 100%), url(/site/assets/files/10339/plastic_pollution_nets_-_lcdr_eric_johnson-_noaa_corps.480x480.jpg)'><a href='/projects/regional-action-plan-on-marine-litter-1/'><div class='p-4'> <h5>Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter</h5> </div></a> </div></div> </div> </section></section></div></section><section class='block block_news bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><h3>The Arctic Ocean making headlines</h3><div class='row mb-5 '> <div class='col-md-4 pr-2'><a href='https://arctic-council.org/news/changing-tides-of-arctic-shipping-how-new-fuels-impact-the-arctic/' class='point-tr'><picture> <source srcset='/site/assets/files/12709/low_sulphur_fuels_header.480x350.webp' type='image/webp'> <source srcset='/site/assets/files/12709/low_sulphur_fuels_header.480x350.png' type='image/jpeg'><img src='/site/assets/files/12709/low_sulphur_fuels_header.480x350.png' class='img-fluid' alt='' title=' © iStock' loading='lazy' /></picture></a></div> <div class ='col-md-8 px-4'> <h4><a href='https://arctic-council.org/news/changing-tides-of-arctic-shipping-how-new-fuels-impact-the-arctic/'>The changing tides of Arctic shipping: how new fuels impact the Arctic</a></h4>The Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) ban in Arctic waters comes into effect 1 July 2024.However, new fuels in use because of tightening regulations could have a far worse environment...<div class='small text-muted mt-2'>01 Jul 2024</div> </div> </div><div class='row mb-5 '> <div class='col-md-4 pr-2'><a href='https://arctic-council.org/news/types-of-ships-operating-in-the-arctic/' class='point-tr'><picture> <source srcset='/site/assets/files/12219/shipping.480x350.webp' type='image/webp'> <source srcset='/site/assets/files/12219/shipping.480x350.png' type='image/jpeg'><img src='/site/assets/files/12219/shipping.480x350.png' class='img-fluid' alt='' title=' © iStock' loading='lazy' /></picture></a></div> <div class ='col-md-8 px-4'> <h4><a href='https://arctic-council.org/news/types-of-ships-operating-in-the-arctic/'>New report: types of ships operating in the Arctic</a></h4>A report from the Arctic Council Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment reveals the types of ships operating in the Arctic<div class='small text-muted mt-2'>08 Apr 2024</div> </div> </div><div class='row mb-5 '> <div class='col-md-4 pr-2'><a href='https://arctic-council.org/news/increase-in-arctic-shipping/' class='point-tr'><picture> <source srcset='/site/assets/files/11732/arctic_shipping.480x350.webp' type='image/webp'> <source srcset='/site/assets/files/11732/arctic_shipping.480x350.png' type='image/jpeg'><img src='/site/assets/files/11732/arctic_shipping.480x350.png' class='img-fluid' alt='' title=' © Adobe Stock' loading='lazy' /></picture></a></div> <div class ='col-md-8 px-4'> <h4><a href='https://arctic-council.org/news/increase-in-arctic-shipping/'>Arctic Shipping Update: 37% Increase in Ships in the Arctic Over 10 Years</a></h4>The Arctic Council Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) published an update of 10-year trends in Arctic shipping, utilizing its Arctic ...<div class='small text-muted mt-2'>31 Jan 2024</div> </div> </div><a href='/news/ocean' class='btn btn-primary mb-5 seeall'>See all</a></div></section> <script> var options = { valueNames: [ 'acronym', 'full' ] }; var projectList = new List('acronymList', options); </script> </main> <footer class="bg-dark"> <section class='block block_social bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class='bg-transparent'><h3>Follow the Arctic Council</h3><div class='social'><div class='text-center d-inline-block'> <div class=' mb-3'> <a href='http://twitter.com/arcticcouncil'> <i aria-hidden='true' class='bi bi-twitter h3' title='twitter'></i> <span class='mr-4'>twitter<span> </a> </div></div><div class='text-center d-inline-block'> <div class=' mb-3'> <a href='http://facebook.com/arcticcouncil'> <i 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</div></div> </div> </div></div></section><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'> <div class='row justify-content-center'><div class='col-md-3'><div class='bg-transparent depth-2'> <div class='textblock'><h3>Contact us</h3> <p><strong>Arctic Council Secretariat</strong><br /> Fram Centre<br /> Postboks 6606 Stakkevollan<br /> 9296 Tromsø<br /> Norway<br /> <a href="mailto:acs@arctic-council.org">acs@arctic-council.org</a><br /> <a href="/contact/">Contact staff members</a></p></div> </div></div><div class='col-md'><h3 class='pt-3'>Get Arctic updates</h3> <form action="https://arctic-council.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=274ca09fc8d82dc42a5dfad22&id=155caa8912" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate form-inline" target="_blank" novalidate> <div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll" class="form-row pb-3"> <div class="col-md-8"> <label for "EMAIL" class="d-none">Email address</label> <input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" class="email form-control w-100" id="mce-EMAIL" placeholder="email address" required> <div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"><input type="text" name="b_274ca09fc8d82dc42a5dfad22_155caa8912" tabindex="-1" value=""></div> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <input type="submit" value="Subscribe" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="btn btn-primary" onclick="ga('send','event','button','click','newsletter-subscribe');"></div> </div> </form> <p>Subscribe to our newsletter for Arctic news, views and interviews.</p?</div></div></div></section><section class='block block_break bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class='w-100'></div></div></section><section class='block block_text bg-transparent'> <div class='container'> <div class='row justify-content-center'><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-transparent depth-1'> <div class='textblock'><h5><a href="https://oaarchive.arctic-council.org/">Key documents</a></h5> <p><a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/1916">Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation (2017)</a></p> <p><a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/529">Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic (2013)</a></p> <p><a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/531">Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic (2011)</a></p> <p><a href="http://hdl.handle.net/11374/85">Ottawa Declaration (1996)</a></p></div> </div></div><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-transparent p-4 depth1'> <div class=''></div> <div class='listContainer list-about plain'><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/states/'>Arctic States</a> <p class='list-summary'>The eight Arctic states are permanent members of the Arctic Council.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/permanent-participants/'>Permanent Participants</a> <p class='list-summary'>Out of a total of 4 million inhabitants of the Arctic, approximately 500,000 belong to Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples’ organizations have been granted Permanent Participants status in the Arctic Council.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/working-groups/'>Working Groups</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Council's activities are conducted in six Working Groups.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/task-expert/'>Task forces and expert groups</a> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/observers/'>Observers</a> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/secretariat/'>Arctic Council Secretariat</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Arctic Council Secretariat (ACS) supports the Chair of the Arctic Council.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/indigenous-peoples-secretariat/'>Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat (IPS) provides support for the Permanent Participants, the groups representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic Council.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/norway-chair-2/'>Norway's Chairship, 2023-2025</a> <p class='list-summary'>Stability and constructive cooperation in the Arctic</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/previous-chairmanships/'>All Chairmanships</a> <p class='list-summary'>All Arctic Council Chairmanships, meetings and documents.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/timeline/'>History</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Arctic Council turned 25 in 2021! Learn more with this timeline of our history.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/about/jobs/'>Jobs</a> </div> </div></div> </div></div><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-transparent p-4 depth1'> <div class=''></div> <div class='listContainer list-work plain'><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/work/cooperation/'>Agreements and cooperation</a> <p class='list-summary'>The establishment of the Arctic Council was considered an important milestone enhancing cooperation in the circumpolar North. In the Ottawa Declaration, the eight Arctic States established the Council as a high-level forum to provide means for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States – including the full consultation and full involvement of Arctic Indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/work/arctic-knowledge/'>Data and knowledge</a> <p class='list-summary'>At any given time the Council’s subsidiary bodies – the Working and Expert Groups – are engaged in close to 100 projects and initiatives.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/work/monitoring/'>Monitoring</a> <p class='list-summary'>As the Arctic continues to experience a period of intense and accelerating change it has become increasingly important to have better information on the status and trends of the Arctic environment.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/work/assessments/'>Assessments</a> <p class='list-summary'>Through the ever-growing body of assessments produced by its six Working Groups, the Arctic Council serves as knowledge broker and global advocate for Arctic topics. The Working Groups’ assessments have been instrumental in bringing Arctic issues to a global arena through policy recommendations and international cooperation.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/work/policy-recommendations/'>Recommendations</a> <p class='list-summary'>The strong knowledge base produced by the Arctic Council’s Working Groups and other subsidiary bodies feeds into recommendations for informed decision-making.</p> </div> </div></div> </div></div><div class='col-md'><div class='bg-transparent p-4 depth1'> <div class=''></div> <div class='listContainer list-topics plain'><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/topics/arctic-peoples/'>Arctic Peoples</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Arctic is home to almost four million people today – Indigenous people, more recent arrivals, hunters and herders living on the land, and city dwellers.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/topics/biodiversity/'>Biodiversity</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Arctic is home to more than 21,000 known species of highly cold-adapted mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, plants and fungi and microbes.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/topics/climate/'>Climate</a> <p class='list-summary'>The temperatures in the Arctic continue to rise at three times the global annual average.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/topics/ocean/'>Ocean</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Arctic States hold a responsibility to safeguard the future development of the region and to develop models for stewardship of the marine environment.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/topics/pollutants/'>Pollutants</a> <p class='list-summary'>The Arctic environment carries the traces of human-induced pollution – from soot to plastics, from methane to pesticides.</p> </div> </div><div class='listItem'><div class='list-text'> <a href='/explore/topics/emergency/'>Emergencies</a> <p class='list-summary'>Harsh conditions and limited infrastructure in much of the Arctic increase risks and impacts and hinder response activities.</p> </div> </div></div> </div></div></div></div></section><section class='block block_code bg-transparent'> <div class='container'><div class="text-center"> <small> © <script type="text/javascript">document.write(new Date().getFullYear());</script> Arctic Council Secretariat | <a href="/privacy-policy/">Privacy policy and disclaimers</a> </small> </div></div></section> </footer>  <div class="bg-secondary p-3 cookie-banner" style="display: none"> We use cookies to save your language preference and better understand how visitors use the site. 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