WWF: Denmark’s Chairship a Crucial Arctic Opportunity

12 May 2025 – Stockholm, Sweden – As the Kingdom of Denmark formally assumes the Chairship of the Arctic Council today, WWF highlights the opportunity to advance science-based cooperation, Indigenous-led stewardship, and environmental action in a region experiencing rapid and unprecedented change.

Denmark’s Chairship programme sets a strong tone with its focus on oceans, climate change, biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples, and sustainable development—priorities that align closely with WWF’s longstanding work in the region.

“This Chairship begins at a moment when Arctic ecosystems and communities are facing mounting pressures,” says Vicki Lee Wallgren, Director of WWF’s Global Arctic Programme. “We welcome Denmark’s clear priorities and urge the Council to stay focused on collaboration, continuity, and concrete outcomes. That includes braiding Indigenous Knowledge with science to guide policies that are not only effective but just and durable.”

WWF also extends its sincere appreciation to Norway for its Chairship and steady leadership during a time of unprecedented challenges. Norway helped maintain the Arctic Council’s essential work, including advancing the ecosystems approach to management, most notably through the successful April 2024 conference that showcased both progress and a way forward for this important pillar of Arctic cooperation. We are grateful for Norway’s contributions and continued commitment to Arctic stewardship.

As Norway concludes its Chairship, the Arctic Council is releasing a series of reports that reflect the depth and diversity of ongoing cooperation across its Working Groups. WWF is proud to have co-led the development of two of these reports that are now published:

• Underwater Noise in the Arctic: Understanding Impacts and Defining Management Solutions (Phase II)
  This report provides a pan-Arctic assessment of shipping-related underwater noise to 2030, and models how vessel management strategies can reduce noise for the benefit of marine species and ecosystems.
• Synthesis Report on Ecosystem Status, Human Impacts and Management Measures in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO-SR)
  This first-of-its-kind synthesis offers an overview of the Central Arctic Ocean’s physical and ecological state, current and future human activity, and the complex legal context surrounding its governance.

“These reports are practical tools that can help support decision-making and guide policy and management across the Arctic,” says Lee Wallgren. “They reflect the Arctic Council’s strength in bringing together diverse expertise to address shared challenges. WWF is proud to have contributed and looks forward to continued collaboration under Denmark’s leadership.”

Supporting Arctic stewardship through practical solutions

In parallel with the Council’s work, WWF brings additional tools and expertise to help safeguard Arctic ecosystems and support informed decision-making. WWF’s ArcNet approach and pan-Arctic network of Priority Areas for Conservation (PACs), offers guidance and a blueprint for establishing marine protected and conserved areas that are critical for ecological, cultural and economic resilience.

Building on this foundation, and in alignment with the Chairship’s ambitions, WWF is advancing action-oriented solutions to strengthen biodiversity outcomes. One such solution is GERANIUM, which helps visualize and quantify the risks and impacts of industrial activities on Arctic marine ecosystems, supporting better informed decision-making.

Championing coherent and inclusive Arctic governance

WWF has long championed precautionary, inclusive and science-based governance in the Arctic. With current governance frameworks spanning national, multilateral, and voluntary mechanisms, WWF works to foster coherence and strengthen outcomes. As an active participant and observer in bodies such as the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the OSPAR Commission, WWF is well-placed to support cross-sector collaboration. The emerging High Seas Treaty presents a new opportunity to elevate protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and WWF is committed to helping bridge that global process with the Arctic Council’s efforts.

WWF will continue working closely with the Chairship, Arctic States, Permanent Participants, and fellow Observers to support effective conservation, climate action, and sustainable development throughout the region.

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For further information:
Andrea Norgren | Sr. Manager Communications, WWF Global Arctic Programme | andrea.norgren@wwf.se