WWF urges OSPAR to enhance marine conservation efforts in the Arctic

OSPAR, a collaborative effort involving 15 governments and the European Union to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic region, including the vast area extending up to the North Pole, is currently convening a workshop in Copenhagen this week. The primary objective of this gathering is to discuss potential actions OSPAR can undertake to safeguard Arctic waters, which account for a significant 40 per cent of the entire OSPAR domain.

Within its legal authority, OSPAR has previously established marine protected and conserved areas in the southern regions of its jurisdiction. Encouragingly, WWF is advocating for OSPAR to take similar steps in the Arctic, recognizing the pressing need for conservation of the Central Arctic Ocean as the sea ice is rapidly diminishing, opening the area for industrial activities. Such a move would  contribute to establishing ArcNet, an Arctic Ocean Network of Priority Areas for Conservation.

WWF sees OSPAR’s focus on the Arctic as a critical step forward to implement the Global Biodiversity Agreement and protect 30 per cent of the Arctic Ocean by 2030. Additionally this effort involves applying the ground-breaking UN High Seas Treaty to ensure that Arctic areas beyond national jurisdiction are protected and ecologically connected as part of ArcNet.

Moreover, the workshop will delve into discussions about the potential regulatory measures that OSPAR can employ to bolster the protection of Arctic Ocean ecosystems. This is crucial in the face of the compounding challenges posed by the climate crisis and economic development. The workshop will explore how OSPAR’s work, and mandate can harmonize with other regional initiatives and frameworks in the pursuit of overarching global conservation objectives. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the urgency of safeguarding the Arctic environment while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

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