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WWF’s Recommendations for CAOFA Implementation

  • Governance
  • Pan-Arctic

In June 2021, a significant milestone was achieved in the conservation of the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO) with the entry into force of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA). This agreement imposed a 16-year ban on commercial fishing in the CAO, providing us with an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the region’s biodiversity and fisheries potential. By taking a precautionary approach and making informed decisions, we can pave the way for responsible fishing exploration in the future and avoid mistakes that happened with overfishing in other seas around the world.

The Upcoming COP Meeting

The second Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting, scheduled to take place from 12-14 June 2023 in Incheon, South Korea, serves as an ideal platform for collaboration and charting the course for the future. WWF, an expert in conservation and a CAOFA observer, has developed recommendations to inform the effective implementation of CAOFA.

WWF encourages a constructive and collaborative approach within the upcoming second CAOFA Conference of the Parties (COP) and future work of the Scientific Coordination Group (SCG), emphasizing the integration of scientific findings, Indigenous Knowledge, and local knowledge. In its report, “Sustaining Tomorrow’s Central Arctic Ocean Today“, WWF draws upon successful practices and lessons learned from around the world to promote effective governance of Arctic fisheries.

Addressing Climate Change Challenges

The Arctic is a place of remarkable beauty and fragility, but it is also facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has provided unequivocal evidence of the devastating impacts of global warming on Arctic biodiversity and local communities. To adapt to declining sea ice, changing ecosystems, and the migration of sub-Arctic species, we must embrace innovative strategies and holistic approaches to protect our unique Arctic ecosystems from the pressures of climate change.

© Jean-Marie Muggianu / Flickr

Integration with Global Frameworks

Implementing CAOFA cannot be done in isolation. It is intricately connected to global frameworks that promote biodiversity protection. Parties of the CAOFA have the opportunity to align the implementation of this agreement with the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the BBNJ Agreement (instrument to protect marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

These frameworks provide us with a roadmap for effective conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources. The GBF outlines targets for the protection and conservation of nature, emphasizing the need for designated protected areas in 30% of oceans, coastlines, and land while ensuring adequate protection, accompanied by sustainable use and reduction of pressures to biodiversity in the remaining 70%.

Additionally, the BBNJ Agreement sets out a process for establishing protected areas in the high seas and defining their management rules. The CAOFA’s implementation should be guided by the information collected for the purpose of implementing the GBF and the BBNJ Agreement.  Examples include the data collected when designating protected areas and management measures, consultations with rights-holders and stakeholders and results of environmental assessments.

Conversely, the knowledge gathered by the CAOFA, such as findings about fish stocks, can contribute to the establishment and management of protected areas in the high seas. By connecting these frameworks, we can secure a healthy and thriving Arctic Ocean ecosystem.

A Step-wise Approach for Success

The CAOFA is not merely an interim measure; it holds the potential to evolve into a comprehensive regional conservation management organization/arrangement. By following the CAOFA’s step-wise approach and governance processes, the CAOFA could serve as the cornerstone of a broader Arctic regional structure focused on holistic marine conservation management.

To make informed decisions about protecting the Arctic Ocean and granting permissions for activities such as commercial fishing, it is crucial to have comprehensive information about the current state and future prospects of ocean ecosystems. This includes considering the anticipated combined impacts of various pressures, ranging from climate change to economic activities.

Fostering Collaboration and Cooperation

In our collective pursuit of effective CAOFA implementation, WWF emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cooperation among participating countries, supported by observers’ knowledge. By fostering a shared responsibility, we can amplify our impact and bring about lasting change. With the urgent need to address climate change and protect Arctic ecosystems, WWF’s recommendations provide essential guidance for the effective environmental management of the Central Arctic Ocean. By adopting a precautionary approach, incorporating Indigenous knowledge, and aligning with global frameworks, we can ensure the sustainability of Arctic fisheries and safeguard the region’s unique biodiversity for future generations.

Together, we have the power to protect and preserve the Central Arctic Ocean. By implementing the CAOFA in a holistic and responsible manner, we can pave the way for a comprehensive regional institution focused on holistic marine conservation management. Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility as we strive for a sustainable future for the Central Arctic Ocean and its invaluable ecosystems.

WWF Summary of Recommendations

  • Encourage collaboration and cooperation of CAOFA parties to promote effective fisheries governance.
  • Address the challenges of climate change by adopting innovative strategies and holistic approaches to protect Arctic ecosystems.
  • Align CAOFA efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the BBNJ Agreement to ensure effective conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the Arctic.
  • Gather comprehensive information about ocean ecosystems to make informed decisions regarding the protection of the Arctic Ocean ecosystems and authorisation of activities like commercial fishing.
  • View CAOFA as a pilot for comprehensive regional conservation management organization/arrangement and follow the step-wise approach for its effective and full implementation.
  • Promote collaboration among participating countries, their shared responsibility, and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge to ensure the sustainability of Arctic fisheries and to protect the region’s biodiversity.

By WWF Global Arctic Programme

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