Arctic Council and national governance

Most of the Arctic, including its land areas and coastal waters, is governed by national laws. But countries also collaborate through the Arctic Council—a unique regional forum that includes member states, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including WWF, as formal observers.

Who governs the Arctic?

The Arctic is governed through a mix of national and international rules. Eight countries—Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (through Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States—are known as the Arctic States. They oversee their own Arctic territories and waters, managing areas like shipping, resource development, environmental protection, and Indigenous rights.

But the Arctic isn’t governed by these countries alone. In many cases, international agreements and organizations play a key role—especially for parts of the Arctic Ocean that lie beyond national borders. For example, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets rules for how countries use the ocean, and the Polar Code sets safety and environmental standards for ships in polar waters.

Still, Arctic governance has limits. There is no single system or authority that oversees the whole region, particularly the international waters of the Arctic Ocean. Instead, a patchwork of laws and voluntary agreements covers different areas and issues. This makes it harder to respond quickly to new challenges—like melting sea ice, rising shipping traffic, or threats to biodiversity—and to manage the region as a connected, changing ecosystem.

The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic collaboration. It was established in 1996 and includes:

• The eight Arctic states
• Six Indigenous Peoples’ organizations (Permanent Participants), including the Inuit Circumpolar Council and the Saami Council
• A wide group of observers, including non-Arctic states, IGOs, and NGOs

Although the Council doesn’t make laws, it provides:

• High-quality scientific reports and assessments
• A forum for dialogue and coordination
• A platform for Indigenous Peoples to help shape policy
• Working groups focused on biodiversity, climate, pollution, and more

View the 2019 WWF Arctic Council scorecard

Indigenous Rights and participation

The Arctic Council is unique in giving Indigenous Peoples a formal voice. Permanent Participants are not just advisors—they help shape the Council’s work. Many Arctic Indigenous groups also have self-governing authority and land rights in national frameworks.

Respecting and centering Indigenous knowledge is essential to good Arctic governance.