STATUS AND TRENDS FOR ARCTIC CONSERVATION MEASURES

Abstract

This paper provides an update on the 2017 status of Arctic protected areas. It provides an overview of the status and trends of the extent of protected areas in the Arctic and an overview of area-based conservation measures including World Heritage Sites and wetlands. This paper uses the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) definition for protected areas which includes a wide range of Management Categories – from strict nature reserve to protection with sustainable use. Consequently, the level of protection and governance of these areas varies throughout the circumpolar region. As of 2021, 20.77 per cent of the Arctic’s terrestrial area and 5.24 per cent of its marine areas are protected. Protected area coverage of the Arctic’s terrestrial ecosystems exceeded Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 which aimed for at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water to be protected by 2020. The protected area coverage of marine areas fell short of the Aichi Target for 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas to be protected.