World Wide Fund for Nature - Arctic Programme
Since 1992, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has actively worked on conservation and sustainable development in the Arctic through its regional WWF Arctic Programme. WWF is present in the field and at the policy level in all Arctic states except Iceland. Our vision is an Arctic shielded from the worst effects of rapid change, through effective international stewardship promoting healthy living systems to the benefit of local peoples and all humanity.
WWF is working with partners to change policies and practices in the Arctic from the current approach, based on exploitation, to stewardship. WWF does this by enabling resilience-based ecosystem management; protection and sustainable management of key Arctic species; promoting completion of the pan-Arctic ecological network; establishing best practices for sectors such as shipping, fishing, and hydrocarbon development; supporting responsible investments; strengthening local communities and promoting sound governance. This require strong scientific knowledge and the ability to bridge science (including the traditional knowledge of Arctic Indigenous peoples) and policy making processes.
WWF believes that Arctic stakeholders should move from discussing changes in the Arctic to actively shaping the future of the Arctic in a sustainable and responsible way. WWF is working on a long term vision for the Arctic and a long term strategy to achieve it. There are different scenarios to get there and WWF believes that joining efforts with partners like IIASA and others through a holistic process offered by the Arctic Futures Initiative can help to design a better future for this fragile and very special region of the world.
Working together with science, Indigenous peoples organisations, business, policy institutions and governments is essential for conservation success and for ensuring balance between development, ecosystem health and the interests of people living in the Arctic. AFI’s focus on decision-support process will provide significant input into developing options for ways to achieve an Arctic vision.