The Arctic Council Ministers approved several key CAFF projects and initiaves at their latest meeting in Iqaluit on April 24. This meeting marks the end of the Canadian chairmanship (2013-2015) of the Arctic Council and the beginning of the US chairmanship (2015-2017). It also marks the end of the Canadian chairmanship of CAFF and the start of the Norwegian chairmanship of CAFF.
Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA) implementation
The Arctic Council Ministers agreed to implement 17 recommendations articulated in the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment, Report for Policy Makers. Implementing the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA) recommendations requires a combination of building on existing efforts and embarking in new directions.
Actions for Arctic Biodiversity 2013-2021: implementing the recommendation of the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment
This Action Plan provides a comprehensive path forward for the Arctic Council—and other organizations— to implement the 17 recommendations from the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment. It is a living document that will be reviewed and updated every two years. The plan is not meant to be exhaustive or to replace working group work plans; rather it is complimentary, emphasizing specific actions that address the ABA recommendations. The ABA website details the findings and recommendations of the report.
Arctic Biodiversity Congress: Co-Chairs Report
With over 450 participants and a variety of engagement techniques, the Arctic Biodiversity Congress provides a model for bringing a range of perspectives into Arctic Council work. A Co-Chairs Report summarizes Congress findings and website hosts reporting from the event and presentations given.
Life Linked to Ice: a guide to sea-ice associated biodiversity in this time of change
Life Linked to Ice examines the consequences for biodiversity of the dramatic changes occurring to sea ice. It draws from and builds on Arctic Council assessments in order to present an overview of the state of knowledge about sea-ice-associated biodiversity. The report is intended as a briefing and reference document for policy makers.
The Arctic Migratory Birds Initiative (AMBI) Work Plan 2015-2019
The AMBI Workplan 2015-2019 sets actions to address priority species and key conservation issues facing declining populations of Arctic-breeding migratory birds along four flyways.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Scoping Study Progress Report
TEEB for the Arctic improves understanding of the benefits that Arctic ecosystems provide to human wellbeing: economically, culturally, socially. A progress report details project accomplishments to date.
The Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP)
The CBMP provides harmonized and integrated biodiversity monitoring information into Arctic Council processes and facilitates more rapid detection, communication, and response to the significant biodiversityrelated trends and pressures in the Arctic. CBMP delivers a Strategic Plan, Arctic Biodiversity Monitoring Plans (freshwater and terrestrial), national implementation reports, a Land Cover Change Index Progress Report and communications activities.
CBMP Strategic Plan 2013-2017 Phase 2 Implementation of the CBMP
This next generation CBMP strategic plan will focus on continuing to implement those strategies while allowing for greater emphasis on interpretation, integration and communication of biodiversity information resulting from the CBMP Monitoring Plans. This plan outlines ongoing efforts to establish and maintain steering groups to implement the monitoring plans and manage and provide that information for ongoing and future assessments of Arctic biodiversity. A website tracks CBMP activities and progress.
Data management
Arctic Biodiversity Data Service (ABDS) Progress Report
The ABDS facilitates access, integration, analysis and display of biodiversity information for scientists, practitioners, policy makers and others working to understand, conserve and manage Arctic species and ecosystems. The ABDS website houses the information made available to date.
Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI) Memorandum of Cooperation
Eight national mapping agencies agree to share data and work together to deliver a seamless circumpolar map — held to the highest international standards — to be used in planning and development.
Traditional Knowledge and Community-based Monioring Progress Report
CAFF has a longstanding recognition of the importance of Traditional Knowledge and Community Based Monitoring. A progress report tracks successes and next steps.
Communications
