Arctic region

For many years, concerns have been expressed about environmental issues in the Arctic. While the Arctic region, unlike Antarctica, has been inhabited for thousands of years, it is under unique threat because of its vulnerability toward resource exploitation and the deposition of various airborne pollutants. With its varied populations, and with eight Nations asserting territorial interests, the Arctic needs a careful approach to its protection and development.

This report provides a basis for development and implementation of a global system of marine protected areas to protect and manage representative examples of the world's rich marine biodiversity. It identifies priorities for establishing new marine protected areas and improving management of existing ones in each of the world's 18 major regions.

This publication, prepared in cooperation with the oil industry’s Exploration Production Forum, sets out the oil exploration process, describes the potential environmental consequences of exploration and recommends measures for the prevention or minimization of adverse impacts. The material is based on the experience of IUCN’s Environmental Assessment Service.