The Arc | Arctic conservation wins 2024
WWF Global Arctic Programme
Working to conserve Arctic biodiversity since 1992
This past year was the second-warmest year on record, according to NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Despite this challenge, progress has been made in protecting this unique region. From tackling black carbon emissions to safeguarding whale migration routes, advancing marine protections, and supporting Indigenous-led conservation.
These achievements demonstrate the power of collaboration, science, and leadership in Arctic conservation.
Climate challenges for Arctic caribou featured in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card
WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME
NOAA's 2024 Arctic Report Card featured a detailed study called Migratory Tundra Caribou in a Warmer Climate, which drew on scientific insights supported by the WWF Global Arctic Programme. The study explores the profound challenges facing Arctic caribou populations as rising temperatures and shifting environmental conditions alter their habitats and behaviors.
COP29 results and what they mean for the Arctic
WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME
From 11-24 November 2024, nations convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, the UN Climate Conference, to negotiate the critical next steps of the escalating climate crisis and to fulfil the goals of the Paris Agreement. The outcomes of this meeting have significant risks, particularly for Arctic communities and ecosystems. WWF GAP's Elena Tracy weighs in on her experience at COP29.
WEBINAR | What is the GBF and how can Arctic and European youth get involved?
WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME
This webinar, aimed at Arctic and European youth, will focus on how youth can get involved with the Global Biodiversity Framework.
WHEN: 15 January 2025, 18:00-19:30 CET
WHERE: online via Zoom
This webinar is the first in a series is called The Global Biodiversity Framework in the Arctic.
This event is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the WWF Global Arctic Programme and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Inuit communities connect to conserve
Talking to neighbours in person has always been the best way to learn and find common ground. While just as true for neighbouring communities, it’s much harder when it’s 25 Nunavut communities spread across a couple million square kilometres. To encourage knowledge sharing between communities, WWF-Canada kicked off a cross-community project with funding from the WWF Global Arctic Programme’s Arctic Biodiversity Initiative and technical and administrative support from WWF-Canada staff.
Nature Live: Winter bird feeding site in Kuusamo, Finland
WWF Finland has a live camera set up at a winter bird feeding site. The camera is set up just below the Arctic Circle in Kuusamo's old forests, where species, such as woodpeckers, thrive. The winter bird livestream will be available until mid-March, after which, another species will be featured in WWF-Finland's ongoing Nature Live series (in Finnish).
Statement to Finland's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry about the wolf regulation quota
WWF Finland (IN FINNISH)
WWF-Finland recently submitted a statement regarding the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's decision to allow for a hunting quota of wolves in reindeer husbandry areas. Wolves are also an endangered species in Finland and, in practice, there are currently no wolves in reindeer husbandry areas. The wolf also plays an important ecological role in the reindeer husbandry area in the functioning of ecosystems.
Oceans Futures: Arctic fisheries conflict case study
Oceans Future is a joint project by WWF, Environmental Defence Fund and several others, working to build an early warning system for fisheries conflict worldwide. The most recent case study features the Arctic, which in the coming years is likely to see growing fisheries conflict. Climate change is expected to change fish stocks across the region – driving some fish stocks into the region, others out of the Arctic, and others within the region.
WWF-Norway Sues Norwegian Government Over “Illegal” Deep Sea Mining Impact Assessment
WWF-Norway took legal action against the Norwegian government for opening areas for deep seabed mining activities. The trial started in Oslo District Court on Thursday 28 November 2024. WWF believes that the Ministry of Energy’s strategic impact assessment, which forms the basis of the government’s decision to open areas, does not meet the minimum legal requirements under the Seabed Minerals Act, rendering the opening illegal. The lawsuit is ongoing.
Norway halts seabed mining plans after socialist left party intervention
WWF-Norway and the Global Arctic Programme applauds the Socialist Left Party (SV) for securing a crucial victory for our oceans in budget negotiations with the Norwegian government. As a result of SV’s efforts, the government has agreed to stop the country’s first licensing round for deep seabed mining, which was initially scheduled to proceed in the spring of 2025. "This is a major and important environmental victory!" said Karoline Andaur, CEO of WWF-Norway.
WWF Global Arctic Programme – 2024 in review
This past year, WWF Global Arctic Programme launched several products on key Arctic conservation topics.
?? The interactive Arctic Blue Corridors online report was the first of its kind to map Arctic whale migration routes across the entire Arctic Ocean. It also highlights the increasing pressures that Arctic whales face from increased shipping activity.
???The research brief Trends in Arctic Oil and Gas Production and Associated Emissions reveals concerning trends in Arctic fossil fuel production and emissions – as well as how Arctic?oil and gas activities continue to expand.
?? Heavy fuel oil (HFO) poses one of the highest risks from shipping to Arctic marine ecosystems and coastal communities. This working paper highlighted how an HFO spill would threaten Arctic marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
?? The implementation of ArcNet was outlined in the peer-reviewed journal Ocean Sustainability, which is part of the prestigious Nature Portfolio.
?? The report The High Seas Treaty: Implications and Opportunities for the Arctic shows that the Treaty has the potential to significantly strengthen the stewardship of the Arctic Ocean. ?
That's all for 2024 from the WWF Global Arctic Programme – thanks for reading! If you would like to receive this email right to your inbox, subscribe here.