CAFF created the first Arctic protected areas dataset in 1994 and most recently updated in 2010.  This updated dataset has been submitted as an Arctic component to UNEP WCMCs World Protected Areas Database and Protected Planet.

2010

1994

As a follow-up Arctic Biodiversity Trends 2010 report, Iceland is leading a project focusing on those protected areas which have a marine/coastal component.  This project will further develop the information on these areas and compile a dataset detailing the nature and extent of the protection afforded.

CAFF is working with AMAP and SDWG Arctic Council working groups to coordinate to identify areas of heightened ecological and cultural significance in light of changing climate conditions and increasing multiple marine use.

The Working Groups are responding to recommendation II(C) from the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA), which deals with Marine Areas of Heightened Ecological and Cultural Significance.

The Arctic Protected Areas Montioring Group of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) is developing an Arctic Protected Areas Monitoring Scheme.

In support of the Scheme, the group is

• identifying a suite of biodiversity measures that would be commonly monitored across Arctic protected areas, and

• undergoing an inventory of existing protected areas monitoring programs, identifying common themes, approaches and programs, identifying gaps and designing a common approach to monitoring biodiversity in circumpolar protected areas. 

Protected Areas of the Arctic

This document discusses this multitude of values found in Arctic protected areas. It presents case studies that demonstrate how protected areas conserve such values. The case studies also show that protected areas in the Arctic generate positive spinoff effects and add considerable value to societies that are often far wider and diverse than the direct conservation benefits for which the areas were originally established.