4 December 2014: Participants at the Arctic Biodiversity Congress addressed the conservation and sustainable use of Arctic biodiversity through three main themes: Arctic change, resilience and adaptation; mainstreaming biodiversity and linking Arctic ecosystems to society; and understanding cumulative effects and managing impacts.

The Congress aimed to, inter alia: present and discuss the main scientific findings in the 2013 Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA); advise the Arctic Council’s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) on “Action for Biodiversity: Implementing the Recommendations of the ABA 2013-2021,” which will be presented to the Arctic Council Ministers in April 2015; and mainstream biodiversity and ecosystem services, ensuring that ABA recommendations are implemented widely and across sectors.

Many speakers highlighted climate change as a critical threat to Arctic biodiversity. Tine Sundtoft, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway, described climate change as the most serious threat to Arctic biodiversity, stating that the “long-term fate of Arctic biodiversity depends on our abilities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.” Hans Meltofte, ABA Chief Scientist, identified climate change as “by far” the most serious threat to biodiversity. He pointed to impacts including the loss of snow and ice cover at rates exceeding initial projections and “Arctic squeeze,” where Arctic species are pushed further north by southern species.

Participants praised the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA) and called for translating its recommendations into action. Mette Wilkie, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), informed participants that the ABA synthesis offers 40 suggestions for improved Arctic biodiversity conservation, of which 10 are listed as priority actions. Sundtoft described the ABA as a “landmark report” that incorporates contributions from scientists and holders of traditional knowledge. Áile Jávo, President of the Saami Council, used the meeting to call for increased efforts to preserve the Saami people’s traditional culture and livelihoods.

Participants prioritized the ABA recommendations on “identifying and safeguarding important areas for biodiversity and developing communication” and “outreach tools and methodologies to better convey the importance and value of Arctic biodiversity and current changes” for immediate action. Many, however, remarked that all 17 ABA recommendations are urgent enough to be addressed immediately. Participants also recommended, inter alia: refining the ABA recommendations and making them more strategic for policy, including categorizing and reducing the number of recommendations; developing pilot implementation projects and “piggy backing” on existing regional policies; and promoting an integrated, collaborative approach.

Participants also focused on: sustainable management of the polar bear; the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for the Arctic; the Arctic Migratory Birds Initiative (AMBI); the circumpolar biodiversity monitoring programme, on freshwater, marine and coastal resources; and invasive alien species (IAS). Participants further discussed, inter alia: fisheries management; and renewable energy, including geothermal energy.

The CAFF working group organized the conference in co-operation with the Norwegian Environment Agency. Over 450 participants attended the conference, which convened from 2-4 December 2014 in Trondheim, Norway. [IISD RS Coverage of Arctic Biodiversity Conservation] [Arctic Council Press Release in Advance of Conference] [Congress Programme] [ABA Website]