CBMP Workshop Washington March 2008

On March 6 – 7th the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) held an International Workshop in Washington DC, United States, entitled “Building a Partnership for Enhanced Understanding and Conservation of Arctic Biodiversity”. The workshop launched the “implementation phase” of the CBMP after several years of substantive program development and planning.  Participants discussed program priorities, and generated short term action plans and identified new partnerships to accomplish them.  The event also managed to foster healthy debate regarding CBMP’s opportunities for the next 5 years. 

Mike Gill (CBMP Chair) summarized the events achievements “With the help of some of our existing partners, we were able leverage new strategic partnerships in several key areas of the program.  The program is very well positioned to deliver on the key products and activities planned over the next five years.  We are confident that our vision of expanded and enhanced Arctic biodiversity monitoring and improved conservation and adaptation decisions for the Arctic will be achieved.”

The Workshop attracted a large group of participants representing government agencies, academic institutions, International NGO’s and funding foundations.  The workshop was enabled through the generous support of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and Finland Ministry of Environment.