Arcticportal News

(Photo: WWF) The new WWF web tool map

Few days ago WWF launched ArkGIS (Arctic Geographical Information System) – a free, interactive mapping platform that combines and integrates existing data about the environment and human activity in the Arctic.

By releasing a new web tool mapping both nature and activities, WWF hopes to be able to make relevant information universally available – in a very visible manner.

The web-platform allows any user to download pre-made maps and videos, as well as developing customized maps on their own, using an interactive map service.

ArkGIS is a project initiated and managed by WWF, but it brings together data from a host of information providers, including several Arctic Council working groups, the Institute of Marine Research, and the Norwegian Coastal Administration. Map layers to date include 368 identified areas of heightened ecological significance, and Arctic ship traffic, ice coverage, and bathymetry.

Please click here to view the ArkGIS. Click here to connect to the Arctic Portal Mapping System.

(Photo: Bruce Forbes) Arctic Centre’s researcher Roza Laptander (on the right) tells about Nenents’ situation in the Russian Arctic

Europe Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland, published on Thursday 16th May 2013 the book Arctic Calls – Finland, the European Union and the Arctic Region.

The book is written by Head of Science Communications Markku Heikkilä and Science Communicator Marjo Laukkanen, both from the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland.

The Arctic is undergoing dramatic changes, while international interest in the world´s northernmost regions is growing rapidly.

This book helps us to see and understand the background to this trend. Through personal experiences, diverse illustrations and numerous interviews, it puts a human face on the Arctic region.

The book is available in Finnish, Swedish, English and North Sami. The electronic versions are available on the Europe Information website and Arctic Centre website.

(Photo: Getty Images) The Conference: ´´Climate Change in Northern Territories will take place in Akureyri, northern Iceland 22nd – 23rd of August 2013.

The registration to the ESPON/ENECON and NRF event is now available. Early registration fee will be available until the 10th of July 2013.

Bookings for accommodation are done through the registration form and information on the hotels can be found on the registration web page. Please note that accommodation can only be guaranteed through registration until the 10th of July. After this conference guests might have to make reservations on their own.

In questions regarding travel and accommodation please contact Akureyri Travel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +354 4600 600.

Practical information on registration and travelling in Iceland can be found here.

Click here to download the program of the conference "Climate Change in Northern Territories".

(Photo: the Arctic Council Secretariat) Carl Bildt hands over the Arctic Council gavel to Leona AglukkaqThe 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council took place yesterday in Kiruna, northern Sweden.

The forward-looking statement entitled 'Vision for the Arctic' was adopted at the meeting. The document outlines the Arctic states' and indigenous Permanent Participants' joint vision for the development of the region.

Arctic Council States also signed a new, legally-binding Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic which will substantially improve procedures for combatting oil spills in the Arctic.

A number of important reports were presented to the Ministers at the meeting.

During the meeting, ministers also signed the Kiruna Declaration, which sets out the work of the Council during the Canadian Chairmanship (2013-15).

"Canada is honoured to assume the Chairmanship of the Council," said Minister Leona Aglukkaq. "The theme for Canada's Chairmanship is Development for the People of the North."

During the Canadian Chairmanship, the Arctic Council program will include the establishment of a Circumpolar Business Forum to provide new opportunities for business to engage with the Council; continued work on oil pollution prevention; and action to address short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon and methane.

Click here to dowload the Canada´s Chairmanship priorities.

(Photo: Anastasiya Ilina) The last shaman of Wrangler IslandToday, the 15th of May 2013, representatives of eight Arctic states have signed Kiruna Declaration. Ministers from all eight Arctic states, joined by the delegates of the six Permanent Participant organizations of the Arctic Council have gathered in Kiruna, northern Sweden to conclude the Swedish chairmanship at the Arctic Council.

Declaration recognizes the central role of commerce in development of the Arctic and highlights the need for cooperation between Arctic communities to advance sustainable economic development of the region.

Document states the climate change to be the biggest environmental issue for the Arctic. It commits to strengthen efforts to diminish its effects on Arctic fragile environment.

Declaration establishes Task Force to develop an Arctic Council action plan or other arrangement on oil pollution prevention, and to present the outcomes of its work and any recommendations for further action at the next Ministerial meeting in 2015.

The Ministerial Meeting of the Swedish Chairmanship is being held 15 May 2013 in Stadshuset in Kiruna, Northern Sweden. This meeting marks the end of the Swedish Chairmanship and the beginning of the Canadian Chairmanship.

 Click here to download the Kiruna Declaration and other documents from the AC Ministerial Meeting.