Workshop Summary: Environmental protection of the High North – How to protect the Arctic from afar?

The Arctic is home to unique habitats that are increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change and the release of pollutants. As the region warms up and becomes more accessible, also the planning and conduct of economic activities puts more stress on the region’s ecosystems. Due to the inevitable linkages between Arctic and non-Arc-tic regions, Arctic states and states that do not directly border Arctic regions are responsible to promote environmental protection of the region. The expert workshop aimed to enable exchange and discussion on how Arctic Council observers can engage strategically and practically in Arctic environmental protection. In an exchange with states that are active in the High North, indigenous communities, businesses, research, and civil society, potential solutions were developed for a sustainable development in the Arctic that allows reconciling a wide spectrum of interests in the region. Topics included in particular climate change and air pollution control, ship-ping, and tourism