Protecting Polar Ocean Spaces
Two landmark events occurred in the closing months of 2017 that demonstrate the ability of nations to protect the Polar Regions. In December, nine nations and the European Union successfully concluded negotiations on an agreement to prevent unregulated fishing in the high seas portion of the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO). In the same month, 24 nations and the European Union welcomed the entry into force of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Antarctica. The MPA, which will remain in place for at least 35 years, encompasses 1.8 million square miles, and is the largest marine protected area in the world.
Please join us for a description and discussion of these two important milestones in polar ocean governance.
Event Sponsors
Speakers
Former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries and Director for Ocean and Polar Affairs, US Department of State
Moderator
US Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs; Former Chair, US Arctic Research Commission
Hosted By
Polar Institute
Since its inception in 2017, the Polar Institute has become a premier forum for discussion and policy analysis of Arctic and Antarctic issues, and is known in Washington, DC and elsewhere as the Arctic Public Square. The Institute holistically studies the central policy issues facing these regions—with an emphasis on Arctic governance, climate change, economic development, scientific research, security, and Indigenous communities—and communicates trusted analysis to policymakers and other stakeholders. Read more
Environmental Change and Security Program
The Environmental Change and Security Program (ECSP) explores the connections between environmental change, health, and population dynamics and their links to conflict, human insecurity, and foreign policy. Read more