Pan-Arctic

For more than a decade, WWF has worked to stop offshore oil and gas development that threatens the wildlife and local communities that thrive in the Arctic’s often brutal environment.

WWF has engaged international experts to advise on how the Arctic Ocean might be better regulated, and participates in an Arctic Council Task Force on Marine cooperation.

WWF brings the effects of climate change in the Arctic to a global audience, and makes the connections between Arctic warming and global impacts.

WWF has produced the first-ever report on the circumpolar conservation status of walrus.

WWF catalyzes innovation. From extracting DNA from snowy pawprints to supporting tests of infrared camera systems for counting polar bears, WWF works to increase efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness of Arctic research.

Finland chairs the Arctic Council from 2016 to 2018. WWF is an official observer at the council, and contributes to the council's work in promoting sustainability, conducting research, and in providing direction to minimize environmental damage from human activities.

WWF promotes marine governance in the Arctic that includes cooperation and biodiversity protection within the Arctic Council. WWF-Russia previously participated in negotiations on legally binding agreement on Oil Spill Response, and following its approval, promotes its implementation in Russia.

WWF is advocating for renewable energy, and piloting renewable solutions with some Arctic communities.

WWF addresses conservation of polar bears at the local, national, and international levels. We support community initiatives such as polar bear patrols and contribute to planning and implementing range-wide conservation plans.

The first circumpolar report on walrus conservation recommends research into the effects of industrial activities on the Arctic animals.

WWF is advancing ideas and tools to create more sustainable investment and development in the Arctic.