AOR Expert Workshop and process and timeline of the Arctic Ocean Review (AOR) Phase II Project.

Abstract

The AOR is a multi-phased project that is reviewing global and regional measures that are in place for the conservation and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment, and is analyzing options for strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment. The overall objective of the AOR is to provide guidance to Arctic Council Ministers as a means to support strong governance in the Arctic through a cooperative, coordinated and integrated approach to the management of activities in the Arctic marine environment. The AOR Expert Workshop was convened in Reykjavik, Iceland 20-21 September (back-to-back with the PAME II-2011 meeting 21-23 September) in support of the development of the AOR Report which will be submitted to the 2013 Arctic Council Ministerial meeting along with other PAME documents. The objective of the workshop was to contribute to the development of the AOR through a theme-based approach, building on the outcomes of AOR Phase I taking into account major new developments or relevant findings. The workshop focused in particular on potential opportunities and options to strengthen global and regional instruments and measures, and the human dimension component.