Summary of CAFFs Work Plan for the 2009 – 2011 Ministerial Period.

Abstract

The Conservation of Arctic Flora & Fauna Working Group (CAFF) is the Biodiversity Working group of the Arctic Council. It is guided by the CAFF Strategic Plan for the Conservation of Arctic Biological Diversity and biennial Work Plans. CAFFs mandate is to address the conservation of Arctic biodiversity, and to communicate the findings to the governments and residents of the Arctic, helping to promote practices which ensure the sustainability of the Arctic’s living resources. In order to successfully conserve the natural environment and allow for economic development requires baseline data on long-term status and trends of Arctic biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem health. CAFF’s projects provide data for informed decision making in resolving conflicts which are now arising in trying to both conserve the natural environment and permit regional growth. To this end CAFFs activities are centred around cooperation on:  Nature and biodiversity management issues  The use of living resources in the arctic  Climate change  Adaptability  Sustainability  Communication and outreach The 2009 – 2011 Work Plan places a strong focus on Climate Change and building upon the recommendations contained in the Arctic Climate and Impact Assessment (ACIA). The ACIA and CAFF ́s Flora & Fauna: Status and Conservation report both indicated that it was necessary to consider the status and trends of biodiversity in the Arctic. The ACIA called for improved capacity to monitor and understand changes in the Arctic and to improve and enhance long-term Arctic biodiversity monitoring. The Arctic Biodiversity Assessment and the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program are two of the primary vehicles via which CAFF is responding to these calls. CAFF will also place a strong focus on the International Polar Year (IPY) both through benefiting from IPY generated research and contributing to IPY legacy. This document outlines the projects and activities which CAFF plans to undertake for the 2009 – 2011 Ministerial period. The CAFF Work Plan is not fixed for the inter-ministerial period, but may change according to new opportunities and priorities. Both CAFF Working Group and Board meetings can amend the CAFF Work Plan.