The RPA Workshop Report

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Issue Date
2007
Authors
Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)
Subject
PAME
Abstract
"Attached is the final version of the Workshop Report in support of the updating of the Regional Programme of Action for the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (RPA) which was adopted by the Arctic Council in 1998. In 2006 the PAME Working Group was tasked by Senior Arctic Officials and Arctic Council Ministers to review, update and expand the RPA as necessary to respond more effectively to the rapidly changing circumstances in the Arctic. Taking account of a rapidly changing Arctic region is the overarching objective of the RPA update, and as such will be an important response to the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA). The updating of the RPA is led by Canada and Iceland. Iceland hosted a one-day workshop on September 25, 2007, in Reykjavik with the aim to provide a forum for invited participants to respond to the direction of Arctic Council Ministers to update the RPA. The Workshop was well attended by experts from Arctic Council countries, Working Groups, Permanent Participants and Observers; as well as industry, NGOs and academia. Overall, it was felt that the RPA needed to be updated to take into account pollutants, the implication of increasing economic activity and climate change, and more modern environmental management approaches, such as ecosystem-based, risk-based and outcomebased management approaches. This Workshop signifies the first steps in the RPA update and it is emphasised that this work be based on strong communication and collaboration with the other working groups of the Arctic Council." /.../