‟
The policy recommendations are primarily aimed at the eight Arctic States and six Permanent Participant organisations . However , many issues across the Arctic , from biodiversity , to pollution and climate change , require more far-reaching actions and depend upon the involvement of non- Arctic states , regional and local authorities , industry and all who live , work and travel in the Arctic .
operational , training , search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the inhospitable waters surrounding the two poles .
The move to develop a mandatory Code followed the adoption of Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters by the IMO Assembly in 2009 , which are intended to address those additional provisions deemed necessary for consideration beyond existing requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea ( SOLAS ) and the International Convention for Prevention of Marine Pollution for Ships ( MARPOL Convention ), in order to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters and to meet appropriate standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention . The Guidelines are recommendatory .
Global Impact
Besides national implementation actions across the Arctic States , recommendations by the Arctic Council have contributed to and influenced international frameworks and conventions .
The 2002 assessment on persistent organic pollutants by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme ( AMAP ) for example contributed to the negotiations that eventually led to the Stockholm Convention .
The Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment , which was published in 2009 by the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group ( PAME ) in turn played a key role in moving towards mandatory rules and regulations for ships operating in polar waters . The result is the Polar Code by IMO .
The process to develop the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment led to recognition of Arctic biodiversity by the Convention on Biological Diversity as a new and emerging issue ; and an invitation to the Arctic Council to provide relevant information and assessments of Arctic biodiversity resulted in a decision on co-operation with the Arctic Council .
Reaching beyond the Arctic
The policy recommendations of Arctic Council are primarily aimed at the eight Arctic States and the six Permanent Participant organisations . However , many issues across the Arctic , from biodiversity , to pollution and climate change , require more far-reaching actions and will depend upon the involvement of non-Arctic states , regional and local authorities , industry and all who live , work and travel in the Arctic . The Council ’ s recommendations may , therefore , also provide a guide for action for states , authorities , and organisations beyond the Arctic Council .
REFERENCE
Artic Business Council World Ocean Council
33