Valuing Arctic Ecosystems and Biodiversity–The Circle 02.15

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For thousands of years Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have subsisted on its natural resources – fish, grazing grounds for reindeer herding, fresh water from the great Siberian rivers flowing into the Arctic. The far north represents tremendous wealth in its unique biodiversity, culture and, increasingly, in commercial ventures including tourism and shipping.

This issue of The Circle investigates the what, why and how of valuing Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity. Why are we allowing some Arctic ecosystems to be degraded? Is the real value of ecosystems incorporated into economic policies and investment decisions by companies? What ecosystem services are generally missing from policy evaluations and business calculations due to their economic invisibility? Can valuation of ecosystem services be a tool to make the invisible use of nature visible and as such, redirect the economic compass of the Arctic and beyond? What are prerequisites to be met for estimating this true value? What is an appropriate scope and boundary for valuation in the Arctic? Is it wrong to put a dollar value on some of Arctic´s ecosystem services, such as the cultural value that Indigenous peoples place on nature? How can we incorporate cultural and even spiritual values in the decision-making process? Join the debate in this edition of The Circle.

– See more at: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/publications/the_circle/?245039/The-Circle-0215#sthash.jww0BiRM.dpuf

U.S. at the Helm of the Arctic Council — The Circle 01-15

The Circle 01.15

Posted on 31 March 2015

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This year the United States assumes the Chair of the Arctic Council, following on the heels of Canada’s two-year term and with Finland on deck for 2017.

This edition of The Circle looks at what was accomplished under Canada’s direction, what the US is planning to focus on and what its successor’s expect to be addressed before taking the reins of the Council.

This is a pivotal year for the Arctic and for the Council itself. Find out why in this edition of The Circle as our contributors address the politics, the promises and the issues hinging on this new term of The Arctic Council.

Where the Ocean Blooms — The Circle 04-14

The ice edge is a dynamic zone between frozen cover and open water. In the spring it becomes a garden of plant plankton and ice algae sprouting a smorgasbord for zooplankton which, in turn, is prey for larger animals. But this zone of intense biological production is particularly vulnerable to human impact.

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This edition of The Circle examines Ecologically or Biologically Sensitive Marine Areas (EBSAs), the Arctic Ocean’s own critically important blooming gardens.   – See more at: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/publications/the_circle/?232830/The-Circle-0414#sthash.WVsWWSEw.dpuf

Cover of The Circle 04.14
© WWF

Arctic Tourism: boon or bust?

Who benefits and who is compromised by increased travel and tourism to the Arctic? Should travel to the far north be encouraged or should some places be “off limits” or to some degree protected?

There are strong arguments on both sides of the Arctic Tourism debate.

Join the discussion as this edition of The Circle presents the most up-to-date information, insight and opinions from scientists, Indigenous Peoples, tour operators, academics and researchers as they weigh in on travelling to the “beloved place.”

Editor: Becky Rynor

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/publications/?216035/The-Circle-0114

Download The Circle 01.14, “Arctic tourism: boon or bust?”