• Posted 15-Nov-2021

#EUArcticForum: a call for action from the Arctic communities

The Arctic is where climate change is most visible to the eye. The Arctic region is warming three times faster than the rest of the planet and changes happening there have a knock on effect on the whole planet. Arctic Indigenous Peoples and local communities are already experiencing these changes, which are affecting their traditional and local societies and culture as well as livelihoods. Meanwhile, new actors are appearing on the Arctic scene, creating both opportunities and challenges.

Amidst this rapidly evolving context, on 10-11 November the European Commission organised the EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples Dialogue, with the support of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Over two days, ministers, ambassadors, European and local policy makers, representatives of Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, scientists as well as university students discussed the situation in the Arctic and addressed the implementation of the EU’s recent Arctic Policy/

The question of the engagement of local and indigenous people was at the core of all the panels of the EU Arctic Forum and was the object of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples Dialogue on 11 November.

The Dialogue addressed the need for more inclusive policy and capacity building. An important part of the discussion focused on how to work with Indigenous People in the creation, determination and execution or research programmes. The Dialogue focused also on enhancing the participation of the youth in Arctic decision-making processes, fostering dialogue and collaboration among youth. In line with the discussions and to further the EU’s engagement with Arctic Indigenous youth, Commissioner Gabriel announced the creation of an Indigenous Youth Ambassador for the Arctic.

Source: European Commission I Oceans and Fisheries (https://bit.ly/3nhVSNL)