As ARC-PIC photographer, I delivered images to the recent report on Arctic Biodiversity Assesment from CAFF (including this cover).
The report itself is a very thorough piece of work.
Here are the key findings:
- Arctic biodiversity is being degraded, but decisive action taken now can help sustain vast, relatively undisturbed ecosystems of tundra, mountains, fresh water and seas and the valuable services they provide
- Climate change is by far the most serious threat to Arctic biodiversity and exacerbates all other threats.
- Many Arctic migratory species are threatened by overharvest and habitat alteration outside the Arctic, especially birds along the East Asian flyway.
- Disturbance and habitat degradation can diminish Arctic biodiversity and the opportunities for Arctic residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of ecosystem services.
- Pollution from both long-range transport and local sources threatens the health of Arctic species and ecosystems.
- There are currently few invasive alien species in the Arctic, but more are expected with climate change and increased human activity.
- Overharvest was historically the primary human impact on many Arctic species, but sound management has successfully addressed this problem in most, but not all, cases.
- Current knowledge of many Arctic species, ecosystems and their stressors is fragmentary, making detection and assessment of trends and their implications difficult for many aspects of Arctic biodiversity.
- The challenges facing Arctic biodiversity are interconnected, requiring comprehensive solutions and international cooperation.
