Extensive report on the status of global Arctic research: Knowledge for a Sustainable Arctic

Following a successful 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) which was held in Tokyo in May, the newly released ASM3 Report is out now and publicly available.

The Ministerial was co-hosted by Iceland and Japan and included delegates from 27 different countries and the European Commission, as well as representatives from Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, and the ASM3 Science Advisory Board. Delegates gathered both in Tokyo and online to discuss developments in research and strengthen international cooperation in response to the severe threat of climate change and biodiversity loss in the Arctic.

Knowledge for a Sustainable Arctic was the overarching theme for ASM3 and included four sub-themes under the titles: Observe, Understand, Respond, Strengthen. The ASM3 organizers and Science Advisory Board conducted a robust and inclusive science process to provide a strong foundation for all the final outcomes of the ASM3. These outcomes create useful tools for cooperation, deepen our understanding of both the achievements and challenges that lay ahead, and provide a strong framework for taking urgent action.

The report includes:

• Arctic Research Overviews from all 27 countries and the European Commission, 3 Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations and 16 international science and education organizations
• Science summary from all theme-based project updates and new projects submitted
• The Joint Statement of Ministers
• The results of the ASM3 webinar series and ASM3 workshops that where designed to increase transparency and engagement in the science process with the wider Arctic research community.
• A Moving Forward section with recommendations from the ASM3 Science Advisory Board highlighting opportunities to advance international cooperation.
• Useful links to resources including a new ASM3 project database that maps all submitted projects
  
  

"Cooperation in Arctic science is required to meet the complex challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss," said Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Iceland

“Emphasis on the Arctic is now at the forefront of international policy where much is at stake. We all have our role to play in science and research. Where some may have the resources to implement large scientific infrastructure, others may offer deep knowledge and understanding of their local ecosystem. I believe we are stronger together." said Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Iceland

“The Arctic Science Ministerial is a great opportunity to forge liaisons among stakeholders in Arctic science through international collaboration.” said HAGIUDA Koichi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan

“To strengthen capacity building for Arctic research, which is essential to realize a sustainable Arctic, Japan will promote and strengthen research exchange in Arctic science by providing increased support to early career researchers. Japan will also start the construction of a new Arctic research vessel which is intended to be used as an international observing platform open to researchers from other nations for collaborative research.” said HAGIUDA Koichi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan

• The first Arctic Science Ministerial was hosted by the United States and held in Washington, D.C. in 2016, and the second Arctic Science Ministerial co-hosted by the European Commission, Finland and Germany and held in Berlin in 2018.
• The Arctic Science Ministerial brings together science Ministers from countries around the world who are engaged in the Arctic Science research in an equal platform.
• The ASM3 webinar series and database are new additions to the ASM outcomes, offering innovative and accessible tools for all who are engaged in Arctic research.
  
  

Links:

• 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial: https://asm3.org/
• ASM3 Database: https://ads.nipr.ac.jp/ASM3DB/
• Joint Statement of Ministers: https://asm3.org/library/Files/ASM3_Joint_Statement.pdf
• ASM3 Science Report: https://asm3.org/library/Files/ASM3_Final_Report.pdf

For further information contact the ASM3 Organizing Committee: [email protected]