During the IMO Assembly meetings on December 2, the World Maritime University (WMU) and the 90 North Foundation released the “2025 Arctic Report: The Arctic Ocean Region – Biodiversity, Governance & Protective Measures.” This report provides a thorough assessment of the Arctic Ocean, highlighting its rapid environmental and geopolitical changes, driven largely by climate change and increasing human activity.
The report cautions against the exaggerated economic potential of the Arctic, particularly in shipping and resource extraction. It emphasizes that the region’s harsh environmental conditions and ecological vulnerabilities are often overlooked. British polar explorer Pen Hadow noted the urgent need for protective measures as ice cover diminishes, advocating for the designation of the Central Arctic Ocean as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area to safeguard its biodiversity.
Indigenous communities, who have historically cared for the Arctic, face significant threats to their food security and cultural continuity due to industrial activities that often lack proper consultation. The report calls for a cohesive, science-driven governance framework, incorporating tools like Marine Protected Areas and Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas to ensure the Arctic remains a refuge for biodiversity and a zone of international cooperation.
