Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat congratulates Greenland and Canada on the signed Letter of Intent regarding Pikialasorsuaq. ONKN looks forward to further work towards implementing Inuit-led protection and management of this important marine area.
The Greenland Representation in Reykjavik was the setting for a ceremony today between the Government of Greenland on behalf of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Canadian federal government. During the ceremony, the Greenlandic Naalakkersuisoq (Minister) of the Environment, Kalistat Lund and the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Diane Lebouthillier signed a joint Letter of Intent regarding Pikialasorsuaq. Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat (ONKN) was among those who attended the ceremony.
As the largest Arctic polynya and a biologically productive hotspot, Pikialasorsuaq nurtures a diverse range of marine species, many of which are essential for the resilience of Arctic ecosystems and communities. Preserving this unique habitat will enhance marine biodiversity and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The main point in the Letter of Intent is that Greenland and Canada will establish a joint steering group, which will develop a common basis for the management of Pikialasorsuaq. The challenges are shared across borders, so the solutions around the use and protection of Pikialasorsuaq must also be shared. The Letter of Intent is an important step forward to jointly preserve this vital region.
At ONKN, we work to promote marine protection and the sustainable use of living marine resources. ONKN recognizes the profound cultural and ecological value of Pikialasorsuaq and wholeheartedly supports this long-awaited bilateral agreement. The Letter of Intent builds on the work of the Pikialasorsuaq Commission (2016-2018), which included thorough consultations with Inuit communities on both sides of Baffin Bay about their visions for the future of Pikialasorsuaq. Now the vision has come one step further through this formal recognition at the government level. It is also an important step towards having a protected area designated around the polynya across national borders. The United Nations Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework commits countries to protect up to 30 percent of their land and sea areas by 2030, and protecting Pikialasorsuaq represents a significant opportunity towards achieving these goals.
“Research shows that marine protected areas are a simple and effective way to preserve biodiversity in the sea and build resilience. At a time when climate change is accelerating with an impact on fisheries and wildlife, Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat is in favour of protecting Pikialasorsuaq through a management regime that supports Inuit visions for an effective seascape,” says Jenseeraq Poulsen, Executive Director of ONKN.
Now that the Letter of Intent has been signed, ONKN is calling on the Government of Greenland to set goals and a time frame for the next steps towards implementing the Pikialasorsuaq Commission’s recommendations regarding an Inuit-led management and protection of Pikialasorsuaq.
Now that the Letter of Intent has been signed, ONKN is calling on the Government of Greenland to set concrete goals and a time frame for the next steps towards the establishment of the steering group and its goals. ONKN welcomes the upcoming collaboration and is happy to provide input on how an Inuit-led management and protection of Pikialasorsuaq could look like.
For media inquiries or further information please contact:
Jenseeraq Poulsen
Executive Director, Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat
jenseeraq@oceansnorth.gl
+299 483467
