Partnership between Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat and Inuit Circumpolar Council Greenland to protect the Arctic Ocean
Nuuk, Greenland, June 6, 2024 – Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat (ONKN) and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Greenland (ICC) have entered into a significant cooperation agreement, marking a partnership aimed at promoting Inuit participation in the management and protection of the Arctic Ocean.
This agreement aims to strengthen efforts to preserve one of the world’s largest and most intact marine ecosystems, the Arctic Ocean. Through “The Arctic Project”, a close partnership is established with ICC and Indigenous Peoples with an aim to safeguard and manage sensitive ecosystems such as Pikialasorsuaq.
With the signing on 6 June 2024, ONKN commits to contribute DKK 1.7 million in 2024, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement for up to 4 years. These funds are to be used to strengthen ICC Greenland’s international participation in maritime governance, including ICC’s work to increase Inuit influence in key international forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and in the work on the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), which focuses on the protection of fisheries in the central Arctic Ocean. Additionally, the support will ensure ICC’s continued work to promote Inuit-led management of Pikialasorsuaq.
Jens Immanuelsen, chairman of ONKN’s board, states:
“We are proud to enter into this partnership with ICC-Greenland, which reflects our shared commitment to protecting the Arctic marine areas. This agreement will strengthen our efforts to preserve these unique ecosystems for future generations.”
Sara Olsvig, international Chair for the Inuit Circumpolar Council and Hjalmar Dahl, President of ICC Greenland, state:
“We are very pleased that ICC Greenland can participate in ICC’s international work on marine governance over the next of years, thereby ensuring the organization increased influence on behalf of Inuit.”
For further information, contact:
- Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat : Director Jenseeraq Poulsen, Jenseeraq@oceansnorth.gl , Mobile: +299 483467
- ICC- Greenland : ICC Chair, Sara Olsvig, sara@inuit.org , phone: +299 323632
About Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat:
Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat works to protect and conserve the Arctic’s marine ecosystems in partnership with indigenous peoples and other stakeholders.
About the Inuit Circumpolar Council:
The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) is an international Indigenous Peoples’ Organization representing Inuit from Greenland, Canada, Alaska and Chukotka. ICC works to empower Inuit communities and promote their rights and interests at national and international levels.
