The Ottawa Declaration of the Arctic Council is a foundational document that was signed on September 19, 1996, in Ottawa, Canada. The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that aims to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states, as well as with the indigenous communities of the region.
The Ottawa Declaration established the Arctic Council as a high-level forum for discussing and addressing issues related to sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region. The declaration sets out the objectives, structure, and activities of the Arctic Council, and outlines the roles and responsibilities of its members and participants.
One of the key objectives of the Arctic Council, as stated in the Ottawa Declaration, is to promote environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic region. The council works to achieve this goal by encouraging scientific research and monitoring, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and supporting the conservation of Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity.
The Ottawa Declaration also emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with the indigenous peoples of the Arctic region. The declaration recognizes the traditional knowledge and expertise of these communities, and highlights the need for their participation and consultation in all aspects of Arctic governance and decision-making.
Overall, the Ottawa Declaration of the Arctic Council represents a significant milestone in international cooperation for the Arctic region and provides a framework for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing this important and rapidly changing part of the world.