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The 2010 Arctic Biodiversity Assessment is an Arctic Council-endorsed, initiative, led by its Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group (CAFF), that will provide a baseline assessment of the status and trends of biodiversity across the Arctic for the year 2010. It is a regional initiative of the global 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership, and, like the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP), is a primary follow-up to the biodiversity-related recommendations put forth in the 2004 Arctic Climate Impacts Assessment (ACIA). The 2010 Arctic Biodiversity Assessment will be coordinated with the CBMP (which will be focused on long-term monitoring efforts, rather than the “snapshot in time” 2010 assessment) and with the work of CAFF expert groups including the Seabird and Flora Expert Groups.
The International Polar Year is an intense period of scientific attention that aims to provide better observation and understanding of the Earth’s two polar regions. To ensure opportunity for work at both polar regions and both summer and winter, the International Polar Year runs from March 2007 to March 2009. As a contribution to the International Polar Year, the FWS has taken a lead role in the international development and implementation of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, which will help guide and coordinate monitoring activities in the Arctic region, facilitate common methodologies and address gaps in existing data on status and trends. In addition, the FWS, via its role in the CAFF Flora Group, convened an international group of experts to develop an action plan for mapping the circumpolar boreal vegetation; and via the CAFF Seabird Group will greatly expand the international knowledge base of Arctic seabirds.
- Climate Change
(See also the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment.) The effects of climate change are predicted to be more timely and significant in the circumpolar Arctic, including Alaska. The USFWS and USGS in Alaska are committed to working together to incorporate climate change into recommendations on research and monitoring priorities, management directions, outreach messages, and how to improve partner involvement.
Last updated: June 26, 2008
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