| Summary: | "The purpose of this document is to provide broad information on activities in the Arctic that pose a risk for a disastrous release of pollutants into the Arctic environment, discuss the responsibilities of the Arctic states regarding emergency prevention, preparedness and response programs and activities and to list contact information for access to Arctic state emergency prevention, preparedness and response resources. Although EPPR is not a response organization, it facilitates response through collaborative activities of Arctic Council nations. Consequently, this document does not have the same formal basis or structure as the operational manuals in existing multi-or bilateral agreements, or the operational guidelines managed by EPPR for the oil spill agreement. EPPR is, however, actively engaged in addressing operational response gaps identified through its ongoing analysis, or as assigned by Senior Arctic Officials (SAOs). Additionally, EPPR is a venue for emergency experts from Arctic Council nations to engage in collaborative activities to mitigate risks, and in robust exchanges of information on preparedness and response. As a part of its collaborative activities, EPPR works in concert with other Arctic Council working groups to improve and protect the environment. As an example, EPPR collaborates with the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) working group on implementing outcomes from the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment. EPPR also contributes to analyses and data collection activities for projects led by PAME, the Sustainable Development Working Group and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program. EPPR also cooperates with other relevant international organizations including the International Maritime Organization." /./
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