PROTECTED AREAS OF THE ARCTIC: Conserving a Full Range of Values

• Main Author: Arctic Council , Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group (CAFF) 2002
• Subjects: Local Communities; Terrestrial; Arctic
• Online Access: http://library.arcticportal.org/1294/; http://library.arcticportal.org/1294/1/HCR-10---Protected-Areas-of-the-Arctic--Conserving-a-Full-Range-of-Values-2002.pdf

Arctic protected areas, like all protected areas, hold value for society. Just as there is a wide diversity in protected areas, there is likewise, a wide diversity in the values they protect and represent. Furthermore, these values are not static – they change over time. Historically, areas have been specially protected primarily because of their direct uses and benefits for people and cultures. Over the past century or so, societies have also been setting aside areas for other values, including as habitat for wildlife, for geological or scenic uniqueness, for ecological functions or for sheer aesthetic appeal. Collectively, these latter values are termed “natural” values. In general, most protected areas in the Arctic were established primarily to protect their natural values. Even as they protect, most areas now allow traditional uses and may promote other uses, as well.