On The Reform Of The Arctic Council

In1996, the eight Arctic countries signed "Declaration Ottawa" marking theestablishment of the Arctic Council. Compared to the Arctic Environment Protect StrategyAC has specific problem areas, organizational structure and action mechanism. The ArcticCouncil was established as to “promote Arctic cooperation, coordination and interaction."Based on the recommendations, the Arctic Council has played an important role in the fieldof environmental protection and sustainable development.But as the climate warming, there has been tremendous change in the Arctic. In2004,the Arctic Environmental Impact Assessment Report released comprehensive and profoundchanges taking place in Arctic. People were convinced by the impacts and started to thinkmeasures. At the same time development opportunities accompanying with changes caughtthe world’s attention. Disputes related to maritime rights, interests and calls ofstrengthening cooperation are increasing.Arctic Council is the most important organization in the Arctic. In response to the newsituation and demands, Arctic Council’s reform is on the agenda. In2011,"NuukDeclaration" announced that AC need to be strengthened. Then the next several ministerialmeetings presented reform measures in different ways.