Agreement between Canada and Greenland marks major step forward for protection of shared Arctic ecosystem
The governments of Greenland and Canada have signed a letter of intent to protect the North Water Polynya – a naturally occurring area of open water in sea ice found between Canada’s Ellesmere Island and the Greenland coast.
Also known as Pikialasorsuaq in Greenlandic and Sarvarjuaq in Inuktitut, the polynya is a haven for fish, seabirds and marine mammals, and an essential habitat on which surrounding Inuit communities depend.
For several years, Oceans North has campaigned for Inuit-led management of this shared ecosystem alongside local communities in both countries. The agreement between Canada and Greenland is an important step towards ensuring the North Water Polynya is protected in a way that continues to sustain the communities who rely on it.
We are proud to support Oceans North’s marine conservation work in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities.
