Polar Bears

Polar bears are a keystone species in Arctic ecosystems and a central focus of global conservation efforts. Several major projects and initiatives aim to protect their populations, preserve their habitats, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Below is an overview of key international and regional projects dedicated to polar bear conservation.


Major Polar Bear Conservation Projects

1. Polar Bear Range States Agreement

  • Overview: A cooperative agreement between the five polar bear range states—Canada, the United States, Russia, Norway, and Greenland (Denmark).
  • Goals: Coordinate research, monitoring, and management of polar bear populations across borders.
  • Key Actions:
    • Regular meetings to share data and strategies.
    • Development of the Circumpolar Action Plan (CAP) to maintain viable polar bear populations.

2. Circumpolar Action Plan (CAP)

  • Launched by: The Polar Bear Range States in 2015.
  • Objective: To ensure the long-term persistence of polar bears in the wild.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Reducing human–bear conflicts.
    • Protecting critical habitats.
    • Monitoring population trends.
    • Addressing climate change impacts.

3. WWF Arctic Programme

  • Managed by: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
  • Purpose: To safeguard Arctic biodiversity, with polar bears as a flagship species.
  • Key Projects:
    • Tracking polar bear movements using satellite collars.
    • Promoting sustainable tourism and community-based conservation.
    • Advocating for global climate action to reduce sea ice loss.

4. Polar Bears International (PBI) Initiatives

  • Organization: Polar Bears International, a leading NGO focused solely on polar bears.
  • Key Programs:
    • Bear Tracker: Real-time monitoring of polar bear movements.
    • Tundra Connections: Educational outreach and live broadcasts from the Arctic.
    • Maternal Den Study: Research on denning behavior and cub survival.

5. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Polar Bear Research Program

  • Region: Alaska and the Beaufort Sea.
  • Focus: Long-term ecological studies on polar bear health, diet, and population dynamics.
  • Research Tools:
    • Satellite telemetry.
    • Genetic sampling.
    • Remote sensing of sea ice conditions.

6. Canadian Polar Bear Conservation Projects

  • Led by: Environment and Climate Change Canada and provincial/territorial wildlife agencies.
  • Key Actions:
    • Population surveys and tagging programs.
    • Indigenous community partnerships for co-management.
    • Development of regional management plans (e.g., Nunavut’s Polar Bear Management Plan).

7. Norwegian Polar Institute Research

  • Region: Svalbard and Barents Sea.
  • Objectives:
    • Study polar bear adaptation to shrinking sea ice.
    • Assess contaminant levels in Arctic food webs.
    • Support international data sharing through the MOSAiC and N-ICEexpeditions.

The Broader Mission
Polar bear conservation relies on international collaboration, scientific research, and climate action. Projects like the Circumpolar Action Planand efforts by organizations such as WWF and PBI integrate ecological monitoring, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Together, these initiatives aim to secure a sustainable future for polar bears amid rapidly changing Arctic conditions.