Agreement on the conservation of Polar Bears

Agreement/Protocol/Convention Status

Signed November 15, 1973
Ratified December 14, 1974
In force in Canada May 26, 1976
In force internationally May 26, 1976

Indefinite continuation agreed to by all parties at consultative meeting January 1981

Agreement/Protocol/Convention Summary

This Agreement is intended to protect the polar bear as a significant resource of the Arctic region through conservation and management measures, including prohibitions against taking of polar bears, trade in polar bears or polar bear parts, and ecosystem protection measures. There are exemptions from the prohibition in the Agreement including continued harvest by local people using traditional means, scientific research, or for conservation purposes. All five Arctic nations with jurisdiction over areas where polar bears are distributed (Canada, Denmark, Norway, the United States, and the former U.S.S.R.) are signatories to the Agreement.

Agreement/Protocol/Convention Commitments

Canada is required to:
protect polar bears and their habitat; enact and enforce such legislation as needed to give effect to the agreement; manage polar bears according to "sound conservation practices"; and conduct national research programs on polar bears.

Environment Canada Action Required

Environment Canada is the lead. Although the Agreement was signed by the federal government on behalf of all the jurisdictions, the responsibility for the management of polar bears in Canada lies with the provinces and territories.

Environment Canada Activities

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the primary vehicle for federal government management of polar bears.

International co-ordination of polar bear research and management plus adherence to the spirit of the Agreement is through membership by Canadian Wildlife Service scientists in the World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) Polar Bear Specialist Group.

Polar bear research and management are co-ordinated through two national committees, the Polar Bear Technical Committee and the Polar Bear Administrative Committee. These committees are made up of scientists and administrators respectively, who meet annually to evaluate ongoing research and management and to plan and implement new activities in response to perceived needs. Scientists from Environment Canada play a key role in leading and co-ordinating these two Committees and in conducting research on polar bears throughout their range in Canada.

Evidence of Compliance

Canada's reports under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA), Canada's National Report to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretariat, and Canada's reports on management and research to periodic meetings of the World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) Polar Bear Specialist Group.