Description

The Circumpolar Action Plan for Polar Bears
A qualitative inquiry into implementation dynamics & international cooperation

Prepared by Emily Ringer, Polar Bears International

INTRODUCTION
Over the past fifty years, threats to polar bears have expanded. The conservation of the species is complicated by transboundary challenges like climate change, as well as escalating domestic issues like human-bear conflict. To meet this new era of threats, the Polar Bear Range States (PBRS) committed to a ten-year conservation plan—the Circumpolar Action Plan for Polar Bears (CAP)—from 2015 to 2025. The CAP is the first of its kind amongst the PBRS.
Conducted in early 2024, this study identified 1) dynamics influencing CAP implementation, 2) strengths and challenges of international collaboration under the CAP, and 3) visions for future configurations of this joint conservation work.