Sustaining ecosystems

• What is the main focus of the Arctic Council?

  Promote sustainable development and environmental protection
• Why is biodiversity higher in certain Arctic regions?

  Due to a wider range of habitats
• How often does the Arctic Council meet?

  Every 2 years
• What are the three main working groups of the Arctic Council?

  Reduce emissions, conserve biodiversity, protect marine environment
• How many legally binding agreements has the Arctic Council created?

  Three agreements
• What are the three legally binding agreements among Arctic states?

  1. Cooperation for search and rescue
  2. Cooperation on marine oil pollution
  3. Agreement on enhancing scientific cooperation
• What activities are considered safe with minimal environmental impact in the Arctic?

  Bird watching, canoe riding, yoga, kayaking
• What is the main goal of sustainable management in the Arctic?

  To sustain ecosystems and protect natural resources
• What is the definition of an ecosystem?

  A natural system of interacting living and non-living parts
• What does the term "abiotic" refer to in an ecosystem?

  Non-living parts of an ecosystem
• What does "flora" refer to?

  Plant life in a particular region
• What is the climate like in hot deserts?

  Very hot with distinct wet and dry seasons
• What percentage of the world's diet comes from rainforests?

  80%
• What are the characteristics of tropical rainforests?

  High rainfall, rapid decomposition, diverse species
• How does the water cycle function in rainforests?

  Fast with high rates of evapotranspiration
• What is the main type of vegetation in temperate forests?

  Deciduous trees and diverse undergrowth
• What is the significance of coral reefs?

  They hold 25% of all sea creatures
• What is the main challenge faced by the Arctic Marine Wide Sanctuary?

  Lack of funding
• What is the role of the Arctic Council established in 2010?

  To coordinate conservation efforts in the Arctic
• How does the Russian invasion impact Arctic cooperation?

  It creates significant challenges for collaboration
• What is the main focus of the case study on Samasati nature retreat?

  Sustainable management in the tropical rainforest
• What are the key characteristics of ecosystems?

  Interdependence of living and non-living parts
• How do human activities impact ecosystems?

  They can disrupt natural interactions and balance
• What is the significance of the Arctic Marine Wide Sanctuary?

  It aims to protect marine biodiversity
• What is the role of indigenous communities in the Arctic Council?

  They provide local knowledge and perspectives
• What is the Arctic Council?

  The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic states, with the involvement of the Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
• How often does the Arctic Council meet?

  The Arctic Council meets every 2 years.
• How many member countries are there in the Arctic Council?

  There are 8 member countries in the Arctic Council.
• What are the 8 member countries of the Arctic Council?

  The 8 member countries are Russia, Iceland, USA, Denmark, Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
• In addition to the 8 member countries, who else is involved in the Arctic Council?

  There are 6 indigenous communities involved in the Arctic Council.
• What are the main goals and activities of the Arctic Council?

  The main goals of the Arctic Council are to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. Their activities include reducing emissions and pollution, conserving animal and plant life, and protecting the Arctic marine environment.
• What are the 3 legally binding agreements the Arctic Council has created?

  The 3 legally binding agreements are: 1) Cooperation for search and rescue in the Arctic, 2) Cooperation on marine oil pollution, and 3) Agreement on enhancing scientific cooperation.
• What are some of the challenges the Arctic Council faces?

  The Arctic Council faces challenges such as lack of funding, limited legal powers, and difficulties coordinating with Russia due to the Ukraine invasion.
• What are the key characteristics of Arctic ecosystems?

  • Very cold climate with long, dark winters and short, cool summers
  • Low biodiversity compared to other regions
  • Slow decomposition of organic matter due to cold temperatures
  • Presence of permafrost and sea ice
  • Adapted wildlife such as polar bears, whales, seals, and migratory birds
• What is the Arctic Marine Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS)?

  The Arctic Marine Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) is a small-scale management initiative in the Arctic region that aims to protect a specific area and its wildlife.
• What are some of the challenges faced by the Arctic Marine Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS)?

  Challenges faced by the AMWS include lack of funding, limited legal powers, and difficulties coordinating with Russia due to the Ukraine invasion.
• What are the key goods and services provided by tropical rainforest ecosystems?

  Goods:

  • Food (e.g. fruits, nuts, vegetables)
  • Timber and other wood products
  • Medicinal plants
  • Latex and other natural materials

  
  

  Services:

  • Regulating the water cycle and climate
  • Maintaining biodiversity
  • Absorbing and storing carbon dioxide
  • Providing habitat for a wide range of species
• What is the Samasati Nature Retreat?

  The Samasati Nature Retreat is a case study of sustainable management in a tropical rainforest ecosystem.
• What are some of the key characteristics of tropical rainforest ecosystems?

  Tropical rainforests have a hot, humid climate, high biodiversity, rapid decomposition of organic matter, and a complex multi-layered structure.
• How does the Arctic region differ from other ecosystems in terms of climate, flora, and fauna?

  • Climate: Very cold with long, dark winters and short, cool summers
  • Flora: Low diversity, dominated by mosses, lichens, and hardy plants
  • Fauna: Low diversity, adapted to the cold with features like thick fur or blubber (e.g. polar bears, whales, seals)