Ministerial Meeting Berlin

Minister Ingrid van Engelshoven joined the second Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM2), that was held on October 25th in Berlin. In her speech she noted that the Netherlands is committed to continue the Netherlands Polar Program beyond 2020. The Netherlands is currently exploring ways to renew the program and looking for possibilities to even increase our ambitions in polar research.

She signed a joint statement that strongly stressed the importance of increased cooperation in Arctic science especially related to the warming trend in the Arctic. It is acknowledged that this trend is progressing fast, with widespread environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts in the Arctic and other regions worldwide.

Through the ASM2 the parties that signed the joint statement will enhance and develop collaborative activities under three themes:

1. strengthening, integrating and sustaining Arctic observations, facilitating access to Arctic data, and sharing Arctic research infrastructure
2. understanding regional and global dynamics of Arctic change
3. assessing vulnerability and building resilience of Arctic environments and soieties

Prior to the ministerial an Arctic Science Conference showcased the latest achievements as regards the deliverables agreed for each thematic area at the 1st Ministerial.