The Working Group on Sustainable Development (SDWG) was established by Arctic Ministers at the first Arctic Council Ministerial meeting, held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, September 1998. The objective of the SDWG is to protect and enhance the economies, culture and health of the inhabitants of the Arctic, in an environmentally sustainable manner.

There are currently sustainable development proposals and projects from Arctic States and Permanent Participants in the areas of Arctic children and youth, health, telemedicine, resource management, including fisheries, cultural and eco-tourism, technology transfer to improve Arctic sanitation systems, national sustainable development strategies, living conditions in the Arctic, and linking Arctic communities.

Iqaluit Declaration on the Sustainable Development Working Group

The Declaration of the first Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council, held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, in September 1998, has several references to the Sustainable Development Working Group, its various programs and related but non-Arctic-Council efforts. These can be found in items 7 through 11 of the Iqaluit Declaration at http://arctic-council.usgs.gov/iqaluit.html.

"Traditional Knowledge - A Report Prepared for the Arctic Council Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat"

The Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat's (IPS) definitions and critique of the concept of Traditional Knowledge are described in this report (ISBN number 87-89685-12-1). The report also gives an overview of existing projects, programs, and statements related to Traditional Knowledge. This is an ongoing process, and IPS will follow up on the report on a continuing basis. The report will be mounted on the IPS Home Page, which will be established within the very near future. To obtain a printed copy of the report, write to:
 

or contact the IPS at +45 33 69 34 98 (telephone) or +45 33 69 34 99 (fax).