Founding Articles for an International Arctic Science Committee, Resolute Bay, 1990 Done at Resolute Bay 28 August 1990 Primary source citation: Copy of text provided by the Founding Articles for an INTERNATIONAL ARCTIC SCIENCE COMMITTEE (IASC) Final Edition, August 1990 INTERNATIONAL ARCTIC SCIENCE COMMITTEE - IASC IASC is a non-governmental scientific organization established to encourage and facilitate international consultation and cooperation for scientific research concerned with the Arctic. The committee covers all fields of Arctic science and provides a forum for discussion, exchange of information and cooperation. THE ARCTIC There has been a growing national and international interest in the Arctic, stimulated largely by the recognition of the scientific and political importance as well as its economical potential. The Arctic region is environmentally sensitive. The Arctic has a major influence on global systems of climate, weather, ocean circulation and other important environmental issues. It may respond more readily than other regions to global changes; processes that occur mainly in the Arctic region can induce significant effects over the entire globe. There is an increasing need for scientific knowledge of the Arctic region. This is required for the wise development and management of that region and to ensure that Arctic research contributes fully to world science for the benefit of all mankind. This need comprises many fields of science, and is often of a multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary nature. Some multilateral and bilateral cooperation with regard to scientific activities in the Arctic exists. But increased coordination and information exchange are seriously required. THE PROPOSAL This proposal is the result of many preliminary studies, policy statements and discussions within the scientific community and among representatives of science organizations in countries concerned with Arctic science and research. A preliminary international meeting was held in San Diego, USA, in June 1986. Another meeting took place in Oslo, Norway, in February 1987, involving participants from the eight Arctic countries - Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, USA, USSR. Subsequent meetings were held in Stockholm, Sweden, March 1988, in Leningrad, USSR, December 1988 and in Helsinki, Finland, in May 1989. Many have contributed and helped in this process. The Planning Group is grateful for all support and constructive suggestions given to members of the Group. |