PAME

PAME:  Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group

PAME Secretariat is based in Akureyri, Iceland

PAME chairmanship is currently held by Canada

PAME´s Working Group activities are directed towards protection of the Arctic marine environment. Increased economic activity and significant changes due to climatic processes are resulting in increased use, opportunities and threats to the Arctic marine and coastal environments.  These predicted changes require more integrated approaches to address both existing and emerging challenges of the Arctic marine and coastal environments. 

PAME's mandate is to address policy and non-emergency pollution prevention and control measures related to the protection of the Arctic marine environment from both land and sea-based activities. These include coordinated action programmes and guidelines complementing existing legal arrangements.

PAME's objectives for 2006-2008 were developed according to its mandate and agreed priorities, and are in line with the goals and objectives as outlined in the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan.

The PAME Work Plan 2006-2008 identifies the following three objectives followed by a set of specific actions that outline the overall direction of the programme: 

• 1. Improve knowledge and respond to emerging knowledge of the Arctic Marine Environment.
• 2. Determine the adequacy of applicable international/regional commitments and promote their implementation and compliance.
• 3. Facilitate partnerships, programme and technical cooperation and support communication, reporting and outreach both within and outside the Arctic Council.