Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #137:Training Program for Decision Makers – The Circumpolar North in the Global Context  (Training Program for Decision Makers – The Circumpolar North in the Global Context)

Outline
Develop, in conjunction with Arctic Council members and Permanent Participants a training program targeted at decision makers within government. Using a case study approach based on the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment and the Arctic Human Development Report recently adopted by Arctic Council Ministers at the 2004 4th Arctic Council Ministerial the program would strive to advance the understanding of the interactions between the circumpolar region and the global community writ large. The training program would be launched during the International Polary Year. Further, it would be provided to interested governments as well as promoted through various other international fora –e.g., the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The initiative would be the first systematic approach of its kind to target decision makers educting them about Arcitc issues and linking them to actions in the South. Its purpose is to address the role of the circumpolar north (social, economic and environmental elements) within a global context identifying their impacts internationally and making linkages with other processes. Further, the initiative would also educate decision makers regarding their impacts on the circumpolar north.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The intiative would be conducted within the Sustainable Development Working Group of the Arctic Council, the University of the Arctic as well as Arctic Council member states – including Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and, Norway

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
N/A

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
N/A

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
N/A

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
However, this concept as been raised with Arctic Council Members who are interested in pursuing the development to this intiative as an Arctic Council intiative. This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: THEME: Education, Outreach & Communication SUB-THEME: Education and Training

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New
The initiative would be a component of the Arctic Council’s activity towards both the IPY as well as the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project would be organized through the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group and managed by Natural Resources Canada, in conjunction with the partnered Arctic Council.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The thrust of the initiative is to advance circumpolar issues globally through a training program targeted to decision makers.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The funding of this project would be shared amongst interested circumpolar states. At present no specific funds have been commited, however member states are currently determining their level of contribution.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ron Lyen
20th Floor
580 Booth Street
Ottawa ON
K1A 0E4
Canada

Tel: 613-992-8105
Mobile:
Fax: 613-996-0478
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information