Two landmark events occurred in the closing months of 2017 that demonstrate the ability of nations to protect the Polar Regions. In December, nine nations and the European Union successfully concluded negotiations on an agreement to prevent unregulated fishing in the high seas portion of the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO). In the same month, 24 nations and the European Union welcomed the entry into force of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Antarctica. The MPA, which will remain in place for at least 35 years, encompasses 1.8 million square miles, and is the largest marine protected area in the world.
The Wilson Center invites you to Washington, DC for a description and discussion of these two important milestones in polar ocean governance.
Note: There will be a livestream of this event.