The Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) Working Group

The Arctic is an environmentally sensitive area with an extreme climate characterized by low temperatures, snow, ice and permafrost. These harsh conditions and the lack of infrastructure in much of the Arctic create a higher vulnerability to emergencies than in more temperate climates. Actions for prevention, preparedness and response must be adapted to the conditions and remoteness of the Arctic. Accordingly, international co-operation in this area is of major importance.

In the Rovaniemi Declaration, the eight Arctic Countries agreed to provide a framework for future co-operation in responding to the threat of environmental emergencies. Now under the Arctic Council, the mandate of the EPPR Working Group is to deal with the prevention, preparedness and response to environmental emergencies in the Arctic. Members of the Working Group exchange information on best practices and conducts projects (e.g. development of guidance and risk assessment methodologies, response exercises, training etc.). EPPR is not a response agency. The work has focused mainly on oil and gas transportation and extraction, and on radiological and other hazards. In 2004, EPPR was directed by the Arctic Ministers to expand its mandate to include natural disasters.