The Arctic Council was established in 1996 as a cooperation body for the governments of the Nordic countries, Canada, the United States and Russia. Its main task is to promote sustainable development in environmental, social and economic sectors in the arctic region. Representatives of the indigenous peoples living in the arctic regions also take part in the work of the Arctic Council.

In Finland the cooperation in the arctic regions is coordinated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Different ministries are responsible for the work in different sectors.

Of the projects carried out under the Arctic Council e.g. the work on the conservation of arctic fauna and flora is the responsibility of the administrative sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Related links:
Arctic Council
http://www.arctic-council.org/

Conservation of Arctic Fauna and Flora
http://www.caff.is/

Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment
http://www.pame.is/