A aac Arctic Athabaskan Council (aac). Aasiaat
|
|  Yüklə 0.68 Mb.
|
United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development – also called the Brundtland Commission, a UN commission (1984-1987) headed by the Norwegian Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland. “A global agenda for change” – this was what the World Commission on Environment and Development was asked to formulate. It was an urgent call by the General Assembly of the United Nations: 1) to propose long-term environmental strategies for achieving sustainable development by the year 2000 and beyond; 2) to recommend ways concern for the environment may be translated into greater co-operation among developing countries and between countries at different stages of economical and social development and lead to the achievement of common and mutually supportive objectives that take account of the interrelationships between people, resources, environment, and development; 3) to consider ways and means by which the international community can deal more effectively with environment concerns; and 4) to help define shared perceptions of long-term environmental issues and the appropriate efforts needed to deal successfully with the problems of protecting and enhancing the environment, a long term agenda for action during the coming decades, and aspirational goals for the world community. The final report “Our Common Future” advocates (Chapter 3.3: Empowering Vulnerable Groups) indigenous peoples rights: “Many live in areas rich in valuable natural resources that planners and ‘developers’ want to exploit, and this exploitation disrupts the local environment so as to endanger traditional ways of life. (...) These communities are the repositories of vast accumulations of traditional knowledge and experience that links humanity with its ancient origins. Their disappearance is a loss for the larger society, which could learn a great deal from their traditional skills in sustainable managing very complex ecological systems. (…) The starting point for a just and humane policy for such groups is the recognition and protection of their traditional rights to land and the other resources that sustain their way of life - rights they may define in terms that do not fit into standard legal systems. These groups' own institutions to regulate rights and obligations are crucial for maintaining the harmony with nature and the environmental awareness characteristic of the traditional way of life. Hence the recognition of traditional rights must go hand in hand with measures to protect the local institutions that enforce responsibility in resource use. And this recognition must also give local communities a decisive voice in the decisions about resource use in their area. (…) In terms of sheer numbers, these isolated, vulnerable groups are small. But their marginalization is a symptom of a style of development that tends to neglect both human and environmental considerations. Hence a more careful and sensitive consideration of their interests is a touchstone of a sustainable development policy.” Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – on December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UN as a response to the Nazi holocaust and to set a standard by which the human rights activities of all nations, rich and poor alike should be measured completed UDHR. Following this historic act the General Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and “to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.” The UDHR was the first international statement to use the term ”human rights”, and has been adopted by the Human Rights movement as a charter. The Declaration was adopted by unanimous vote (with the six members of the Soviet bloc, Saudi Arabia, and the Union of South Africa abstaining). University of the Arctic (UArctic) – the university was officially launched in Rovaniemi, Finland in 2001. UArctic is a co-operative network among universities, colleges and other institutions related to research and education in the Arctic, as well as several Indigenous organisations. The members of this network share resources, facilities and expertise in building up education programmes, which are relevant to students from the Arctic Region. UNRISD – United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD). Upernavik – a town in the northern part of West Greenland (72.47N, 56.10W). Upernavik means in Greenlandic the spring place. It is also the name of the municipality (199,000 square kilometres). The approximate population of the municipality is 2,900, hereof 1,100 in the town and the remaining in the 11 villages of Upernavik Kujalleq, Kangersuatsiaq, Appillattoq, Tusaaq, Naajaat, Innaarsuit, Tasiusaq, Nutarmiut, Ikerakuuk, Nuussuaq, and Kullorsuaq. Established as a Danish colony in 1772. Uummannaq – a town in the northern part of West Greenland (70.40N, 52.00W). Uummannaq is the Greenlandic word for something that looks like a heart. It is also the name of the municipality (93,000 square kilometres). The approximate population of the municipality is 2,400, hereof 1,250 in the town and the remaining in the 7 villages of Niaqornat, Qaarsut, Ikerasak, Saattut, Ukkusissat, Illorsuit, and Nuugaatsiaq. The main occupation has shifted from hunting to fishing the Greenland halibut. The town was established in 1763 as the Danish Colony Umanak. Uummannaq – the small Inughuit settlement in the former District of Thule, to day the Municipality of Qaanaaq. In 1953 the Inughuit were forced to leave their settlement. Inughuit. V Vegetarian – a person who eats no meat, and sometimes no animal products, such as milk, eggs, etc. Especially related to a person who advocates a diet of only vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts as the proper one for all people for reasons of health or because of principles opposing the killing of animals. A question asked at the Homepage of veggieboards.com on March 3, 2007 by Jeffer: “What do you think of the Inuit?” Answer by rainlily: “I respect the Inuit and I do not blame them for their way of life.” Comment by Jessica: “We watched a programme on Inuits the other night. They spent hours and hours - days, sometimes - waiting patiently to kill something. When they finally got close to killing a seal, my partner said, "Close your eyes, you're going to hate this". I said nothing because I wasn't up for a debate, but what I FELT like saying was "I'd rather watch someone kill a seal they've waited hours for than watch you pick a chicken leg off the supermarket shelf and not even think about it". There's a huge difference. Watching anything die is horrible, but seeing hunters who genuinely need meat to survive kill an animal for food doesn't really bother me. They at least seem to have some respect for the animal.” Vegetarianism – the principles or practices of vegetarians. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer – a UN convention from 1985, that acts as a framework for the international efforts to protect the ozone layer. However, it does not include legally binding reduction goals for the use of CFCs, the main chemical agents causing ozone depletion. Vulnerable (VU) – IUCN category (Red Data Book). A taxon (species or genus) is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. IUCN Red Data Book. Vulnerable Zone – an area over which the airborne concentration of a chemical accidentally released could reach the level of concern. W Wandel Sea – or Wandels Hav is a small sea, and part of the Arctic Ocean, north of Northeast Greenland, bordered to the west by Peary Land, and to the east by Kronprins Christians Land. The sea cannot be navigated. Warden – is to guard something, or to take care of something. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). Washington Convention Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Water fowl – water birds especially swimming birds like swans, geese and duck. Wetlands. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). Watershed – a land area that drains into a stream. The watershed for a major river may encompass a number of smaller watersheds that ultimately combine at a common point. WCIP World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCPI). WCS World Conservation Strategy (WCS). Western Arctic Claims Settlement Act – an act approved by the Canadian Parliament in 1982, and is covered by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is meant to protect the areas wildlife and the culture of the Inuvialuit by giving them control of the utilisation of resources in the Western Arctic. The act came in force in 1984. Western Arctic Region – a part of the Canadian Northwest Territories and the northern part of Yukon. Inhabited by the Inuvialuit Wetlands – there are five basic types of Arctic wetland: bogs, fens, swamps, marshes, and shallow open water. The Ramsar Convention takes a broad approach in determining the wetlands, which come under its aegis. Under the text of the Convention (Article 1.1), wetlands are defined as: “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres”. In addition, for the purpose of protecting coherent sites, the Article 2.1 provides that wetlands to be included in the Ramsar List of internationally important wetlands: “may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands”. Wise use. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). WFP World Food Program (WFP). WGIP United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP). Whalebone Baleen. Whalebone whales – Baleen whales. Whaler – a person or a vessel employed in whaling. Whaling Convention International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. Whitecoat – the pup of a Harp seal. Born with a fluffy white coat that makes them look cute. The former French actress Brigitte Bardot was photographed with a Whitecoat in 1977 to protest against sealing off the coast at New Foundland, Canada. Whiteout – having difficulties in distinguishing the horizon when the sky and snow are of a similar whiteness. WHO World Health Organization (WHO). Wildlife Refuge – an area designated for the protection of wild animals, where hunting and fishing are either prohibited or strictly controlled. WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Wise use – terminology from the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Article 3.1 of the Convention states that the Contracting Parties: “shall formulate and implement their planning so as to promote the conservation of the wetlands included in the List, and as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their territory”. Later in 1987, the following definition has been adapted: “The wise use of wetlands is their sustainable utilization for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem”. Sustainable utilization is defined as “human use of a wetland so that it may yield the greatest continuous benefit to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations”. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR). Wetlands. WMO World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Women’s boat Umiaq. Women’s knife Ulu. Woody plants – trees, bushes, and dwarf-shrubs. Working Group on Indigenous Populations United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP). World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). World Conservation Strategy (WCS) – a document prepared by IUCN, UNEP and WWF in 1980. The aims of the WCS were to preserve essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to preserve the genetic diversity, and to secure sustainable utilisation of all species and ecosystems. WCS has later been followed up by the “Caring for the Earth” document in 1991. World Conservation Union (IUCN) – the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUPN) was founded in 1948 following an international conference in France. The organisation changed its name to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1956, and in 1990 the organisation again changed its name to the present Wold Conservation Union. IUCN is the world’s largest and most influential conservation network. IUCN brings together 82 States, 111 government agencies, more than 800 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries in a unique worldwide partnership. Every four-year the members of IUCN elects a council of 32 members and a president. Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland. The mission of IUCN is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. IUCN has six permanent commissions. The Species Survival Commission (SSC) advises the Union on the technical aspects of species conservation and mobilizes action for those species that are threatened with extinction. The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) promotes the establishment and effective management of a worldwide representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas. The Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) advances environmental law by developing new legal concepts and instruments, and by building the capacity of societies to employ environmental law for conservation and sustainable development. The Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) champions the strategic use of communication and education to empower and educate stakeholders for the sustainable use of natural resources. The Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP) provides expertise and policy advice on economic and social factors for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) provides expert guidance on integrated ecosystem approaches to the management of natural and modified ecosystems. The Inter-Commission Task Force on Indigenous Peoples was an IUCN initiative on developing a guide for the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in strategies for sustainability. The Task Force published the report “Indigenous Peoples and Sustainability” in 1997. World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCPI) – established in 1975, and dissolved in 1996 due to internal conflict. In 1972 the General Assembly of the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) endorsed the idea of an international conference of indigenous peoples. It also authorized the NIB to apply for NGO status at the UN. In May 1974 the NIB was granted NGO status by the ECOSOC of the UN, based on the fact that there was not yet another international organization of indigenous peoples in existence. The NIB was thus supposed to transfer its NGO status to an international organization should one form. In 1975 260 indigenous representatives and 135 observers met at a conference hosted by the Sheshaht Band of Nootka. One of the five workshops dealt with indigenous representation at the UN. This was the beginning of WCIP, and George Manuel became its first chairman. The WCIP was built upon the shared history of Indigenous peoples around the world. Indigenous peoples have experienced a shared history of intimidation, threat, deprivation, injustice, discrimination and genocide, and have felt themselves threatened by extinction. World Council of Whalers – an international NGO founded in 1997. The purpose is to provide a forum for whaling peoples around the world. Its mission is to promote their continued sustainable use of marine living resources, to protect their cultural, social, economic and dietary rights, and to address their concerns. Its first Annual General Assembly was held in Victoria, BC in March 1998 with over 100 delegates representing 19 countries, among those Canada, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and the United States. They included, in addition to whalers, sympathetic observers, committed to community-based management as a conservation and development tool and the preservation of the world’s rich variety of cultures and traditions. World Environment Day – June 5, every year is the anniversary of the UN Conference in 1972 on the Human Environment in Stockholm celebrated. World Food Program (WFP) – the food aid branch of the UN, and the world’s largest humanitarian agency. WFP works to help people who are unable to produce or obtain enough food for themselves and their families. WFP provides food, on average, to 90 million people per year, 58 million of who are children. Headquarters in Rome, Italy. World Health Organization (WHO) – a specialized agency of the UN that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established in 1948, and inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health Organization, which had been an agency of the League of Nations. In August 1999 the Executive Director of UNEP and the Director-General of WHO met in Arendal, Norway with indigenous leaders of the Arctic. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by UNEP and WHO on that occasion covered issues of concern to indigenous peoples. Arctic Leaders’ Summit III in Moscow, September 1999 focused on the environment and the health of indigenous peoples. It urged the governments of the Arctic countries, the Arctic Council, UNEP and WHO to take further action on these issues in close collaboration with indigenous peoples. Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. World Heritage List Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest. WIPO was established in 1967 with a mandate from its Member States to promote the protection of IP throughout the world through cooperation among states and in collaboration with other international organizations. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – was established in 1950. WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations in 1951 for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) – a world-wide network for animal welfare, created in 1981 through the merger of two organisations: the World Federation for the Protection of Animals (WFPA), founded in 1953, and the International Society for the Protection of Animals (ISPA), founded in 1959. WSPA had 323 member societies in 1990, and more than 650 in more than 143 countries in 2006. The organisation has obtained observer status at the IWC. WSPA opposes, on both ethical and humane reasons, the harassment, capture or killing of marine mammals for commercial and sport purposes. WSPA is also opposed to the taking of animals from the wild for their fur or skins, and to the farming of animals for the same purpose. It considers it morally indefensible to subject animals to suffering and death for fur or skin products, which are non-essential luxury goods. No exceptions are made for indigenous peoples. World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) – or the Johannesburg Summit 2002. The Summit took place in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 2002. A non-governmental forum took also place at the same time. WSSD brought together tens of thousands of participants, including heads of State and Government, national delegates and leaders from NGO’s, businesses and other major groups to focus the world's attention and direct action toward meeting difficult challenges, including improving people's lives and conserving our natural resources in a world that is growing in population, with ever-increasing demands for food, water, shelter, sanitation, energy, health services and economic security. At the ten-year anniversary of AEPS in Rovaniemi, Finland, governments and the permanent participants decided to approach the WSSD (Preparing for Johannesburg 2002 – An Initial Arctic Message): (…) “The aim of the sustainable development program of the Arctic Council is to expand opportunities of future generations in the Arctic, promote economic activity that creates wealth and human capital, while simultaneously safeguarding natural capital of the region. Arctic co-operation contributes to regional and international stability and security in their comprehensive sense. The ways and means of Arctic cooperation might serve as a model for regional cooperative initiatives in other parts of the world, including monitoring, assessment and concrete action. (…) Arctic communities and cultures remain vital and resilient, despite tremendous social, demographic and technological changes during the last century. Many Arctic populations are still very dependent on traditional sources of livelihood. With technological advances, some traditional ways of using the environment and its renewable resources for subsistence have become economically less viable. New economic activities are urgently needed to support a population big enough to keep communities viable and enhance quality of life in the Arctic. Capacity building, e.g. through cooperation among educational institutions in the Arctic, can contribute to the viability of Arctic communities. Traditional knowledge should be used in capacity building. Use of advanced information technology can mitigate problems related to long distances. Tourism complements traditional occupations but also calls for attention to environmental impacts, navigation safety and emergency preparedness as it expands to new areas. Arctic indigenous communities cannot take the availability of health services for granted, especially not in their native language. The harmful effects of pollutants on food safety, the spread of infectious diseases and drug abuse pose threats to public health. In some parts of the Arctic the life expectancy of people in indigenous communities is alarmingly low. The Arctic Council will contribute to the improvement of human health in the Arctic. Investments in human resources assure a better future for children and youth in the Arctic. More recognition should be given to the vital contribution made by women to their communities. The fate of the Arctic is largely dependent on progress in global efforts to adjust human economic activities to the capacity of nature. Global action, with the circumpolar North as an active partner, is essential for the future of the Arctic.” At the non-governmental forum, the Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus forwarded a statement by Victoria Tauli Corpuz: “Indigenous peoples travelled many paths from Rio to Johannesburg. From our communities we attended other UN Conferences and Summits not only on sustainable development, but also on social development, women, racism and many more. Some of us even went to the WTO Ministerial meetings. It was urgent for us to bring the messages of our indigenous nations, peoples, tribes, organizations and communities directly to the governments of the world. Our key message in all these events is the urgent need to recognize Indigenous Peoples' rights to self-determination, to territories and resources, cultures and traditional knowledge. Sustainable development cannot be achieved if our rights remain unrecognized. You, the governments of the world, have the power to promote and recognize these rights and to change an unsustainable world to one, which is sustainable, just and democratic.” |