Primary Focus: Contributing to the prevention, preparedness and response to environmental and other emergencies, accidents and to search and rescue
Establishment: 1991
Chairmanship: Kingdom of Denmark
The Arctic is an environmentally sensitive area with an extreme climate characterized by low temperatures, winter-time darkness, snow, ice and permafrost. Harsh conditions and the sparse and limited amount of infrastructure in much of the Arctic increase risks and impacts and hinder response activities. Actions for prevention, preparedness and response must be carefully pre-planned and adapted to the conditions and remoteness of the Arctic to maximize the use of available resources. Accordingly, international cooperation in this area is of vital importance.
EPPR meets twice a year to discuss priorities and projects identified in the work plan. EPPR Chairmanship rotates between the Arctic States every two years.
EPPR implements and develops project proposals within its mandate for approval as Arctic Council projects, recognizing the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples and all Arctic inhabitants.
Three Expert Groups are active and working to develop practical actions to improve preparedness and response to environmental and other emergencies:
Vice-chair
EPPR Vice-ChairEmail
Acting Executive SecretaryEmail