President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement on shared priorities with respect to climate, energy and Arctic leadership today, which also confirms that the United States and Canada will take leadership positions on key global issues. In response to the U.S.-Canada announcement, Ocean Conservancy President Janis Searles Jones issued the following statement:

“Ocean Conservancy applauds the steps taken by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in advancing climate action globally and at home as well as prioritizing a shared leadership model for the Arctic. Ocean Conservancy has long championed protections for the Arctic, which is already experiencing tremendous impacts from climate change that is affecting both wildlife and indigenous communities.

“Ocean Conservancy is particularly pleased that today’s agreement prioritizes support for strong and resilient Arctic communities, and commits to meaningful collaboration with indigenous communities in the Arctic—including the incorporation of indigenous science and traditional knowledge in decision-making.

“We also value the focus on using science-based decision-making to advance Arctic conservation and management. A commitment to high safety and environmental standards is critical to ensuring the continuation of a subsistence way of life and a sustainable economy in the region.

“Ocean Conservancy supports the statement’s call for robust safety and protection standards that reduce shipping risks, preserve abundant fisheries, and ensure that existing oil and gas activity will not result in catastrophic spills. We also strongly support the statement’s affirmation of the need for a network of science-based protected areas throughout the Arctic, and to address the risks posed to the Arctic and its peoples by heavy fuel oil use and black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping.

“With this statement, President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau demonstrate their leadership in the Arctic. Ocean Conservancy looks forward to working toward solutions that will ensure President Obama’s conservation legacy so that our ocean and the people that most depend on it continue to thrive.”

Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.