Sdwg project proposal template

20 June 2017 [draft]
SDWG Project Proposal Template [ARAF]

SDWG PROJECT PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

Project Title: Arctic Resilience Action Framework (ARAF): 2017-2019 Implementation	Lead Country/Project leader(s): United States: Joel Clement, U.S. Department of the Interior Sarah Abdelrahim, U.S. Department of the Interior Co-Leads Sweden: Johan Kuylenstierna, Stockholm Environment Institute Marcus Carson, Stockholm Environment Institute Jeanette Krantz, Ministry of the Environment and Energy Finland: Saara Lilja-Rothsten, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry *Also include participating Arctic Member States, Permanent Participant Organizations and contact person (up to three names of person who are actually in charge of the project). Project proposals should have broad Arctic Member States and Permanent Participant Organizations support.
Summary of Required Project Inputs: Project leads will coordinate the overall effort using in-kind resources. The Arctic Council Secretariat also has the in-kind resources to support the implementation of this project. Finland will host and support the first Arctic Resilience Forum in 2018. Forum participants will cover the costs associated with attending the meeting itself. Additional required resources include the following: -Support for an online platform to display Implementing Actions and facilitate online exchange -Support for the production and/or translation of any final reports (e.g., the Resilience Forum report and the inventory of indicators and monitoring protocols)	Relationship to other AC Working Groups: All Arctic Council working groups have 2017-2019 initiatives in their work plans that contribute to the initial implementation of the ARAF.
Summary of project objectives and main outcomes: The Arctic Council Ministers adopted the Arctic Resilience Action Framework (ARAF) in the Fairbanks Declaration (2017). According to the 2017 SAO Report to Ministers, the initial phase of ARAF implementation shall occur in the SDWG, in coordination with all other Working Group Secretariats. Due to the cross-cutting nature of the project, the Arctic Council Secretariat shall support the implementation of the ARAF. The Arctic Resilience Action Framework (ARAF) provides the Arctic Council with a common frame of reference for building resilience in the Arctic region. It can provide a common set of priorities for the Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups, and Observers. By adopting the ARAF, the Arctic Council has agreed to track its existing activities that address the ARAF priorities. The first implementation phase (2017-2019) of the Arctic Resilience Action Framework (ARAF) aims to accomplish the following objectives: Collect, share and mobilize action by the Arctic States, Permanent Participants and Working Groups around the four ARAF priorities Share best practices for building resilience in the region Identify ways to measure progress towards building resilience in the region, and identify additional gaps and challenges To achieve these Objectives, the following actions will be taken: Collect and share actions, for the 2017-2019 period, that Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups, and Observers are taking (or will take) that address the ARAF priorities. Complete an inventory of existing and emerging measurement protocols – including self-assessment protocols – as well as existing and emerging indicators, in order to measure and compare progress to build Arctic resilience over space and time. Organize the first biennial Arctic Resilience Forum, which will provide a space to share best practices and identify additional challenges to building resilience. In addition the aim of the Forum is to create conditions to strengthen resilience and adaptability of different stakeholders in the Arctic region.

Project objective

Background about the Arctic Resilience Action Framework

Global momentum for addressing climate and other environmental changes and their linkages to human development has markedly increased in recent years, as demonstrated by the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2015, the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – several of which directly address building the resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems – in September 2015, and the Paris climate agreement of December 2015. To build on these global-scale agreements, many regional bodies around the world are adopting frameworks and strategies to adapt to climate change and build resilience at the regional level. In the Arctic, where the rate of warming is double that of the rest of the planet, such a coordinated, regional response to social, economic and environmental changes is timely, relevant and important. The Arctic Council is well-positioned to establish a framework that increases our understanding of risks and uncertainties, and supports and encourages measures to improve the resilience of threatened communities and ecosystems.

ARAF provides the Arctic Council with a common frame of reference for building resilience in the Arctic region, in order to provide a common set of priorities for Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups, and Observers. The ARAF also sets up an organizing structure to identify best practices and identify emerging gaps and challenges. The ARAF is organized broadly around four overarching priorities:

1. 
   Analyzing and Understanding Risk and Resilience in the Arctic
   
2. 
   Building Resilience and Adaptation Capacity
   
3. 
   Implementing Measures that Build Resilience with Policy, Planning and Cooperation
   
4. 
   Encouraging Investment to Reduce Risk and Build Resilience
   

Mandate

The 2017 Fairbanks Declaration stated that the Arctic Council Ministers:

” Recognize that resilience and adaptation to climate change are important for Arctic communities and ecosystems, welcome the three regional Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic Overview Reports that further our understanding of integrated climate, social and ecological change, as well as the Arctic Resilience Report and Synthesis for Arctic Leaders, adopt the Arctic Resilience Action Framework to track suggested circumpolar resilience priorities and to coordinate such efforts, and welcome actions as appropriate to address those priorities,”

The 2017 SAO Report to Ministers stated the following:

“Reflecting the cross-cutting nature of resilience, the Arctic Council Secretariat (ACS) will assist in the coordination of the implementation of the ARAF. This work will be conducted within the Sustainable Development Working Group, in coordination with other Working Group secretariats, and shall be reviewed by SAOs after two years. Working Group secretariats shall provide existing information on resilience-relevant WG activities to the ACS. Finland will host the first biennial Arctic Resilience Forum in 2018 to evaluate and discuss the Arctic’s collective progress towards building resilience.”

Implementing the ARAF

Existing activities that address ARAF priorities are referred to as “Implementing Actions.” The purpose of tracking Implementing Actions is to share information about ongoing activities, encourage partnerships and information-exchange, identify additional gaps in resilience-building, and inspire additional action both within the Arctic Council and beyond. Because the issue of resilience is cross-cutting in nature, implementation of the ARAF is open to all Arctic States, Permanent Participants, and Working Groups, as well as Observers that wish to contribute. Implementation of the ARAF will begin with an initial two-year phase, beginning in 2017 and ending in 2019. Further implementation of the ARAF will be decided by the Arctic Council in 2019.

Objectives of the 2017-2019 Implementation Phase
The first implementation phase (2017-2019) of the Arctic Resilience Action Framework (ARAF) aims to accomplish the following objectives:

1. 
   Collect, share and mobilize actions by the Arctic States, Permanent Participants and Working Groups around the four ARAF priorities
   
2. 
   Share best practices for building resilience in the region
   

Identify ways to measure progress towards building resilience in the region, and identify additional gaps and challenges

These objectives will be achieved through the following activities: 1) Collecting actions for the 2017-2019 period, that Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups, and Observers are taking (or will take) that address the ARAF priorities; 2) Completing an inventory of existing and emerging measurement protocols and indicators, in order to measure and compare progress to build Arctic resilience over space and time; and 3) Organizing the first biennial Arctic Resilience Forum, which will provide a space to share best practices and identify additional challenges to building resilience.

Project Stakeholders

ARAF implementation will provide stakeholders opportunities to share information about ongoing activities, which could stimulate additional work and partnerships among Arctic and non-Arctic States, Permanent Participants, sub-national governments, regional and international organizations, civil society, business/industry, and academia.

Ultimately, many of the actions taken to address the ARAF priorities will benefit communities directly by improving the knowledge base available to build resilience and improve the capacity of communities to adapt to a changing Arctic. It is expected that implementation of ARAF Priority #4 could very much impact communities in the Arctic. Priority #4 encourages the exploration of innovative financial mechanisms and investments to support community resilience. In many communities across the Arctic, the greatest barrier to enhancing resilience is lack of financial resources. The opportunity to focus on this priority, through the ARAF, could substantially improve the resilience of Arctic communities. Implementation of the ARAF will also provide opportunities for communities to share best practices and learn from one another.

Complementing the Work of the SDWG

While the SDWG is not solely responsible for implementing the ARAF, it does have important expertise to contribute to the project. All six Arctic Council Working Groups are leading actions that build resilience, but SDWG is leading efforts that most directly improve the capacities of Arctic communities to adapt to a changing Arctic. The SDWG has led many recent initiatives that demonstrate innovative, multi-disciplinary approaches to resilience and sustainable development, such as the Arctic Adaptation Exchange Portal and the One Health project. As part of the first implementation phase of the ARAF, there is an opportunity to showcase effective and innovative approaches to building resilience, such as those undertaken by the SDWG.

According to its Strategic Plan, the SDWG strives to be a leader in Arctic sustainable development, while building on global sustainable development efforts. The ARAF also strives to be a platform for resilience-building in the region, while also building on global sustainable development efforts. The ARAF strongly emphasizes the link between social and ecological systems and aspires to increase the resilience of Arctic communities and ecosystems, while supporting social-economic development. The ARAF emphasizes multi-stakeholder engagement, the value of Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge and local knowledge, and the empowerment of local communities, as demonstrated by the ARAF’s Guiding Principles. These principles are crucial components of any sustainable development approach, particularly at the community-level.
Activities and Output

The first phase of ARAF implementation will encompass three main activities, which are articulated in the ARAF document that has been adopted by the Arctic Council. These activities are described below.

1. 
   Collect and Track “Implementing Actions”. The collection and sharing of Implementing Actions is a means to collectively assess where work has taken place within the Arctic Council, and to identify opportunities for shared learning and cooperation. The project implementation team, in conjunction with the Arctic Council Secretariat, will invite the Arctic States, Permanent Participants, and Observers to suggest “Implementing Actions.” Each Action Area in Section IV of the ARAF provides an illustrative example of an Implementing Action. To avoid duplication of effort, Implementing Actions may reflect existing commitments that have been made through national strategies or international agreements (e.g., the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development); in other words, there are many instances where commitments will have been expressed through other documents or processes.
   

In addition, the project implementation team will compile a list of Implementing Actions by the Arctic Council Working Groups. The implementation team will draw these Implementing Actions from the 2017-2019 Working Group work plans. Working Group Secretariats will be asked to review this information for accuracy and provide any additional information on existing resilience-relevant activities to the ACS.

The ACS will provide support to the process of collecting Implementing Actions using existing resources and capacity.
Outcome'>Outcome: A collection of Implementing Actions, which have been suggested by the Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups and Observers.

2. 
   Inventory Tools to Measure Progress. As with the Implementing Actions described above, the methods for monitoring progress can, where feasible and appropriate, align with or complement existing reporting mechanisms. In addition to assessing the Implementing Actions, the project implementation team will complete an inventory of existing and emerging measurement protocols – including self-assessment protocols – as well as existing and emerging indicators in advance of the first Resilience Forum (described below). These protocols and indicators may help measure and compare progress over space and time. Progress and gaps identified will guide further revision of the ARAF as needed and appropriate.
   

Outcome: A summary inventory of measurement tools and protocols.

3. 
   Organize a Resilience Forum. To build an active community of practice and encourage cooperation and shared learning, a circumpolar resilience forum will be hosted by Finland on 6-7 September 2018. The aim of the Arctic Resilience Forum is to create the conditions to strengthen resilience and adaptability of different stakeholders and ecosystems in the Arctic region, as well as disseminate best practices and tools for adapting to climate change and to manage climate and weather-related risks. The forum will convene local, subregional, and regional Arctic resilience practitioners and experts to a) assess progress toward the ARAF outcome and priorities, b) showcase best practices and resilience learning, c) identify and plan for emerging or urgent priorities, d) encourage public/private resilience investment opportunities, and e) identify opportunities or needs to update the ARAF Priority Areas and Action Items. SDWG will be requested to identify appropriate participants in the forum. Following the forum, a brief report that summarizes the key findings of the forum and proposes revisions, updates or additions to the ARAF will be produced. The report will be passed to the SAOs via SDWG, for the SAO’s information and consideration for updating the ARAF.
   

Outcome: Two day Arctic Resilience-Forum (1st day: Public seminar for the larger audience and 2nd day: Workshops for the working groups of Arctic Council), along with a summary forum report. A broader assessment of the ARAF with recommendations for follow-up will be subsequently developed and delivered before the end of Finland’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

Partnership
Sweden, Finland, and the U.S. will lead the initial ARAF Implementation phase (2017-2019). Other Arctic States, Permanent Participants, and Observers are invited to join an implementation team that will oversee the project. The Arctic Council Secretariat, as stated in its workplan, will provide support to the implementation team. Arctic Council Secretariat will support the collection of the Implementing Actions
All Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Group Secretariats, and Observers will be invited to submit “Implementing Actions” (as described above) and participate in the 2018 Resilience Forum.
Finland will participate in the implementation of the ARAF during the Finnish chairmanship by organizing the Arctic Resilience Forum in year 2018. A wide range of other experts and policymakers, including from academia, civil society, business/industry, and international organizations, will also be invited to attend the forum, in order to contribute their expertise and share their experiences.
The project implementation team, with advice from the broader SDWG, will also seek opportunities to link with existing online platforms, such as the Arctic Adaptation Exchange Portal and/or Arctic Portal, in order to share Implementing Actions and other information resulting from this project. Such partnerships will depend largely on resource availability.

Timetable and Project Completion
Project Commencement: June 2017

1. 
   By July 2017, establish an implementation team to oversee the 2017-2019 ARAF implementation phase. The team will include experts in resilience, policy, sustainability, and science as well as representatives from Permanent Participant organizations and other Arctic Council representatives. SDWG HoDs will be asked to nominate appropriate experts to participate in the implementation team.
   
2. 
   By September 2017, the implementation team, with assistance from the Arctic Council Secretariat¹ will compile Implementing Actions from Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups, and interested Observers. The implementation team will develop a first draft of the Agenda for the Arctic Resilience Forum 2018. The agenda will be submitted for discussion by the SDWG during the 21-22t September meeting in Inari.
   
3. 
   By December 2017, Implementing Actions will be displayed on a website or interactive web platform, to be identified by the implementation team.
   
4. 
   By August 2018, the implementation team will oversee the development of an inventory of indicators and protocols that can assist with measuring progress towards resilience-building in the region.
   
5. 
   In September 2018, Finland will host the Arctic Resilience Forum. A range of technical and policy experts will be invited to attend to share best practices about resilience in the region. The SDWG will be requested to suggest additional participants. A consolidated list of Implementing Actions and the inventory of measurement protocols (see above) will be made available to all participants in advance of the Forum.
   
6. 
   By February 2019, the implementation team will develop a brief report that summarizes the key findings of the forum and propose revisions, updates or additions to the ARAF. An overall assessment of the ARAF implementation will also be developed, with recommendations for follow-up and additional work. The reports will be passed to the SAOs via SDWG for their consideration. Based on the findings, it is expected that the SAOs will consider approving implementation of the ARAF beyond 2019.
   

The project leads will provide regular updates on the project’s implementation to the SDWG, in particular during the biannual SDWG meetings.

Project Completion: February 2019
Costs and resources
The key costs associated with this project are those associated with the Arctic Resilience Forum, which Finland has agreed to host and support. It is envisioned Forum participants would cover the costs associated with attending the meeting itself.
Coordination of the overall effort will be provided using in-kind resources from the lead countries. The role of the Arctic Council Secretariat in organizing of the Arctic Resilience Forum but will include support of the forum registration process, among other tasks.
Additional resources to support an online platform to display Implementing Actions and facilitate online exchange will be encouraged. Such an online platform should build on existing platforms, such as the Arctic Adaptation Exchange Portal or the Arctic Portal, to the greatest extent possible.
Resources to support the production and/or translation of any final reports (e.g., the Resilience Forum report and the inventory of indicators monitoring protocols) would help to broaden the reach and applicability of the final products.

Integration of Traditional and Local Knowledge

The ARAF explains that Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have adapted to environmental changes for generations. However, the current rate and intensity of climate change, combined with other social, environmental, economic and political shifts and constraints, make adaptation extremely challenging in today’s Arctic. Valuing Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge and local knowledge² is one of the ARAF Guiding Principles, and a successful approach to resilience involves the integration of many types of knowledge.

Actions to address the ARAF priorities will require the integration of many types of knowledge. For example, ARAF Priority #1 is focused on increasing our understanding of risk and resilience in the Arctic, which requires understanding and integration of Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge and local knowledge. Furthermore, Priority #2, which is focused on building resilience and adaptation capacity, is very much focused on the co-production of knowledge. While the value of Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge and local knowledge is widely understood, implementation of the ARAF is an opportunity to identify and showcase best practices for how knowledge types are integrated to improve resilience. Showcasing some of these best practices will be done online and during the Arctic Resilience Forum.
Permanent Participant leadership in this project is extremely valuable in order to ensure that the Arctic Council’s approach to resilience continues to be relevant and valuable to Indigenous communities. Their participation will also help to identify additional opportunities to incorporate Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge and local knowledge into the project. The ARAF was developed with the engagement of several Permanent Participant groups, and their input was crucial to making the ARAF Guiding Principles and Priorities as complementary as possible to the needs and values of a range of Arctic Indigenous communities.
Communications

The Arctic Council itself has much to contribute to the implementation of a regional resilience framework. In order to make the initial implementation phase as comprehensive and as representative of the Arctic Council’s work as possible, the primary audiences for the 2017-2019 phase are the Arctic States, Permanent Participants, Working Groups and Observers.

However, there is a great opportunity to share the goals and outputs of the first ARAF implementation phase more broadly – including communities, policymakers and practitioners both within and outside of the Arctic region.
The following mechanisms are proposed for sharing information about the project and its final results:

1. 
   Develop an initial ARAF Website as soon as possible, which houses the final version of the ARAF and communicates the goals of the 2017-2019 ARAF implementation phase. The website will be maintained by the SDWG Secretariat or ACS Secretariat.
   
2. 
   Provide project updates, on at least a biannual basis, to the five other Working Group Secretariats.
   
3. 
   Develop a platform to highlight Implementing Actions, ideally using an existing platform, such as the Arctic Adaptation Exchange Portal or the Arctic Portal. Such a platform should be shared with a wide-ranging audience.
   
4. 
   Encourage the Arctic States to share within their own governments and sub-national governments, the ARAF website, platform to display Implementing Actions, inventory of indicators and assessment protocols, and Arctic Resilience Forum report.
   
5. 
   Encourage Permanent Participants to help identify ways to share with a range of Indigenous communities, the ARAF website, platform to display Implementing Actions, inventory of indicators assessment protocols, and Arctic Resilience Forum report.
   
6. 
   Share with a range of existing academic and practitioner networks, the ARAF website, platform to display Implementing Actions, inventory of indicators assessment protocols, Arctic Resilience Forum report, and ARAF implementation assessment with recommendations for follow-up.
   
7. 
   Identify opportunities to share the project goals and final results with other international or regional organizations, such as the U.N. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Sharing information with other international and regional organizations could foster greater knowledge exchange across regions of the world.
   
8. 
   Pending available resources, provide translations of the Implementing Actions, inventory of indicators and assessment protocols and/or Arctic Resilience Forum report in regional languages.
   

1^ The Arctic Council Secretariat has included support of the ARAF implementation in its most recent work plan.

2^ According to the Arctic Resilience Report (2016): “While the term Traditional Knowledge (TK) is now well established within the Arctic Council context and elsewhere, there is an ongoing discussion both in the research community and among Indigenous Peoples Organizations on the terminology that best captures the nature of the social and ecological knowledge carried by the Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic.”