The Netherlands’ Polar Strategy 2021-2025.

This Strategy moves from the consideration that polar regions are important for the Netherlands and for the health of the planet, and that their vulnerable ecosystems have been severely impacted by climate change. The Strategy is based on three key concepts: sustainability, international cooperation and scientific research, and therefore the Netherlands protect the ecosystems and environment of the polar regions, strengthen international cooperation and ensure that economic activity is sustainable. The Strategy is divided into three parts: 1) the Arctic region; 2) Antartica; 3) implementation, programmes and resources. The Strategy covers the following themes: protecting natural habitats and the environment, including: protection of biodiversity, creation of protected areas in Antartica, preparation of environmental impact assessment, research into wild flora and fauna, protection of indigenous people living in the Arctic region, reducing pollution; strengthening international cooperation; ensuring sustainable economic activity, including exploitation of oil and gas in the Arctic, fishing activities, and tourism in the Antartica.