Enabling and Bridging Institutional Diversity Through Polycentric Governance Structures to Advance Sustainable Development: A Case Study of the Arctic Council

Abstract

Responding to the environmental challenges that face the globe requires the attention of a diverse range of experts and officials. This chapter will examine the work and institutional features of the Arctic Council with a particular focus on its polycentric governance approach and its ability to bridge different knowledge systems and communities of practice involved in environmental management in the Arctic. In particular, this chapter will focus on three Arctic Council working groups. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) connects scientists and other experts to assess the status of pollution and climate change in the Arctic region and provides policy-relevant advice. The Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) is made up of social scientists, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, and diplomats who focus on the social, economic, cultural, and health issues of Arctic communities. Finally, the Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Response Working Group (EPPR) brings together emergency management and policy experts to develop coordinated responses to environmental risks and disasters. This chapter will also consider how these working groups find ways to coordinate and translate their work to inform and guide the decisions and actions of policymakers.