Outside of Government Organizations

There are several groups that are outside of government - called Not-for-Profit (NGO) or Charitable organizations - that are involved in research, policy advocacy, think tanks and negotiations, largely on the environment, biodiversity and habitat monitoring. In fact, government project funding is often only reserved for not-for-profit organizations, to undertake work for the public good and engage the public.

For large private companies, or wealthy individuals who which to donate funds to worthwhile "causes" or activities, having charitable status under the Government of Canada, means that the donation can receive a tax receipt for tax purposes.

World Wildlife Federation (WWF)

The WWF is a globally renowned organization working on issues that affect us all. It is both a not-for-profit organization and a charity in Canada. This means they can leverage both government project funding as well as private corporate donations, such as Coca-Cola, to fuel their work. For the WWF-Canada and Arctic program, their team works in collaboration will all levels of government, Inuit organizations and private companies and researchers, to undertake studies that help show alternative ways of advancing on problems in the circumpolar North. The WWF team located in Nunavut, have contributed to significant collaborative advancements - and are really nice folks - who bring a range of academic and personal life experience to their work. In fact, the WWF is the only environmental organization that holds Observer status (meaning they can come and watch the proceedings) of the Arctic Council, which allows them to work on circumpolar priorities and collaboratively on climate change, species habitat and health, community health, environmental protection of the marine protection of the oceans, oil and gas and shipping concerns, and governance of the Arctic.

Balancing Emotion with Hard Science

The WWF is not a militant organization similar to let's say, Greenpeace, but some may regard their message as being more weighted toward the interests of species protection and raising awareness of the Arctic from the effects of climate change and habitat. Let's face it though, emotion sells, and when animals, children and vulnerable people and things in our society are threatened, bringing images, moral consideration and impacts on others, does bring attention. Everybody uses some emotion, personal stories to bring awareness, but it also helps to foster connection, particularly where the Arctic and North is physically removed from the considerations of others.

While the WWF has a strong platform and access to a range of specialists who are very knowledgeable - and yes, do care about the range of Arctic species - their work and focus is much broader. No single issue stands alone in the Arctic, and all issues are interrelated.

However, WWF is doing serious analysis and work on climate change, renewable and energy options in the North, and leveraging serious funding, in-house staff knowledge and research expertise, to provide information and options that often government cannot.

We need the work of NGOs and charitable organizations to explore critically thinking research and options, which also brings forward the voice of youth and community. So while some Inuit leaders caution the world that Arctic issues are not just polar bears (or debating the decline or risk of species), delving into the work of the WWF and other NGOs, is worth the effort, to see the views from all angles and organizations.

Because that is good policy development, knowledge building and critical thinking.

Check out all the areas of action that the WWF-Arctic is engaged in from their website and focus papers. The Nunavut office is located in Iqaluit, with a small team of specialists that work collaboratively with all key stakeholders to undertake respectful advocacy, but critical thinking, research and action. In fact, a WWF member recently took a leave of absence to join the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) to bring their subject-matter-expertise to the negotiations of a Marine Protection Area agreement. Now that's collaboration in action!