Description:
Protected areas are very important for conserving biodiversity. In these areas, human activities are managed to achieve specific conservation goals, for example, to protect a certain species or to conserve a representative habitat or ecosystem. The Arctic has many terrestrial protected areas, but is generally lacking in marine protected areas (MPAs). As the climate warms and the sea ice melts, there will be greater access for activities such as fishing, oil and gas exploration, and tourism. MPAs will become increasingly important to protect Arctic marine ecosystems. The entire Antarctic is protected by the Antarctic Treaty System. Some areas are further protected as Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.