Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Quick Facts

Primary Focus
Contributing to the prevention, preparedness and response to environmental and other emergencies, accidents and to search and rescue

Establishment
1991

Chairmanship 2021-2023
Canada

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About EPPR

The Arctic is an environmentally sensitive area with an extreme climate characterized by low temperatures, winter-time darkness, snow, ice and permafrost. Harsh conditions and the sparse and limited amount of infrastructure in much of the Arctic increase risks and impacts and hinder response activities. Actions for prevention, preparedness and response must be carefully pre-planned and adapted to the conditions and remoteness of the Arctic to maximize the use of available resources. Accordingly, international cooperation in this area is of vital importance.

EPPR meets twice a year to discuss priorities and projects identified in the work plan. EPPR Chairmanship rotates between the Arctic States every two years.

Expert Groups

Three Expert Groups are active and working to develop practical actions to improve preparedness and response to environmental and other emergencies:

Main tasks

  • Developing guidance and risk assessment methodologies
  • Exchanging information and best practices regarding prevention, preparedness and response to accidents and threats from unintentional releases of pollutants and radionuclides, and to natural disasters
  • Coordinating response exercises and training
  • Maintaining the operational guidelines for two of the legally binding agreements negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council, agreements on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response (MOSPA).
Kathy Nghiem
EPPR Chair

Ole Kristian Bjerkemo

EPPR Vice-Chair
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Nina Ågren

Executive Secretary
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EPPR News

A new format to strengthen Arctic wildland fire cooperation

The Arctic Wildland Fire Sharing Circle brought together diverse voices to share projects, tools and research to start new conversations and build networks to tackle Arct...
01 Mar 2022

Quiz: Which 2021 Arctic Council report should you read based on your interests?

In 2021, the Arctic Council's Working and Expert Groups released over 50 new reports on topics including climate change, emergency response, biodiversity, Arctic shipping...
25 Oct 2021

Safe Arctic - Inter-Agency Experimental Research Exercise in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation

The Russian Federation held a series of exercises and events 7-8 September 2021 throughout its Arctic zone as a part of the Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and...
23 Sep 2021
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@EPPR_Arctic
  • Risks and Impacts of #OilPollution on Communities: Get to know the risks and potential effects your community faces in case of an oil spill. Taking these steps helps to better prevent and prepare to potential incidents. See the full video: vimeo.com/485504347 https://t.co/H2Jlhalstj January 14 5:55 pm