Posted on April, 01 2007

The 2007–08 Internat ional Polar Year (IPY), a period of intense study on the Arctic and Antarctic, officially began on 1 March 2007 with numerous ceremonies taking place around the world.

The official opening ceremony took place at the Palais de la Découverte, a renowned science museum in Paris, France.

The IPY represents one of the most ambitious coordinated international science programmes ever attempted, with over 60 countries participating in more than 200 projects, over 50 of which focus on education and outreach.

The poles are recognised as sensitive barometers of environmental change and IPY researchers will explore the strong links these regions have with the rest of the globe. Polar science is crucial to understanding our planet and our impact on it.

Stefan Norris, head of conservation for WWF’s International Arctic Programme, said: “For WWF, the IPY presents a unique opportunity to pool resources towards the goal of saving this planet from some of the major destructive forces it is facing.

“With more solid documentation and systems for understanding the functions and dynamics of the polar ecosystems, we will have much better tools and information for backing up WWF’s work on securing the future for these incredibly important regions, and for the global processes they so strongly influence.”

WWF has been working closely with, and also funding the work of, a number of the scientists who will be leading core IPY initiatives. We are also directly involved in several of the field projects being implemented under IPY.

Pete Ewins, species conservation director for WWF-Canada, said: “IPY only happens every 50 years or so, and the original intent way back in the 19th century – better integrated and focused scientific research in polar regions – is arguably even more pressing today than it was then.”

Nigel Allan nallan@wwf.no