ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the legal frameworks for protection of marine biological diversity in the polar regions by the use of marine protected areas (MPAs). Important efforts have been made, and States are cooperating in both polar regions to comply with the global obligations to conserve marine biological diversity and to the global commitment set out in SDG 14 (5). Yet the progress of establishing networks of MPAs appears to be just as slow in both regions. MPAs are in themselves a complex conservation tool, and there are number of challenges when it comes to the selection and management of MPAs. The fragmented legal situation with a range of instruments and institutions may result in less effective MPAs. In both regions, there is a lack of coordination of instruments and bodies that provide for the establishment of MPAs. The different legal statuses and governance systems of the polar regions have led to different approaches to the establishment of MPAs. Yet for both polar regions, it is the political will of the States that remains crucial for the success of establishing networks of effective MPAs.
