Culture, commerce, and international co-operation in the global recovery of Polar Bears

Abstract

About thirty years ago, Polar Bears were considered to be severely depleted over most of their international range. In 1973, the five range states signed an international treaty that allowed continued hunting and sale of skins by some customary users whose subsistence had historically involved commercial trade in the products of the hunt. There have been multiple benefits associated with this continued consumptive use, including Polar Bear population recovery throughout the species extensive range, enhanced international research and management co-operation, progressive involvement of the user communities in management initiatives, and excellent regulatory compliance. This successful regional and international conservation programme provides a model for managing other highly migratory (and difficult to monitor), culturally and commercially valuable species.