The world’s largest non-continental island, is also the third-largest region in North America, following Canada and the United States. As of 2021, the island is home to 56,421 people. Its landscape includes two key ecoregions: the Kalaallit Nunaat high arctic tundra and the low arctic tundra.

Greenland’s insect diversity is relatively low, with around 700 known species compared to the millions found worldwide. However, its surrounding seas, particularly in the warmer waters of the West Greenland Current, are rich in marine life. Fish and invertebrates thrive here, forming the backbone of the marine-based food chains that support much of Greenland’s wildlife, including large colonies of seabirds.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Greenland is vast, covering 2,166,086 km² (836,331 mi²), making it the world’s largest island. Despite its size, much of the land is covered by ice, and only a small portion is suitable for habitation or vegetation. Approximately 45% of Greenland’s ice-free land is under protection, ensuring the preservation of its fragile ecosystems and unique biodiversity.

Greenland’s coastline stretches over 44,000 km (27,340 miles), surrounded by nutrient-rich waters that support a diverse range of marine life. The island is home to numerous marine protected areas (MPAs), where sustainable practices are in place to safeguard fish stocks, seals, whales, and other marine species. These MPAs play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on protecting critical habitats in the Arctic Ocean.

Agriculture in Greenland is minimal due to the extreme climate, which limits the risk of pesticide use and large-scale farming. The island’s main environmental challenges are related to climate change, which is accelerating the melting of the ice sheet and affecting both terrestrial and marine habitats. The effects of climate change are also impacting fish stocks, a vital resource for Greenland’s economy and food security.

Threats to Biodiversity

Greenland’s risk of species extinction remains relatively low due to its remote location and largely undisturbed ecosystems. The island’s wildlife is closely monitored, and many species, particularly those that rely on the marine environment, are considered stable. While data on threatened species is limited, Greenland’s commitment to conservation and the protection of key habitats has helped to maintain a healthy balance in its ecosystems.

A significant portion of Greenland’s land and coastal areas are protected, ensuring that critical habitats for native species remain intact. These protected areas are essential for safeguarding wildlife, particularly migratory birds and marine mammals, which rely on Greenland’s unique environment for feeding and breeding. The island’s Species Protection Index reflects the overall health of its natural areas, with many species thriving within the boundaries of these protected zones.

Capacity and Governance

In accordance with the Biodiversity Convention, Greenland has undertaken various actions to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention’s principles. As outlined in its fourth National Report, Greenland adopted the Nature Protection Act in 2003 (Greenland Home Rule Government Act no 29 of 18 December 2003 on Protection of Nature). This legislation incorporates several obligations arising from the Biodiversity Convention. The primary goal of the Act is to conserve Greenland’s biological diversity, including its genes, species, habitats, and ecosystems, while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. It is designed to help the Government of Greenland meet its commitments under the Biodiversity Convention and other related international agreements. Additionally, the Act provides a legal framework for issuing executive orders that protect specific species, ecosystems, and designated protected areas.

In the fourth National Report, Greenland also stated its intention to adopt a Strategy and Action Plan for biodiversity by 2009. This strategy has been guided by a working document that outlines key actions and priorities aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Biodiversity Convention, along with other related international conventions and agreements.

Future Trends

Greenland has released its first biodiversity strategy, focused on the sustainable management of its natural resources and biodiversity, with a long-term vision extending to 2030. Both the Fourth and Fifth National Reports highlight the importance of developing a biodiversity action plan that prioritizes the conservation of species, habitats, and ecosystems. The central aim of Greenland’s biodiversity laws is to protect biological diversity while promoting its sustainable use, laying the foundation for future initiatives.

Biodiversity

Greenland is home to a few native land animals, including polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares, musk oxen, collared lemmings, ermines, and arctic wolves. Reindeer, though not native, were introduced by Europeans. The musk ox, collared lemming, ermine, and arctic wolf are found naturally only in East Greenland, having come from Ellesmere Island. Along the coast, there are many species of seals and whales. Most of the animals on land originally came from North America, while many birds and insects arrived from Europe. There are no native reptiles or amphibians on the island. Greenland’s plant life is limited, with grasses and small shrubs being the most common vegetation, often grazed by livestock. The island’s most common native tree is the European white birch, along with other small trees like gray-leaf willow, rowan, common juniper, and various types of willow.