Abstract

This chapter provides the theoretical basis of the book by outlining the framework of sustainability in an Arctic marine context. The chapter presents the Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal 14 on conserving and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, as well as Arctic States’ commitments to goal 14. The chapter explains the sustainability framework conditions and the concept of resilience, in the context of the Arctic marine environment. The chapter further discusses the concerns of cumulative impacts to the Arctic marine environment from multiple and concurrent natural and human perturbations, and the consequent weakening of the resilience of Arctic marine environment. Finally, the chapter summarizes the status of processes that influence the resilience of Arctic marine ecosystems.