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Analysis in 2001 using the GLOBIO methodology (modified), using the DCW dataset (ESRI/NIMA) as the source. See Lysenko et al 2001, The 25 Largest Un-fragmented Wilderness Areas in the Arctic (UNEP-WCMC, WWF, UNEP/GRID-Arendal) for more information
Uploaded on Tuesday 21 Feb 2012
Major wilderness areas in the Arctic
Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal
The Arctic covers around 33.5 million km2 and holds the largest continuous expanses of unfragmented wilderness in the world, outside of Antarctica. Indeed, seven of the ten largest wilderness areas in the world outside Antarctica are found in the high north. (UNEP/WWF 2001: 25 Largest Wilderness Areas in the Arctic). But in contrast with Antarctica, the Arctic is not uninhabited. Human cultures are and have been a part of these vast and rich ecosystems for millennia. This map presents the 25 largest wilderness areas in the Arctic, where wilderness is based on the degree of fragmentation - these are areas with very little fragmentation.