Reporting template 2019-2021 - Instructions for Observers subject to review Introduction

(a) A description of the Observer’s contributions to the work of the Arctic Council since the time of the Observer’s most recent submission, or in the previous two years, with special focus on contributions to the subsidiary bodies through project participation and support, as well as collaboration with Permanent Participants; (b) If applicable, a description of the Observer’s future plans to cont. [...] Frits Steenhuisen is highly involved in the global mercury emission modelling within the AMAP/UN Environment network (Global Mercury Assessment 2018) and the upcoming AMAP Mercury in the Arctic Environment Assessment, and in particular contributing to the spatial distribution of the global emissions data. [...] The largest part of the Netherlands is situated along the North Sea – one of the busiest seas in the world. [...] To continue the contribution to the work of the Arctic Council and to intensify the participation of highly qualified experts in AMAP, CAFF, SDWG and PAME the Netherlands increased its budget for polar research. [...] Additionally, extra funding (4.5 mio euros) has been mobilized by the Dutch government and the Dutch Research Council to support a thematic research program on the effects of tourism on the ground in the Arctic and Antarctica for the coming three years.