Chosen justice question particularly relevant for the regulatory/policy framework (in the light of JUSTNORTH research, aimed at supporting future justice-focused research on Arctic governance):

Weighting values: Does the framework promote certain values and interests at the expense of others? Whose interests are being promoted?

Procedural justice: What are the opportunities for participation in decision-making and who is envisaged as a stakeholder?

Landscape justice: How are decisions made concerning the development, use, and enjoyment of the Arctic landscape? In what ways are these decision-making processes inclusive, and of whom?

Environmental justice and ethics: What identifiable actual or potential environmental harms and benefits are governed by the given regulatory framework? How are they distributed?

Rights: Which rights and rights frameworks are expressly included in the governance framework, which are missing?

With the increasing popularity of whale watching operations questions have arisen regarding possible affects whale watching vessels may have on cetacean. We don’t know much for sure but as a precautionary measure IceWhale has set out to promote responsible whale watching.

Currently there is limited regulation and mechanism in place to monitor the whale watching operations in Iceland, especially from an animal welfare point of view. IceWhale therefore initiated the development of this code of conduct with the aim of

     Minimising impact on cetacean for the future and the sustainability of whale watching operation in Iceland.
     Ensuring the best possible encounter, both for animal welfare and passenger enjoyment.
     Increasing development, understanding and awareness of appropriate practices when watching cetaceans.