Description

Update from Norway on polar bear conservation and management

Virtual Meeting of the Parties 4 - 7 November 2025.

Bjørn Rangbru, Senior Adviser, Nature Management Department, Norway.

In 2004, there were estimated 2,650 polar bears in the Barents Sea subpopulation (including 700 in the Norwegian territory). A new survey, in 2015 showed 950 bears in the Norwegian part. No decline was detected during this period. No counts have been carried out after 2015. But we expect a future reduction caused by climate change. The polar bear has vulnerable (VU) status on the Norwegian (Svalbard) red list. Until 1973, on average several hundred polar bears were killed per year on Svalbard. Conservation efforts, since 1973, include strict regime on killing polars bears, preserve habitats through protection, international co-operation, and research and monitoring. This had major impact on the number of polar bears killed, as now only a small number of bears are killed each year, mainly under self-defence. Norway has established large nature conservation areas in Svalbard. Currently 69 % of land area and 88 % of territorial waters in Svalbard are protected. There has been a massive increase in tourism activity which is negatively impacting Svalbard nature. To reduce disturbance to polar bears, distance rules have been introduced on the Svalbard archipelago, and one must keep at least 300 meters away from bears. In the period from March 1 to June 30, one must keep at least 500 meters away. If one discovers a bear at close range, one is obliged to retreat. The obligation to retreat does not apply in inhabited areas, when staying at research stations, cabins, tents or similar facilities. The national action plan for polar bears, from 2013, was evaluated in 2024. Norway is not creating a new polar bear action plan. Norway is instead creating a short polar bear strategy.