Youth on Arctic Expedition with WWF Expert

“Being within metres of a polar bear, seeing a proposed oil drilling site, or spending time in northern communities – these are all transformative experiences,” said Caron.

The students travel with scientists, educators and researchers to see first-hand the effects of climate change on Arctic habitats through wildlife encounters and visits to remote communities and archaeological sites. Workshops, discussions and lectures are designed to educate and encourage the students to be effective agents of change when they return home.

“It is vitally important for us to understand the significance of the Arctic to people and wildlife so that we can better tackle climate change,” added Caron.

The group, comprised of students from all three Canadian territories, eight Canadian provinces and five other countries, flies from Ottawa to Kuujjuaq in Nunavik to board the Polar Ambassador which, over the course of two weeks, makes numerous stops at Arctic sites including Pagnirtung, Diana Island, Digges and Walrus Islands, Cape Dorset and North shore Hudson Strait. It also drops anchor at one of Canada’s most spectacular parks, Auyuittuq National Park, and the breathtaking Kingnait Fjord.

Expedition photos and Ms. Caron’s blog updates can be viewed on the expedition’s special website: www.studentsonice.com/arctic2010 in addition to WWF-Canada’s site: www.wwfcastg.wwf.ca

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For further information please contact: Paulette Roberge, Communications, WWF-Canada

PRoberge@wwfcanada.org or 613-302-2519 (cell); 613-232-2504 (work)