Where We Work

Arctic Beringia lies at the juncture of the eastern and western hemispheres, encompassing an area of tundra and highly productive shallow marine shelf areas that extend from the Kolyma River in the Chukotka region of the Russian Federation, across northern Alaska in the United States, and as far east as Victoria Island in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of Canada. The system is ecologically coherent, covering the range of many of the Pacific’s Arctic marine mammals and closely related terrestrial and aquatic fish and wildlife species. In addition, we focus on connectivity for the iconic migrations of migratory birds.

Viability of New and Existing Protected Areas

We use science to ensure the long-term viability of existing protected areas (no loss of protections), including Wrangel Island World Heritage Area, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area, and implementation of new protected areas such as the recent 32,500 square kilometers of MPA in the Bering Sea.

Best Practices at Sea

We implement collaborative, science-based conservation approaches that inform best practices to prompt the adoption and monitoring of new conservation measures by primary vessel operators, and prioritization of the most productive coastal habitats by oil spill-response organizations.

Indigenous Communities

Engagement with the region’s Indigenous Peoples will lead to formalized stewardship plans for key wildlife species such as the Pacific walrus and iconic wolverine.

WCS Canada

The program combines insights gained from “muddy boots” fieldwork with a big-picture conservation vision to speak up for species such as caribou, wolverine, bats, bison, freshwater fish and marine mammals. WCS Canada's unique approach has led to many conservation successes, including a seven-fold expansion of Nahanni National Park, protection of Yukon’s pristine Peel Watershed and the creation of the Castle Wildland Park in southern Alberta.

WCS Russia

The program works to protect the extensive forest and tundra ecosystems of the Russian Far East and the myriad species whose survival depends on these intact, functional ecosystems. WCS Russia uses science as a foundation for designing and implementing appropriate conservation actions for numerous species of wildlife, including Amur tigers, Far Eastern leopards, Kamchatka brown bears, and Blakiston’s fish owls.