The need for information, consulting and data services like ArcData provides is increasingly being recognized:

• New regulations and forums have been and are being implemented, such as the IMO Polar Code, in order to regulate shipping in the Arctic to increase safety and reduce the risks of environmental disasters.
• The Arctic Council has made three binding agreements on search and rescue, oil spill response and science cooperation.
• The science ministers of the Arctic countries and observing countries, met in Washington September 2016 and again in Berlin October 2018 to discuss the need of better observations and access to data services. Third meeting to be held in Japan, co-lead by Iceland, in Nov 2020.
• Recognition of the need of sound data services to increase knowledge and support policy and responsible development is rapidly increasing.