Delegations from Canada, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States agreed to the establishment of a network for cooperation among individuals engaged in problems peculiar to the circumpolar North. The Northern Science Network, established within the Unesco Man and the Biosphere Program, consists of three themes: studies on the ecology and land use of subarctic birch forests; development of, and monitoring and research in, biosphere reserves and other protected areas; and land use practices and grazing animals. This document includes: (1) summary papers from the participating countries on establishing the network; (2) summary of discussions related to a definition of "North" (defined as the northern tundra zone, the adjacent ocean area, and the transition zone of the boreal forest), scope of the network, liaison with other organizations, and the relationship between scientists and local populations; (3) discussion of network themes; and (4) agreements reached. These agreements focus on establishment of the network; network objectives, structure and proposed action; and the involvement of local populations in the northern scientific activities. A map showing the location of important circumpolar field stations and a list of ethical principles for conducting research in the north are included in appendices. (JN)