Global drivers, local consequences: Tools for global change adaptation and sustainable development of industrial and cultural Arctic “hubs”

Project Information

ArcticHubs

Grant agreement ID: 869580

DOI

10.3030/869580

Project closed

EC signature date 20 April 2020

Start date 1 August 2020

End date 31 July 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Total cost

€ 5 991 083,75

EU contribution

€ 5 956 083,75

Coordinated by

LUONNONVARAKESKUS
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - ArcticHubs (Global drivers, local consequences: Tools for global change adaptation and sustainable development of industrial and cultural Arctic “hubs”)

Reporting period: 2023-08-01 to 2024-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The northern regions of Europe, rich in natural resources like mineral reserves and the EU's northernmost forests, offer significant opportunities for industries such as mining, forestry, fish farming and tourism. While these assets are locally situated, they serve global markets, making these industries "glocal." The global population boom, urbanization, and increasing demand for natural resources and recreation have heightened interest in these regions. ArcticHubs aims to address challenges posed by increasing global competition for Arctic resources by developing sustainable solutions for reconciling competing land uses and livelihoods, particularly focusing on the needs and cultures of local and indigenous communities. Using interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, the project will analyze environmental, societal, and economic impacts on 33 key Arctic hubs, focusing on fish farming, forestry, tourism, mining, and indigenous cultures. The project will provide tools like improved participatory mapping systems and guidelines for social license to operate, supporting the creation of regional strategies that balance economic opportunities with traditional livelihoods. This will enhance long-term sustainability, resilience, and social acceptance of economic activities in the Arctic, contributing to EU Arctic policy and global initiatives.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

ArcticHubs aims to develop sustainable solutions that reconcile competing livelihoods and land-use in the Arctic, respecting the needs and culture of local communities and indigenous peoples. The project will focus on key industries such as mining, fish farming, tourism, and forestry, assessing their impacts on ecosystems and local well-being.

The project’s specific objectives include:
1. Mapping global drivers and geopolitical tensions influencing Arctic industries (WP1).
2. Analyzing environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural impacts of industrial activities and predicting future effects due to climate change (WPs 2 & 3).
3. Providing tools for decision-makers to enhance communication with stakeholders and resolve land-use conflicts (WP4).
4. Creating scenarios and recommendations to foster cooperation and inform policies for sustainable regional development (WP5).

The solutions developed in ArcticHubs aim to increase the resilience of Arctic communities and livelihoods in the face of climate change and other global pressures by improving regional planning for the sustainable use of natural resources. Specifically, three core tools are being developed within the project: 1. Public Participatory Geographical Information Systems (PPGIS, Figure 1), 2. Guidelines for achieving a ‘social license to operate,’ and 3. The development of future scenarios to be applied in the Arctic.

PLACE OF FIGURE 1

Figure 1. Example of one page in the PPGIS questionnaire carried out in ArcticHubs (in Inari, Finland) where local people’s opinions of the impacts of tourism (where and what kind) were inquired.

PPGIS questionnaires have yield e.g. areas on the map where the respondents have indicated that no tourism should be allowed, and on the other hand, areas where respondents have indicated as suitable for tourism.

Future scenarios have been co-created in workshops preceded by surveys targeted at local, regional and national stakeholders. Scenarios have been finalized in local workshops. As an example in Inari, in Northern Finland international youth workshop was arranged to find out how young people in the Arctic see the future, and what are the threats and opportunities that the future brings.

Project results have been communicated primarily through webinars, newsletters, Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as through explainer videos, reports, and publications available on the 'Project Results' page of the project homepage: https://projects.luke.fi/arctichubs/arctichubs-project-results/

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

According to ArcticHubs research, all businesses in the region anticipate growth. However, the lack of local capital necessitates increased foreign investment, raising concerns about the overexploitation of the fragile Arctic environment. This poses risks to local communities, who question growth driven solely by financial interests. Balancing economic growth with long-term environmental sustainability is a critical issue for the future of the European Arctic.

Geopolitical tensions have led to increased military investments in northern Europe, influencing the region's development. Businesses must prepare for threats such as trade wars, border closures, and security risks, including military tensions, uncontrolled migration, and environmental disasters like oil spills. The previously perceived safety of the region has been compromised.

ArcticHubs aimed to distinguish the environmental changes in the Arctic caused by economic activities from those due to climate change. By comparing Arctic and Alpine cases, a broader European perspective was achieved. The project introduced co-creation methods through dialogue with hub representatives and stakeholders, including indigenous groups. The DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework was applied effectively.

The research assessed the socioeconomic and cultural impacts of key industries—mining, fish farming, forestry, and tourism—revealing both positive and negative local effects. Stakeholder participation is essential to mitigate negative impacts, with a focus on addressing power imbalances and improving cross-sector communication. Future strategies should prioritize sustainable development, considering alternatives like degrowth, doughnut economics, and postcolonial justice to align with indigenous needs and planetary boundaries.

The concept of a social license to operate (SLO) is critical in addressing current challenges, especially in mining, aquaculture, and tourism. SLO involves addressing impacts on reindeer herding, Sami rights, and ensuring meaningful stakeholder dialogue beyond standard Corporate Social Responsibility practices. Although not widely applied, SLO could be key to balancing economic benefits with environmental protection and respecting local communities' rights.

ArcticHubs also focused on enhancing co-creation with local and Indigenous communities by developing participatory tools like PPGIS, RenGIS, CodGIS, Serious Gaming, and Unmanned Forestry Machine modules. These tools, designed based on stakeholder feedback, combine digital and traditional methods to improve dialogue and participation in rights and stakeholder processes. They have supported dynamic, mutual learning processes across ArcticHubs work packages, providing new insights into resolving conflicts over industrial impacts on the environment and traditional land use.

Involving local communities in decision-making is crucial for the future development of the Arctic. While global economic activities like mining, tourism, and aquaculture are welcomed for the opportunities they bring, ensuring social and environmental sustainability is increasingly important. Looking ahead to 2035, the region’s natural resources, indigeneity, and local identities are seen as key opportunities to attract both visitors and residents. However, threats such as land use conflicts, global corporate influence, rapid demographic changes, and climate change remain significant challenges.

Figure 1