Abstract:

The work presented in this report aims at making a practical contribution to the study of local and traditional knowledge, exploring how ‘indigenous’ ways of observing, monitoring and governing the Arctic environment bear adaptive strategies in a changing Arctic. The report describes ongoing impacts on Arctic livelihoods through the voices of Arctic residents. It represents a contribution to a broader call for mobilising all relevant knowledge about Arctic environmental change and resilience, which impact not only Arctic inhabitants but also all populations on the planet. Based on 30 in-depth interviews with Arctic residents, along with a number of academics, EU policymakers and members of civil society organisations, the report offers valuable accounts of the participants’ (situated) knowledge, practical experience, ways of knowing and not least the world view and values Arctic residents live by. Furthermore, the report explores the interplay of traditional knowledge with scientific research practices, highlighting the key essential conditions found in successful cases of collaboration between traditional knowledge-holders and scientists. It concludes with recommendations for further action, suggesting that not seeking systematic respectful collaborations between scientists and traditional Arctic knowledgeholders is more serious than a ‘missed opportunity’; it is damaging to the broader political and ethical aspirations to resilient and sustainable governance of climate and other environmental changes