Local solutions at the forefront – when external forces pressure the Arctic Published 06.11.2025

How do we create a future where both people and nature thrive in the Arctic when climate change and external interests put the area under pressure? This is exactly the question ArcticKnows wants to find an answer to. ArcticKnows is a new EU-funded research project that runs over three years starting in October 2025.

Research with roots in the local community

“Research and development can be strengthened when it has roots in the local community and is allowed to grow from the inside out – with respect for local needs, ways of being and forms of knowledge,” says Kristine Lynge-Pedersen, researcher at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, and points out: “For the same reason, it is essential that ArcticKnows is developed in close collaboration with those who experience the consequences of climate change, global interests, and political decisions on a daily basis, “.

With this as a starting point, we were a group of researchers who held meetings with representatives from local communities in Greenland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The focus areas of the research project thus reflect the needs and suggestions expressed during these meetings in 2024.

By taking the local communities’ own priorities as a starting point, it is ensured that the project’s results are both relevant and applicable to the Arctic ecosystem and the people who live in it.

Co-creation of knowledge

In ArcticKnows, co-creation of knowledge is a central method. The project is based on the basic idea that fair and robust solutions arise when different types of knowledge and ways of being meet in joint development processes. Researchers, sheep farmers, fishermen, tourism actors, institutions, companies, NGOs and politicians will co-create solutions as equal parties.

In this way, the project differs from many previous research projects by applying an approach where Local Knowledge, Original Knowledge and Academic Knowledge are made equal.

Action Research Tools

ArcticKnows uses participatory methods to ensure that local and indigenous voices shape every step of the research. Participatory tools such as participatory mapping (PPGIS), Serious Games, Workshops, dialogue meetings and “Walk and Talk” sessions will be used to explore local challenges, share experiences and co-create solutions. These interactive formats build trust and engagement and make the co-creation process both convenient and inclusive.

“We meet where everyone has a real opportunity to contribute and take co-ownership. Through dialogue and respectful planning, we develop solutions that are both innovative and closely linked to the local communities they are created in and for,” says Kristine Lynge-Pedersen.

New platforms for democratic dialogue
A key element of ArcticKnows is to ensure real influence and empowerment for those who live with the consequences of change and political decisions. This requires a fair and inclusive democratic dialogue – across genders, ages, positions and forms of knowledge. Young people, women and other often overlooked or marginalised voices in particular must not only be involved but strengthened and given the opportunity to contribute actively and equally.

The project focuses on the current boundaries and conditions that determine who gets a voice and agency in democratic decision-making processes.

“We need to rethink how decisions are made – and who gets to vote in them,” Kristine Lynge-Pedersen emphasizes and explains “Therefore, we want to co-create new platforms that are inclusive, fair and meaningful for the democratic conversation – so that previously silent voices are not only heard but also have real influence.”

More-than-human in the management of resources

A distinctive feature of ArcticKnows is that the project recognizes nature’s many actors – such as animals, plants, water, air and mountains – as active and co-creators in a common ecosystem. These elements have value in themselves and are seen as agents that influence and shape our living space – they are not just resources for human use.

This approach challenges the human-centered worldview by insisting that people, nature, and climate are inextricably linked. An understanding that many in Greenland already live with as a natural part of their worldview. When natural resources are managed from this holistic perspective, it opens up for a more responsible and balanced coexistence, where all actors – both living and non-living – are recognized as essential for the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.

Regenerative economy and well-being

ArcticKnows also works with a regenerative approach that goes beyond traditional sustainability. The aim is not only to limit damage, but to actively rebuild and strengthen ecosystems and communities. It is about promoting both human and ecological well-being – rather than one-sided economic growth.

Economic development must therefore support the entire ecosystem and ensure both the integrity of nature and the cohesion of society. The project involves local actors and researchers in the exploration of new, regenerative opportunities for small-scale industries close to nature such as tourism, sheep farming, agriculture and coastal fishing.

Why combine approaches?

Together, the two approaches create a deeper and more nuanced practice: where we both acknowledge the interaction with the whole of nature and work actively to restore and strengthen these relationships. This is necessary to create fair, robust and locally anchored solutions in the Arctic – characterized by climate change, global interests and political decisions.

However, it is not without challenges. Many decades of (post)colonial structures, centralized administration and external development models have created an imbalance between economy, culture and nature. Local and indigenous forms of knowledge and ways of life have often been marginalized.

“To ensure locally rooted development that strengthens both the economy, culture and nature, we must build new relationships and balanced collaborations. This requires not only new methods – but also new ways of thinking about responsibility and value,” explains researcher Kristine Lynge-Pedersen.

Ethics, Trust, and Responsibility in Collaboration

The collaboration with the local community is based on the principles of free, prior, and informed consent. Participants sign a declaration confirming their willingness to take part but are free to withdraw from the project at any time.

The ethical framework of ArcticKnows emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and mutual respect—both throughout the research process and in the communication of results. Findings are made publicly available, while sensitive information is protected.

The project actively works to ensure equality among all parties and to align research activities with the participants’ needs, in order to secure local ownership of the outcomes.

This balance between openness and confidentiality is essential for building trust and creating equal and mutually rewarding partnerships.

Research in four Indigenous Homelands

ArcticKnows is being implemented in four areas: Kujataa in Greenland, Varangerfjord in Norway, Vindelälven–Juhttátahkka in Sweden and Inari in Finland – all homes of the indigenous peoples Kalaallit and Sápmi.

The project is coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute in Finland and includes partners from Greenland (Pinngortitaleriffik), Iceland (University of Iceland & Hólar University), Sweden (Umeå University), Norway (Nofima), Denmark (Aalborg University) and the United Kingdom (TD Ltd).

In short – ArcticKnows is also your project
The project puts those who know Kujataa at the center. It is based on the idea that the best solutions arise when indigenous knowledge, local experience and academic insight meet.

Researchers, young and old, fishermen, sheep farmers, tourism operators, authorities, companies and NGOs join forces to co-create solutions that promote well-being and strengthen both the local economy, culture and nature.

In ArcticKnows, you’re not just heard – you help shape the future.

This is not research about the Arctic – it’s research with the Arctic. And with you.

For further information, contact:

If you are interested in knowing more about ArcticKnows, you can contact researcher Kristine Lynge-Pedersen, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources: krlp@natur.gl phone: 361200