SUSTAINABLE ARCTIC CRUISE COMMUNITIES: FROM PRACTICE TO GOVERNANCE
This project is funded by the Research Council of Norway, NORRUSS (grant number 301540).
Small and remote Arctic communities can benefit economically from the arrival of cruise ships, offering local tours and supply services. However, the negative impacts of cruise ship visits, such as pollution, waste, social pressure, and strain on local infrastructure, have raised concerns.
This project seeks to address the challenges faced by Arctic communities by generating knowledge about sustainable cruise practices. Specifically, it aims to explore how the cruise industry and Arctic communities can coexist harmoniously and transform controversies and disadvantages into opportunities for sustainable development. The project develops a toolkit for sustainable cruise tourism in local destinations, which provides knowledge and insights that are needed to facilitate the transition towards sustainable cruise visits in Arctic communities. By promoting sustainable practices, the project aims to support the creation of meaningful livelihoods for the residents of the Arctic.
Our international team of researchers from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland focuses on sharing knowledge of best practices, local adaptations, and sustainable solutions related to cruise visits in the Arctic. Through case studies in Greenland (Nuuk), Iceland (Isafjordur), and three locations in Norway (Lofoten, Alta and Honningsvåg), we explore how Arctic communities define and manage the challenges associated with cruise visits.
In collaboration with local cruise stakeholders, like tourism organizations, harbors, and tour operators, we address common concerns in a collaborative manner. Drawing on practice theory, we aim to delve into the challenges faced by Arctic cruise communities and find sustainable solutions. Furthermore, we connect Arctic cruise communities and facilitate the exchange of research-based ideas for sustainable development.