ARCA. Biocultural Heritage in Arctic Cities

Can urban biocultural heritage contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation?

ARCA team

Where science, art, Indigenous and local communities unite: Collaboration to design and shape the future of Arctic urban life in a changing climate.

ARCA team

ARCA. Biocultural Heritage in Arctic Cities

About the ARCA

Climate change is a significant issue that affects us all, especially those living in urban Arctic regions such as Fairbanks, Anchorage, Nome, Kirkenes, and Tromsø. The temperature is rising alarmingly, affecting the environment and the people who live there. However, there is hope, as these cities have diverse natures and cultures.

One approach that can help us tackle this challenge is biocultural heritage. It's about recognizing the close relationship between human cultures and the natural world. This approach can help us overcome the challenges posed by a rapidly changing planet.

Many indigenous communities in urban Arctic regions have a wealth of knowledge about their environment that has been passed down through generations. This knowledge can be incredibly valuable in dealing with issues like climate change. In ARCA, people from different backgrounds—like scientists, artists, and activists—work together to use this knowledge to develop new ideas and solutions.

The goal is to empower these communities to have a greater say in decisions that affect them and collaborate with other groups to make meaningful changes. Ultimately, respecting and preserving this knowledge can create a better future for everyone, including those living in urban Arctic regions.

International transdisciplinary research provides knowledge for understanding, mitigating, and adapting to global environmental change.

Belmont Forum

ARCA team

The George Washington University (GWU) 

The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC, USA, will take the lead in combining data on land use/land cover change with ethnographic data and art-based research. This will allow for comparative analysis across cities, identification of best practices for utilizing biocultural heritage as a resource for adapting to climate change, and identification of relevant policy implications. The university will also organize co-creative workshops in Fairbanks. 

Project Leader: Research Professor Vera Kuklina (GWU)

Role: Lead PI

Professor Aman Luthra (GWU)

Role: Co-PI

Professor Nikolay Shiklomanov (GWU)

Role: Co-PI

Diana Khaziakhmetova (GWU)

Role: Research Associate

University of Vienna (UV)

The University of Vienna (UV) in Vienna, Austria, will focus on exploring the relationship between climate change and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), as well as biocultural heritage more broadly. The research will emphasize understanding how different Arctic cities are adapting to climate change and which aspects of biocultural heritage are being utilized in this process. The UV team will specifically study Nome, Alaska, and Kirkenes, Norway, and will also arrange a collaborative workshop in Nome.

Dr. Olga Povoroznyuk (UV)

Role: PI

Professor Peter Schweitzer (UV)

Role: Co-PI

Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC)

The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC) in Bergen, Norway, will focus on understanding the bioclimatic changes in the study areas. They will use remote sensing and GIS techniques to analyze the local climate and its interactions with vegetation trends and the emergence of new ecosystems. Their goal is to develop an Arctic urban green space sustainability index. Additionally, the team will create GIS tools for efficient collection and dissemination of project data.

Dr. Victoria Miles (NERSC)

Role: PI

Professor Igor Esau (NERSC)

Role: Co-PI

Art and Science International Institute (ASCII)

The Art Science International Institute in Biarritz, France, is a leading center for interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of cultural heritage, art, and science. Leveraging the ArtSLInK (Arts, Science, Local, and Indigenous Knowledge) platform, the Institute will coordinate innovative research projects that explore and reinterpret Arctic biocultural heritage through artistic expression. It fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment by bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, scholars, and community representatives from diverse backgrounds. Through co-creative workshops and curating a collaborative exhibition, the Institute ensures meaningful participation and shared perspectives in all its endeavors.

Dr. Olga Kisseleva (ASCII)

Role: PI

Olga Zaslavskaya (ASCII)

Role: Researcher and exhibition curator

Pikene på Broen

Pikene på Broen, a cultural organization located in Kirkenes, is planning to offer an art residency opportunity to its team members. As part of this initiative, they will collaborate on organizing a project exhibition and a local workshop. The purpose of these events is to foster collaboration between artists, scientists, and Indigenous knowledge holders, with the goal of co-creating cultural and artistic products that will celebrate and showcase diverse perspectives and traditions.

Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition (FCAC)

The FCAC is a dedicated organization working to address and mitigate the impact of climate change in the Fairbanks area. Their efforts include coordinating research activities and collaborating with other organizations to enact positive change.

Native Movement

Native Movement is taking part in organizing a co-creative workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and contributing to creative practices, such as creating a mural in Fairbanks.

The George Washington University (GWU) 

The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC, USA, will take the lead in combining data on land use/land cover change with ethnographic data and art-based research. This will allow for comparative analysis across cities, identification of best practices for utilizing biocultural heritage as a resource for adapting to climate change, and identification of relevant policy implications. The university will also organize co-creative workshops in Fairbanks. 

Project Leader: Research Professor Vera Kuklina (GWU)

Role: Lead PI

Expertise: cultural geography, community engagement

Research Interests:

  • Convergence of science, arts, and local/Indigenous Knowledge systems
  • Urbanization of Indigenous peoples
  • Cultural geographies of infrastructure and remoteness

Professor Aman Luthra (GWU)

Role: Co-PI

Expertise: utilizing citizen science to monitor and analyze pollinator diversity and abundance

Research interests:

  • Economic/cultural importance of native plants
  • Plant-pollinator relationships in the urban Arctic

Professor Nikolay Shiklomanov (GWU)

Role: Co-PI

Expertise: studies of permafrost and climate change-induced processes in landscapes

Research interests: human-permafrost relations

Diana Khaziakhmetova (GWU)

Role: Research Associate

Expertise: ethnographic data, art-based research, community engagement, GIS analysis

Research Interests:

  • Fieldwork in Fairbanks and Kirkenes
  • Community engagement
  • Data management

University of Vienna (UV)

The University of Vienna (UV) in Vienna, Austria, will focus on exploring the relationship between climate change and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), as well as biocultural heritage more broadly. The research will emphasize understanding how different Arctic cities are adapting to climate change and which aspects of biocultural heritage are being utilized in this process. The UV team will specifically study Nome, Alaska, and Kirkenes, Norway, and will also arrange a collaborative workshop in Nome.

 

Dr. Olga Povoroznyuk (UV)

Role: PI

Expertise: social anthropology with a focus on the circumpolar north

Research interests:

  • To understand and document (bio-)cultural heritage as defined by local and Indigenous communities 

  • To trace transformations of cultural landscapes (including urban green spaces) and associated forms of knowledge 

  • To explore the role of biocultural heritage in local responses and adaptations to climate change processes

Professor Peter Schweitzer (UV)

Role: Co-PI

Expertise: anthropologists with pan-Arctic experience

Research interests:

  • (Bio-)Cultural Heritage
  • Cultural Landscape Transformations
  • Biocultural Heritage in Climate Adaptation

Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC)

The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC) in Bergen, Norway, will focus on understanding the bioclimatic changes in the study areas. They will use remote sensing and GIS techniques to analyze the local climate and its interactions with vegetation trends and the emergence of new ecosystems. Their goal is to develop an Arctic urban green space sustainability index. Additionally, the team will create GIS tools for efficient collection and dissemination of project data.

Dr. Victoria Miles (NERSC)

Role: PI

Expertise: Environmental studies, remote sensing, and GIS

Research interest:

  • Research on Arctic urban climate, urban sustainability, and vegetation change
  • Focus on urban heat islands and their impact on northern cities
  • Development of WebGIS, StoryMaps, and citizen observation apps

Professor Igor Esau (NERSC)

Role: Co-PI

Expertise: Research on local climate, planetary boundary layers, modeling

Research interests:

  • Links between small- and global-scale processes in the Earth's climate
  • Stably stratified boundary layers in air quality and micro-climate
  • Interactions between large-scale circulation and climate micro-physics
  • Urban climate and sustainable city development

Art and Science International Institute (ASCII)

The Art Science International Institute in Biarritz, France, is a leading center for interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of cultural heritage, art, and science. Leveraging the ArtSLInK (Arts, Science, Local, and Indigenous Knowledge) platform, the Institute will coordinate innovative research projects that explore and reinterpret Arctic biocultural heritage through artistic expression. It fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment by bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, scholars, and community representatives from diverse backgrounds. Through co-creative workshops and curating a collaborative exhibition, the Institute ensures meaningful participation and shared perspectives in all its endeavors.

Dr. Olga Kisseleva (ASCII)

Role: PI

Expertise: Artist-Researcher working at the intersection of science and art, founder of the Sorbonne’s Art&Science program.

Research Interests:

  • Interdisciplinary exploration of science and art
  • Critical social practice and its implications in art
  • Technological and ecological themes in artistic expression
  • Innovative approaches to integrating technology and art

Olga Zaslavskaya (ASCII)

Role: Researcher and exhibition curator

Expertise: Cultural and heritage studies, curating and co-curating exhibitions

Research Interests:

  • Cultural representation of biocultural diversity in the region
  • Development and curation of online platforms and collective exhibitions
  • Management of digital repositories and related guidelines
  • Collaboration on populating digital content with project members

Pikene på Broen

Pikene på Broen, a cultural organization located in Kirkenes, is planning to offer an art residency opportunity to its team members. As part of this initiative, they will collaborate on organizing a project exhibition and a local workshop. The purpose of these events is to foster collaboration between artists, scientists, and Indigenous knowledge holders, with the goal of co-creating cultural and artistic products that will celebrate and showcase diverse perspectives and traditions.

Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition (FCAC)

The FCAC is a dedicated organization working to address and mitigate the impact of climate change in the Fairbanks area. Their efforts include coordinating research activities and collaborating with other organizations to enact positive change.

Native Movement

Native Movement is taking part in organizing a co-creative workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and contributing to creative practices, such as creating a mural in Fairbanks.

Case studies

01 / 05
1

Fairbanks (USA): A Unique Arctic Urban Landscape

Situated at 64.8378°N, 147.7164°W, Fairbanks is an intriguing city in the heart of Alaska. Home to around 32,000 residents across an expansive area of over 32 square kilometers, Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart City. " It is a cultural and economic center for Interior Alaska, blending urban amenities with stunning natural landscapes, including the Chena River and surrounding boreal forests.

As an Arctic city, Fairbanks faces distinct challenges related to climate change, particularly in managing its built environment and natural resources. The extreme seasonal variations, from long, harsh winters to brief summers, affect infrastructure, transportation, and energy consumption. Moreover, the city is vulnerable to permafrost thaw, which can impact buildings and roads.

To enhance community resilience, Fairbanks must focus on integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern urban planning practices. By prioritizing sustainable land use and renewable energy solutions, the city can mitigate environmental impacts while preserving its cultural identity. Fairbanks has the potential to serve as a model for sustainable Arctic urban living, balancing growth and development with the need for ecological preservation.

2

Anchorage (USA): The Urban Heart of Alaska

Positioned at 61.2181°N, 149.8644°W, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city, home to approximately 290,000 residents across more than 1,946 square kilometers. As the urban heart of the state, Anchorage serves as a crucial economic and cultural center, featuring a diverse population and rich history. The city is beautifully set against a backdrop of mountains and waterways, providing residents with a stunning natural environment.

Anchorage faces a variety of challenges associated with climate change, including increased precipitation, rising temperatures, and threats to its natural ecosystems. The city must address issues such as flooding, infrastructure vulnerability, and the management of urban green spaces, which are essential for community health and resilience. The surrounding wilderness, including nearby parks and trails, offers significant recreational opportunities but requires careful stewardship.

To promote sustainable development, Anchorage is embracing innovative solutions that combine urban planning with ecological conservation. By integrating Indigenous knowledge and community engagement into climate adaptation strategies, Anchorage can enhance its resilience while fostering a strong sense of cultural identity. This holistic approach positions Anchorage as a leading example of how Arctic cities can navigate the complexities of environmental change while maintaining their vibrant urban character.

3

Nome (USA): A Cultural Hub in the Arctic

Situated at 64.5011°N, 165.4064°W, Nome is a unique coastal city in Alaska with a population of about 3,800, covering approximately 16 square kilometers. Renowned for its rich history as a gold rush boomtown and as the finish line of the iconic Iditarod Trail, Nome plays a vital role in the cultural and economic landscape of the Arctic. Surrounded by stunning vistas of the Bering Sea and expansive tundra, the city is a vibrant community that celebrates its diverse heritage.

As an Arctic city, Nome faces pressing challenges due to climate change, particularly the effects of coastal erosion and melting permafrost. These changes threaten local infrastructure and the traditional lifestyles of its Indigenous peoples. The community is actively engaged in efforts to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural practices while adapting to a rapidly changing environment.

To enhance resilience, Nome is focused on integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern sustainability practices. Local initiatives promote environmental stewardship, allowing residents to play an active role in decision-making processes. This approach not only strengthens community bonds but also ensures that Nome retains its unique cultural identity, making it a beacon of hope and adaptability in the face of climate challenges.

4

Tromsø (Norway): The Arctic Capital

Positioned at 69.649°N, 18.956°E, Tromsø is a thriving Arctic city with approximately 77,000 residents, encompassing over 21 square kilometers. Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø is a major center for research, education, and tourism, with institutions like the University of Tromsø leading advancements in climate and polar studies. The city’s landscape features a striking contrast between urban life and stunning natural vistas, including majestic mountains, lush forests, and deep fjords.

Tromsø faces the urgent challenges of climate change, particularly regarding the management of its green urban spaces, which are essential for enhancing community resilience and cultural continuity. These areas are not only vital for biodiversity but also serve as spaces for cultural expression and the preservation of Sámi traditions. They play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, offering residents a connection to their natural environment.

To foster effective climate adaptation, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research into how these biocultural landscapes can inform urban planning. By embracing Sámi traditional ecological knowledge alongside modern sustainability initiatives, Tromsø can cultivate a resilient urban ecosystem. This dual approach aims to ensure the city’s adaptability to rapid environmental shifts while honoring its cultural heritage and promoting a sustainable future.

5

Kirkenes (Norway): A Strategic Arctic Gateway

Located at 69.725°N, 30.045°E, Kirkenes is a pivotal Arctic town with a population of around 3,500, covering an area of over 2 square kilometers. Nestled near the Russian border, Kirkenes serves as a vital hub for cross-border trade, transportation, and tourism in the High North. The town's unique landscape harmonizes urban development with natural features such as fjords, forests, and the rugged coastline of the Barents Sea.

As an Arctic community, Kirkenes confronts significant challenges posed by climate change, particularly in managing its urban green spaces and surrounding wilderness. These natural areas are crucial for community resilience and the preservation of Sámi and Indigenous knowledge. They provide essential ecosystem services, acting as natural buffers against the effects of Arctic warming while supporting traditional practices that connect residents to their heritage.

The integration of biocultural heritage into climate adaptation strategies is increasingly recognized as necessary. By blending Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary environmental management practices, Kirkenes has the potential to set a precedent for sustainable urban resilience. This approach not only addresses environmental changes but also reinforces cultural identity, ensuring that the community thrives in the face of evolving Arctic conditions.

Effects of climate change in urban Arctic areas

How can urban planning be shaped by the communities perspective while accounting for climate change adaptation in Arctic? 1. What types of urban places are there? 2. What values & emotions are attached to them? 3. How can those urban places be adapted to climate change? 4. How would the people like to adapt those places

News

ARCA kick-off meeting, 1 June, 2024, Bodø, Norway

Kick-off meeting of the Belmont Forum, Sustainable Science Days, Helsinki, 11 June, 2024.

ARCA Visits Fairbanks, Alaska

In June 2024, George Washington University's ARCA team visited Fairbanks, Alaska, to establish community partnerships and explore local climate adaptation strategies.

Klimathon 2024 "Culture-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation" | Haugesund, 16-17, October, 2024