Varangerfjord – Resilience and innovation on the fringes of the European Arctic

Varangerfjord hub sitting on the Norway-Russia-Finland tri-border, at first glance may appear as a remote and unassuming region on the fringes of the European Arctic. However, as Touch TD found out during our field visits and seminar discussions, the region is host to a vibrant ecosystem of adaptation and innovation set amidst increasing competition for resources and livelihood spaces across the fjord area. Blending experiences from researchers, community stakeholders, local businesses and entrepreneurs, the ArcticHubs project has unearthed multiple points of collaboration and contestation. What became rapidly apparent was an ongoing need for maintaining open dialogues and finding different ways of sharing perspectives and ideas.

Collaboration and dialogue

The importance of continual interaction and maintaining pathways for discussion between different actors in the region was most strongly exemplified by the relationship between overlapping aquaculture and more traditional fishing interests. While both operate in the same fjord, reaching jointly accepted solutions requires long-term exchanges and the utilisation of various alternative platforms or approaches. On-site visits by the ArcticHubs researchers to the different companies and facilities in the Varangerfjord hub highlighted the local, national, and global influences on different business and management practices.

The Russian connection

Exchanges during the seminar talks, emphasised the long-standing relationship between the Varangerfjord communities and Russia, particularly Murmansk oblast. With the border located just 8km away, generations of collaboration have fostered trust and confidence. However, recent policy changes and actions in the Kremlin have severely tested this relationship. In turn this has led to increasing restrictions on movement and significant local job losses, notably at the Kimek ship repair works.

Despite these challenges, the seminar showcased a mood of quiet optimism and determination among participants. Adaptations and innovations in existing livelihoods, such as the successful management and high-end branding of King crab resources, were highlighted. Additionally, alternative business options, such as the ICE Kirkenes festival, demonstrated the region’s alternative focus on innovation, community, and entrepreneurship. Based in former Hospital building, the organisation has placed an emphasis on education, dialogue, and exchange. In this manner, the ICE festival outlined how it is working to attract younger individuals to the Varangerfjord region and move to address the persistent demographic of a decreasing and ageing population.

Resilience in the face of climate change

The Varangerfjord hub’s increased visibility, even with potentially negative stories, has placed it firmly on the map. A combination of indigenous knowledge, new products, connections with education, technology, and research has led to energetic responses and solutions build against the backdrop of ongoing climate change.  This resilience is crucial for the sustainable coexistence of nature-based industries in the Arctic

If you are also interested in the topic of Arctic livelihoods, please don’t hesitate to email jonathan@touchtd.com OR julie@touchtd.com