Climate change and mass tourism threaten fragile ecosystems and Sámi ways of life in the Arctic. Can legal frameworks help protect both nature and culture?
The Arctic is changing faster than almost anywhere else on the planet. Melting ice, shifting habitats, and increasing human pressure from mass tourism are reshaping landscapes that for centuries have sustained both wildlife and Indigenous Sámi communities. National Parks in Norway, Sweden, and Finland—long seen as sanctuaries of nature—are now at the frontlines of these pressures.
This seminar brings together researchers, practitioners, and community voices to explore what’s at stake and what solutions might be within reach.
Key questions:
- How can law adapt quickly enough to address the accelerating impacts of climate change in the Arctic?
- What role should legal frameworks play in balancing tourism growth with the protection of fragile ecosystems?
- How can Sámi rights and livelihoods be safeguarded when economic, cultural, and ecological pressures collide?
This event is co-hosted by NordForsk, Fridtjof Nansen Institute and Nordregio
About Arctic Frontiers:
The Arctic Frontiers Administration has, since 2007, organized the annual Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, which gathers scientists, businesses, policymakers and representative of local and indigenous peoples for holistic discussions about the future of the Arctic region. Additionally, the organization hosts year-round activities, including Arctic Frontiers Abroad events, Arctic Frontiers Open events for the public and Arctic Frontiers Young events for the future generation of Arctic leaders between 5-35 years old.
Arctic Frontiers works closely with partner networks to provide knowledge-based and up-to-date perspectives on Arctic issues. The competence and interdisciplinarity of the partner networks are unique in both national and international contexts.
Arctic Frontiers AS is a non-profit limited liability company 100% owned by Akvaplan-niva and is part of the NIVA group.
