Most recently, the focus on Arctic development has shifted towards the blue economy. In a nutshell, this entails utilising ocean-based resources to the benefit of local communities. Yet, in a preliminary Arktis 2030 project, which examined related development efforts in Alaska and North Norway, a basic problem was identified; namely the limited coordination of knowledge when it comes to challenges and opportunities that arise as the blue potential is explored.

Obvious lessons of relevance concerning resource utilisation and local adaptation are not shared between the various Arctic regions.

Hence, AlaskaNor's key objective is to improve knowledge concerning the blue economy in Alaska and North Norway and in turn enhancing related knowledge among relevant stakeholders and amongst decisions-makers. This will be done by:

• Developing knowledge in four work packages dealing with various aspects of the blue economy (Phase I)
• Synthesising these findings in collaboration with stakeholders in Alaska and North Norway (Phase II)
• Targeting decision-makers in Washington, D.C. and Oslo with policy recommendations (Phase III)
   

Much more information about the project can be found at the AlaskaNor Website.
 

Project period: 2018-2021