Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

FINNMARK 2007 EXPEDITION (ARCTIC FRONTLINE)  (ARCTIC FRONTLINE)

Outline
A unique dog-sledding expedition across Finnmark. The objective is to gather information on observable patterns of environmental change as seen by Sami reindeer-herding communities in Northern Norway. Empirical data on early ice thaw and permafrost degradation will be collected and analyzed in relation to reindeer herding and renewable-resource use. Field research will focus on shifts on herd's migration routes to Spring calving grounds and consequently on traditional year-round economic practices. We will be assisting in diverse human activities in the tundra area, especially those relating to reindeer herding and to Sami traditional practices, e.g. slaughter campaigns, outruns, corralling, preparation for the calving season. Relying on Sami ecological knowledge, the overall aim is to enhance visibility of the Sami communities' role and precariousness within the global system in order to contribute to the international efforts to increase human security in the context of climate change. The project will use the IPY platform to communicate polar climate issues to a large general public. Combining natural and social sciences techniques, this cross-disciplinary project is based on both quantitative (use of historical climate modeling maps) and qualitative (participant observation) methods. Such methods look for integrating elements of traditional economic knowledge (TEK) acquired through life experience and adaptation. The choice of which siidas to follow will be crucial for the scientific outcome of the interviews. All siidas have undergone large changes in their herding practices within the past decades due to increased use of snow mobiles and ATVs, as well as a changing economy. The different siidas have also, to a varying degree, changed their landuse and way of herding due to other factors. In order to focus on reindeer herding knowledge in a changing climate, we want to minimize disturbance from other factors. More specifically, we wish to focus on siidas with: - minimal changes in human development and activity (tourism, military activity, industrial development etc.); - minimal changes in other land use practices, e.g. in grazing by sheep; -a stable reindeer herding practice during the past decades, preferrably with the same family groups herding in the area; - no major conflicts with neighboring districts In addition to the fieldwork methods listed above, we will compare today’s herding practices with the handful of existing written sources on reindeer herding practices in Finnmark from the 1950s and onwards (Vorren, 1951 and 1962, Reindriftsnytt from 1966 till today; annual reports from “Lappefogd” reindeer-herding administration, 1978).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
In regards to theme 2, the project will provide a historical analysis of climate change in Finnmark for the last 60 years. In regards to theme 6, the project will: 1. document current Sami knowledge on tundra environmental change 2. investigate cultural mechanisms of human adaptation to climate change, especially in regards to traditional and subsistence economies as reindeer-herding and fishing.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Royal Geographical Society (London) Norwegian Directorate of Education Nordisk Samisk Institut Resource Centre for the Rights of Indigenous People in Finnmark UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues For Advice: Scott Polar Institute (Cambridge) Norwegian Polar Institute Swedish Polar Research Secretariat

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Finnmark, Norway - from the Barents Sea to the Atlantic (Narvik area) approx. 1500 kilometers. Travelling with dog teams (and snowmobiles when approaching reindeer herding communities).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: March 1st 2007 - April 15th 2007            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Helicopter in case of casualty evacuation Sat. Nav. equipment

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No infrastructure but a social network of people and organizations involved in reindeer-herding with a follow-up return journey along the same route in order to measure/assess changes.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
National agency
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Awaiting, expected RGS approval/endorsement/sponsorship March 07 Norwegian Ministry of Education (Indigenous People) assisted SPRS (Sweden) assisted SPI (UK) assisted

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes
New autonomous proposal

How will the project be organised and managed?
Self managed, free standing, developed with the team - guides, scientists, Sami Reindeer Herder/translator, and experts in host country

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
* Field Report for the Royal Geographical Society * Papers in leading interdisciplinary journals from Dr. D. Sabev, I. Vistnes, A. Lindgren * Children's book - Sami, Reindeer and Climate Change * Book on fieldnotes * Expedition diary in national newspaper * Proactive website throughout expedition (www.finnmark2007.com) * Documentary film

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
We are committed to send reports, results, publications, back to the community, through Magne Ove Varsi, and the Resource Centre for Indigenous Peoples, Kautokeino Also, data and project reports will be sent to the following institutions: RGS (London) NPS (Tromso) SPRS (Stockholm) SPI (Cambridge)

How is it proposed to fund the project?
This project is already funded.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Adam Munthe
Finnmark 2007
5 Earls Walk
London
W8 6EP
UK

Tel: 00 44 207 937 0415
Mobile:
Fax: 00 44 207 937 5417
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information