Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

“Map of Arctic People”  (MAP)

Outline
The project has been set up to study the culture and lifestyles of peoples living in the Arctic and subarctic regions and to help establish lasting relations based on reciprocal cultural exchanges. The purpose of this Project will be the creation of a common digital database concerning polar scientific and policy issues, organized like a kind of map in which geographical data will be integrated with scientific, human and social information concerning arctic people and where the concept of Arctic is defined not only from the geographical viewpoint but especially in its essence as the cultural backbone of the peoples who inhabit those regions. In order to consult the digital database, is envisioned the realisation of a GIS cartography tool (available in various languages), to be consulted as a technical and pedagogical innovative tool for the treatment of the topic. The chief goal is to protect cultural traditions that still remain by carring out projects of cooperation to support native communities, promoting ecosustainable tourism and supporting local economy, especially in more uncomfortable villages, through equitable commerce. The project analyses social problems, school education, linguistic question and other current cultural human process in order to understand and to cooperate as well as possible with this still unknown realities. Activities will be divided in two sectors – field work and archive work (which will consist in gathering bibliographic information, archival sources, artistic handicrafts, documents on paper or otherwise). To collect the necessary data for the creation of the database will be realized different expeditions in the areas identified as ethno-historically interesting and, by applying methods of visual anthropology and direct experience, will be produced meaningful reports aimed at spreading the knowledge of Arctic peoples througth the realization of travelling exhibition.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
As correspond with one of the IPY research themes, one of the major MAP’s objectives is to investigate the cultural, historical, and social processes that shape the sustainability of circumpolar human societies, and to identify their unique contributions to global cultural diversity and citizenship, which will lead to the creation of datasets on the changing conditions of circumpolar human societies. This objective is pursuited through the use of new technological and logistical tool, such as the GIS technology, which aims at leaving a legacy of new observational systems for monitoring peoples living conditions in the Arctic. To make major advances in knowledge and understanding of the arctic peoples and of the arctic region all over the world are foresawn action on education, outreach and communication of the project’s results.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The international project’s partners are: - Arctic Portal; Skipagata 12, p.o.box 170 602 Akureyri, Iceland - Nanortalik Museum; Kiffat Aqqutaa B 21, P.O. Box 118, 3922 – Nanortalik - Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera); 3, University Emb., St.-Petersburg 199034 RUSSIA

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
1. Documentation and research expedition about ancient arctic hunters’ life at Svalbard Islands; 2. Documentation and research expedition about Nenets’life in Siberia; 3. Documentation and research expedition about East-Greenland Inuit’s life, District of Ammassalik, East-Greenland.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Svalbard: 05/07 – 05/07       Siberia: 11/07 – 12/07      Greenland: 01/08 – 01/08
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project foresee the creation of a small research station in Tasiilaq, District of Ammassalik – East Greenland.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - The project is realized in collaboration with: - the Municipality of Fermo; - the Italian CNR-Polarnet; - the University of Siena; - Perigeo ONLUS Association.

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?
No

The Research Project “Map of Arctic People” has been conceived by the Director of the Polar Geographic Institute “S.Zavatti”, in callaboration with the Town Hall of Fermo and the CNR-Polarnet, and has been presented to the scientific world during the 1st National Arctic Meeting “Italy through the North Pole: the research Project ‘Map of Arctic People’”, which took place in Fermo in 2003.

How will the project be organised and managed?
- Project leader: Gianluca Frinchillucci, Director of the Polar Geographic Institute “S.Zavatti” of Fermo. - Project managment: Town Hall of Fermo - Polar Geographic Institute “S.Zavatti” of Fermo. - Scientific consultancy: CNR-Polarnet; University of Siena - Freelancers and indipendent researchers: Perigeo ONLUS Association; Indipendent Researchers of “Map of Arctic People” Project. - Partners: Arctic Portal; Nanortalik Museum; Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera)

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The spread of arctic peoples knowledge and Arctic issues in general will be pursued through: - the realization, during the expeditions, of professional reports and documentary videos to be used for educational aims at local, national and international level; - the realization of photographic travelling exhibitions; - the realization of a digital database (available in various languages) concerning arctic indigenous peoples, to be structured with GIS cartography, to be consulted as a technical and pedagogical tool for the treatment of the topic; - the realization of a web site related to the project and its activities, which will represent the starting point for the creation of an international network about arctic policy and scientific issues.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data management will be addressed with GIS technology, and will be summarised in a web site.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The Municipality of Fermo is the principal sponsor. A financial contribution is provided also by the Perigeo ONLUS Association.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Gianluca Frinchillucci
Town Hall of Fermo - Polar Geographic Institute “S.Zavatti”
Villa Vitali, Viale Trento n.29, 63023 – Fermo(AP)
Via del Castello n.5, 62020 - Sant’Angelo In Pontano (MC)

Italy

Tel: 39.0734.226166
Mobile: no
Fax: +39.0734.226166
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation