Communities of practice in the management of an Arctic environment: monitoring knowledge as complementary to scientific knowledge and the precautionary principle?

Abstract

This article engages with knowledge management in governing vulnerable polar areas and tourism. Since the 1870's Svalbard has been a cruise tourism destination. Due to less ice during the summer period, the number of tourists visiting the remote northeast corner of the archipelago has increased significantly and the potential negative impact on this vulnerable natural environment has become an issue. The standard modes of managing these areas have either been to apply the precautionary principle or measures based on scientific evidence. As management models, both principles are however, for a number of reasons contested. This paper argues for a third model, partly practiced based on a form of monitoring knowledge circulating in 'communities of practice' developed over time. This form of knowledge constitute viable expertise for governing and management of the environment-tourism nexus in the areas but needs to be acknowledged as a complementary management platform. The article demonstrates how such monitoring can be done, and suggests some principles for developing monitoring knowledge for administrative and management puposes.2

Tourists and researcher identities: critical considerations of collisions, collaborations and confluences in Svalbard

“…This has bearing on the data and knowledge that then feeds into to environmental policy-making and management approaches. Here, my findings build on those of Nyseth and Viken (2016) and Bets et al (2017), who argue for the inclusion of data gathered from tourist expeditions in environmental decision making. My wider research goes on to critically assess the processes of policy-making and the ways scientific and other knowledges are used when defining environmental management strategies.…”

“…This has consequences for what kinds of knowledge feed into imaginaries of the Arctic environment as a space to visit, reside in and manage. Indeed, what counts as knowledge and who is represented in decisions about how Svalbard's largely 'wild' landmass is managed has been an area of contention and conflict in recent history (Nyseth & Viken 2016). The article tracks examples of how the roles of tourist and researcher can collide and conflict, but more often meet and potentially collaborate.…”

Increasing Shipping in the Arctic and Local Communities’ Engagement: A Case from Longyearbyen on Svalbard

“…The growth in marine tourism is noticeable in both the number of vessels and in the volume of passengers. Despite the 150-year-long marine tourism history on Svalbard (Nyseth and Viken 2015), the development trends show that Svalbard (and the port of Longyearbyen) is approached by ever-larger cruise ships with a capacity for more than 5000 passengers ( Fig. 14.2), but also by a fast-growing pleasure craft sector (Table 14.1).…”

Community perspectives on the environmental impacts of Arctic shipping: Case studies from Russia, Norway and Canada

“…The role of the first factor, the local context, relates to the location, local economy, history and trends of ship traffic. The communities of Solovetsky and Svalbard, for example have a long experience with shipping activities including marine tourism (Maksimova, 2016;Nyseth & Viken, 2015). As a result, both communities have developed knowledge on shipping operations, resulting in the development of local institutional responses such as regulations and guidelines to mitigate the negative impacts.…”