COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRY
Communities in the North are undergoing rapid change. Global drivers such as climate change, demographics, security policy, and technology are felt directly here—in small local communities, in industries closely tied to the ocean, and in cultures with deep historical roots. As pressures increase, questions of jobs, living conditions, language, and identity become more urgent.
For the Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic, this thematic area is about understanding the whole picture: how can we ensure vibrant communities, rights, and local anchoring while developing ocean industries in a sustainable way?
Through projects, analyses, and meeting arenas, we explore:
- how growing conflicts of interest between industry actors, local communities, and Indigenous peoples affect trust and social cohesion
- how demographic changes—outmigration, ageing, and migration—shape the foundations for settlement and economic activity
- how social sustainability, gender equality, inclusion, and Indigenous and human rights influence development along the coast
- how quota policy, fisheries management, offshore wind, tourism, and the seafood industry affect local communities
- how Sea Sámi and other Indigenous rights and knowledge can be integrated into governance and industry development
Communities and industries are essential to sustainable coexistence at sea. To create value and ensure sound management, people must be able to live, work, and thrive along the coast. This is the very foundation for development in the North—and for ensuring that the ocean remains a sustainable resource in the future.
