science
Research and Tourism in Svalbard Are Closely Interconnected, Say Researchers
Swedish researchers have examined the relationship between research and tourism in Svalbard, arguing that the activities are closely intertwined and can be seen as two sides of the same coin.
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Many remote places with extreme climates in the Arctic are popular tourist destinations, while also being highly attractive areas for research.
This is especially true for Svalbard, write Swedish researchers in a new article. They argue that research and tourism on the archipelago are very closely linked, with consequences for their respective operations and priorities.
After coal mining was discontinued on the archipelago, tourism and research are to function as the socioeconomic pillars of the Svalbard community.
Research and tourism
The researchers write that both tourists and researchers are drawn to Svalbard by the same desire: to explore the unknown.
Researchers seek new knowledge about climate, nature, and ecosystems, while tourists seek knowledge about the Arctic through powerful experiences in nature.
" The centrality of seeking and using knowledge and experience makes science and tourism deeply intertwined; and as far as exploring goes, could be seen as two sides of the same coin," write the researchers, and add:
" Intricately linked to one another from their earliest days, science and tourism in Svalbard each generate knowledge and experiences for latter-day explorers."
Svalbard as a tourist destination also partly stems from the attention surrounding the early expeditions to Svalbard, such as those conducted by Nansen and Andreé. At the same time, the researchers mention that tourism has also led to research, as some expeditions are funded by tourists.
Thousands of researchers and millions of tourists travel to Svalbard each year to explore the unique archipelago, and these numbers are expected to increase with greater media attention, the researchers state.
Common denominators
It is not only practical matters that link research and tourism together, but also larger structural factors, including geopolitics.
Several countries use research activity and presence in the area as a way to strengthen their influence in the Arctic.
" In this context, activities such as tourism excursions and scientific expeditions of certain states (e.g. China, Norway, Russia) are seen partly as geopolitical strategies to reinforce or expand influence in the region."
Economic considerations also contribute to the connection. Norwegian authorities rely on both research and tourism as alternatives to former mining operations and facilitate activity in both sectors.
Collaboration in practice
Today, researchers and the tourism industry collaborate in several ways:
- Tour guides use research-based knowledge to provide better experiences
- Researchers participate as lecturers or guides
- Tourists contribute to data collection through so-called 'citizen science'
- Both parties share logistics such as transport, equipment, and infrastructure
Still, the tourism industry in Svalbard calls for an even closer bond with the research sector. However, researchers have mixed reactions to this interest. Some see it as a distraction and would like to differentiate themselves from tourists, while others see it as an opportunity for even more exploration, paid work, or free travel, while also being able to communicate their research to a broader audience and influence tourists to care for the environment.
The researchers write that tourism has the most to gain from this relationship, but that research also benefits more than one might think through the infrastructure that tourism helps to maintain.
The future of the Arctic
The researchers believe that this connection must be taken seriously, especially in the work on sustainability in the Arctic.
Political decisions, climate change, and stricter environmental regulations affect both tourism and research, and measures aimed at one sector will have consequences for the other.
"We therefore call for recognition of their interdependence when working towards sustainable Arctic futures," the researchers conclude.
