Rich local knowledge despite high transience in an Arctic community experiencing rapid environmental change

This study investigates whether rich local knowledge can be gathered in a transient Arctic community experiencing rapid environmental change. Using community science methods (Maptionnaire survey, focus groups, interviews, cognitive mapping) in Svalbard, the researchers found that despite high population transience, rich local knowledge on environmental changes was obtained. This knowledge complements environmental monitoring and enhances its local relevance. Strong place attachment, fostered by work and recreational outdoor experiences, enabled environmental knowledge generation even among transient residents. The study concludes that transience does not preclude valuable local knowledge that enriches scientific understanding.

Ann Eileen Lennert, René van der Wal, Jasmine Zhang, Vera Helene Hausner, Francisco Javier Ancin Murguzur, Martin W. Miles