Safety and security are a prerequisite for the growth and welfare of the Arctic communities and for viable and sustainable commercial activities in the region. The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Safety and Security addresses the risks of operating in the Arctic and ways to prevent incidents that may represent a threat to human life and health, the environment, values and welfare of the social communities in the Arctic. Cross-border cooperation and optimal use of the preparedness resources of the Arctic countries are highlighted. The Thematic Network includes two sub-groups, one on Tourism Safety and the other on Emergency Preparedness.
The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Safety and Security facilitates joint multidisciplinary research and education addressing the emergency preparedness, prevention and response in the Arctic. The overall goal of the UArctic Thematic Network is to generate and share knowledge that may mitigate the risk of accidents and major threats to life, environment values and communities.
The Thematic Network includes two sub-groups, one on Tourism Safety and the other on Emergency Preparedness.
Firstly, the network will emphasize the responsibility of the various actors within the emergency preparedness in the Arctic, and raise risk and safety awareness among both commercial players, local communities and governments. Safety and security are a prerequisite for the growth and welfare of the Arctic communities and for viable and sustainable commercial activities in the region.
Secondly, we will contribute to emergency preparedness competence. Climate change and commercial activity in the northern territories and sea areas increase risks to human life and health, the environment, values of the local communities and changes competence demands in the Arctic.
Thirdly, the network will contribute to international cooperation among the Arctic countries on these issues. The network will relate to international organizations and forums as well as representatives of the indigenous organizations of the Arctic.
The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Safety and Security
- Facilitates and monitors joint projects and initiatives of TN member institutions, aimed to meet safety and security challenges in the Arctic and enhance future capability to be resilient to different types of crises
- Facilitates development of joint emergency management collaborative exercises within emergency management for students, young professionals, and novices in the Arctic
- Contributes to and organizes joint exercises with emergency preparedness organisations
- Facilitates collaborative, cross-disciplinary, practice-based research on safety, security and emergency management and preparedness.
- Develops cooperation on the development and implementation of educational programs both for practitioners and academics, as well as training and exercise schemes aimed at safety and soft security.
- Creates meeting places and facilitates knowledge sharing between the industry, the academia and the professionals within the preparedness system of the Arctic region.
- Stimulates cooperation on search and rescue, and protection of people, environment and society.
- Engages with international forums such as the Arctic Council’s Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) working group and the Arctic Coast Guard Forum.
- Provides opportunities for student exchange, practitioner mobility as well as faculty mobility among network partners, in order to strengthen knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
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Video interview: Odd Jarl Borch, former Lead of the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Safety and Security
