The duration of the project “Human Security as a promotional tool for societal security in the Arctic: Addressing Multiple Vulnerability to its Population with Specific Reference to the Barents Region” (HuSArctic) is 1 January 2015–31 December 2018.

The main objective of the project is to address human challenges of the Arctic population from the human security perspectives with a view to develop and understanding of regional societal security. Specific focus will be put on the Barents region as the region is facing numerous human activities, such as mining, tourism, both in-land and offshore oil and gas activities etc.

The research is aimed at bringing added value in the ongoing discussions and dialogues concerning the vulnerability of, as well as adaptation to, the challenges facing the Arctic inhabitants, more particularly its indigenous and local communities. More specifically, the project intends to investigate how and why the concept of human security is applicable to the Arctic region, and amongst the Arctic communities; in which way the challenges facing the Artic population are important to look at from human security perspective; and in what sense the application of the concept is differently envisaged in the Arctic context.

The research will also aim at finding possible ways to enhance the involvement of indigenous communities in decision-making, and allowing them to be consulted and to express their free, prior and informed consent. Special emphasis will be put on the means how other apparent socio-cultural challenges pertaining to health and wellbeing of the Arctic population can be perceived from human security perspective.

Two PhD researchers and a number of post-doc researchers will be employed during the whole process of the project period. The project will have partners from several countries from across the world, such as Sweden, Norway, Russia, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Additional information:

Dr. Kamrul Hossain
Tel. +358 40 484 4281
kamrul.hossain(at)ulapland.fi