Abstract
Global warming is increasing interest in the Arctic on surrounding countries. In the processes taking place, they see developmental opportunities and risks, especially for the environment overburdened by increased human activity. The need to balance socioeconomic development and environmental concerns affects their arctic strategies. An example of a place that undergoes an adaptation process is the Norwegian Svalbard. The article examines changes taking place in the archipelago using both: quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results show that Norway’s arctic strategy underlines the need to balance social, economic and environmental aspects, and the situation in Svalbard corresponds to these demands. Polar tourism and research and education play a key role in the transformation processes taking place in the archipelago. Climate and environmental considerations at the same time increase tourists’ interest in the region and limit tourist traffic. An analysis of its current state indicates that the dominant part of the existing tourist traffic on Svalbard can be considered as ecotourism.
Highlights
The current climate changes and the parallel technological development mean that the areas of the Earth, which have been sidelined so far play an increasingly important role in political, economic and social plans and processes
An analysis of its current state indicates that the dominant part of the existing tourist traffic on Svalbard can be considered as ecotourism
As far as the far north is concerned, this aspect is important because Arctic is inhabited by a number of indigenous peoples who often cultivate traditional lifestyles. This understanding of sustainable tourism is connected with the concept of ecotourism
Summary
The current climate changes and the parallel technological development mean that the areas of the Earth, which have been sidelined so far play an increasingly important role in political, economic and social plans and processes. As far as the far north is concerned, this aspect is important because Arctic is inhabited by a number of indigenous peoples who often cultivate traditional lifestyles This understanding of sustainable tourism is connected with the concept of ecotourism. In parallel to extending Norwegian sovereignty towards the pole, it was necessary to strengthen it initially through a political act and military presence, over time through use and development It does not matter whether the distant northern areas of mainland Norway (e.g., Finnmark), the island of Jan Mayen or the Svalbard archipelago are concerned. Neither the high price nor the rejection of the 3 S rule yet decides that the tourists coming to the archipelago can be described as ecotourists
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