Study title

Arctic peoples are experiencing rapid changes in climatic, ecological, societal and economic conditions. Prior to the CAVIAR project, the ways in which communities are sensitive and the processes of adaptation to these changes were not well documented or systematically compared across the Arctic. CAVIAR provided a deeper understanding of the conditions that affect communities, now and in the future, which is an important step towards the development of adaptive management strategies and policies. Integrating local and indigenous knowledge with scientific knowledge, and comparing lessons among communities, is vital to understanding how Arctic peoples can better deal with changing conditions. CAVIAR provides a framework for consistent assessments and means for comparing findings among communities across the Arctic. In the Norwegian case study sites, particularly fisheries and municipal planning have been highlighted as relevant focus areas in current and future vulnerability and adaptation analysis. The results indicate that the fisheries sector places greater emphasis on management than on climate change as a factor affecting future vulnerability. The results show that there are 3 areas, and their interactions, which particularly concern the fisheries sector: 1) changes in water temperature and species composition, 2) management and regulation of species, vessels and quotas, and 3) socio-economic factors such as markets change. The results from the Russian study areas show a local concern about an increased unpredictability of the weather in addition to a general warming. The changes affect access and quality of reindeer pastures and leads to overgrazing and loss of newborn calves. Climate change strengthens the ongoing social changes and reindeer herders are generally pessimistic towards the future of the business.