The Arctic Cooperation Programme of the Nordic Council of Ministers will open up its call for project applications for financial support in 2016 in November 2015 – both to new project proposals as well as for the continuation of existing projects.
The objective of the Arctic Cooperation Programme is to support projects, processes and initiatives that promote sustainable development in the Arctic and benefit the people of the Arctic under the conditions generated by globalization and climate change.
The Arctic stands on the threshold of major change which will affect Arctic societies in general and its populations in a number of important areas. Consequently, the Nordic Council of Ministers' Arctic Cooperation Program for 2015-2017 has a "people first" approach with a focus on contributing in concrete ways to explore new paths and possibilities for the populations in the Arctic region in a changing environment. The Arctic Cooperation Program is designed to help collate and coordinate the work relating to the Arctic within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers and its institutions. Within the overall objectives and focus areas introduced below, the following will be prioritized in the period 2015-17:
- Activities that include Arctic and Nordic involvement and are within the framework of the objectives focus areas and criteria set by the Arctic Cooperation Program.
- Activities that follow up on and disseminate the results from Nordic initiatives concerning the Arctic, including results from the Arctic Cooperation Program.
- Activities that are in line with current political priorities, including those of the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Arctic Council and of the respective Arctic strategies of the Arctic states.
The Arctic Cooperation Program each year allocates app. 6 mio. DKK (app. 875,000 USD and app. 804,100 euros) for projects followed by a call for proposals. The call for proposals for funds in 2016 will be announced on November 16th 2015 immediately after the budget for the Nordic cooperation has been approved by the Nordic Council at its session on 26th-30th October. There will be a deadline 8 weeks later.
Read more about the Arctic Cooperation Program and the process for the call for proposals here.
Areas of cooperation
There are four areas of cooperation in the Nordic Council of Ministers' Arctic Co-operation Programme 2015-2017:
People
In response to the challenges posed by urbanisation and lifestyle changes in the Arctic, the Programme seeks to support initiatives aimed at devising constructive solutions to challenges relating to demographics, settlement patterns, town planning and transport. The changes affect women and men differently, and gender equality is a prerequisite for the development of a sustainable society. The Programme supports approaches that ensure access to traditional food, guarantee food and water security, and promote public health. It pays particular attention to protecting the way of life of the indigenous peoples, to facilitating adaptation to the new conditions caused by climate change and globalisation and to exploring new economic opportunities. The Programme funds initiatives that build cultural and social capital among the people of the Arctic, as well as initiatives that support children and young people’s participation in, and influence on, society. The Programme adopts an inter-agency approach and seeks to bring together and co-ordinate all of the work done on Arctic issues by the Nordic Council of Ministers and its various institutions and working groups.
Sustainable economic development
The Programme seeks to promote sustainable economic development, provide support for potential new circumpolar business opportunities and address challenges related to increased economic activity and a more diverse economy. It aims to support the sustainable use of natural resources, innovation and green growth, e.g. in shipping, maritime safety, fisheries, tourism and renewable energy. Interaction between business and the community, e.g. through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is of vital importance.
Environment, nature and climate
The Programme promotes initiatives that counteract environmental changes caused by human activity both in and beyond the Arctic, as well as initiatives that seek to preserve the unique natural environment and biodiversity of the region. It supports initiatives that enhance knowledge of the environmental challenges faced in the Arctic, and that address what can be done at local and regional level to stop the destruction of the region’s environment, nature and seas. The impact of global climate change is particularly severe in the Arctic. As a result, the Programme supports initiatives that generate and spread knowledge of the causes of climate change and its effects in the region. It supports initiatives designed to devise adaptation strategies and determine what can be done at local and regional level to curb the negative effects of global warming, greenhouse-gas emissions and pollution.
Education and skills enhancement
The Programme supports initiatives that promote education and skills enhancement, including at grassroots level and through Arctic-based organisations. This includes improving learning networks and fostering the competences needed to participate in democratic processes at local, regional and international level; developing competences and building capacity in local and regional governance; developing local competences in information and communication technology (ICT) and other initiatives designed to help the people of the Arctic develop a sustainable society.