• The primary objective is to compile stakeholders' knowledge and perspectives on the scientific information about the development of the Arctic as well as increase awareness about the Arctic and its changing political, economic and environmental landscape, and the impact of EU policies. The objective enhances the use of impact assessment and its importance as a tool and a channel to put together information for the use of decision- and policy-makers and the related legal processes.
• The secondary objective is to test the effectiveness and sustainability of the network of leading communication and research centres as the basis of a possible future European Arctic Information Centre aiming at facilitating information exchange between the EU institutions, Arctic stakeholders and the general public.

The aim of the Preparatory Action project is to create an efficient application of science-based information and its fulfillment with views and perspectives of stakeholders both inside and outside of the Arctic. The work is based on the wide participation of leading communication and research centres as well as the direct involvement of the EU policy- and decision makers, regional and local stakeholders in the project processes. This project provides an opportunity to:

• Increase awareness, understanding and knowledge about the Arctic and its changing political, socio-economic and environmental landscape
• Comprehend the impact of the EU policies on the future of the Arctic region
• Participate in and benefit from multidimensional dialogue and information exchange between the EU and civil society
• Test the effectiveness and sustainability of the network and assess the European Union Arctic Information Centre initiative

The aim of the project is to establish dialogues and a true application of information and knowledge for sustainable development in the Arctic. This is achieved by identifying and accumulating relevant high quality scientific information and data in applicable formats and by securing stakeholders' ownership and inclusion in the project. Therefore the aim is to bridge Arctic knowledge into action.

The feasibility of this approach can be tested and demonstrated by implementing an integrated impact assessment through a consultancy process based on a compilation and integration of already existing information and data. The project will identify the users' needs, assess if scientific and policy information is relevant and legitimate for its users, and if not, recommend how to improve the processes in order to produce the required information.

Efficient use of information is central for the implementation of sustainable development. By distributing the information efficiently and engaging different interest groups in the production of knowledge, the knowledge base of decisions can be enhanced. At the same time awareness, understanding and trust towards different perspectives and values is increased, which can also increase the acceptance of certain decisions.

This project is not aiming at new research. Instead, the goal is to compile the existing latest information related to impacts on development in the Arctic into popularized formats, use it in consultation meetings and prepare reports from the results of the consultations followed by recommendations.

The project is carried out by a network of 19 leading Arctic research and communication centres and universities led by Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland.

The operational core of the project is Implementation Group (IG) of 4 experts (Project Leader, Senior Communication Expert, Senior Impact Assessment Expert, Project Manager) serving as the ultimate decision-making body at the executive level. Each expert is responsible for a separate Work Package and Team assigned:

WP 1 EU Arctic Information Centre Feasibility Study – Project Leader
WP 2 Impact Assessment Process – Senior Impact Assessment Expert
WP 3 Outreach & Communication – Senior Communication Expert
WP 4 Project Management – Project Manager

Implementation Group is supported by Steering Group (SG) that monitors the implementation of the project plan and controls the operation in accordance with the Service Contract. SG ensures the availability of broad expertise and therefore contributes to the overall success and high quality of the intervention.

The organization chart shows the structure of the project.

Steering Group 

Project Leader

Paula Kankaanpää
Director, Professor
Tel. +358 40 777 7825
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Senior Impact Assessment Expert

Timo Koivurova
Research Professor
Tel. +358 40 551 9522
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Assessment Expert

Adam Stepien
Assessment Expert
Tel. +358 40 484 4298
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Senior Communication Expert

Halldór Jóhannsson
Director
Tel. +354 461 2800
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Project Manager

Kamil Jagodzinski
Project manager
Tel. +358 40 039 1337
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