The project Sustainable value chains in Nordic coastal communities (NorValue) has investigated the transformation and resilience of selected coastal communities in the Nordic Atlantic (Norway, the Faroes, Iceland, and Greenland) since around the year 2000.
The first report (Hovgaard & Bærenholdt, 2022) uncovered some of the major changes in the industrial and institutional structures in eight selected communities: Nanortalik and Narsaq (GL), Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður (IS), Tvøroyri and Vágur (FO), and Lurøy and Vega (NO). Simply put, the last two decades have witnessed a transformation away from the local fillet factory as the cornerstone of the local economy towards more diverse economic structures. The first report also observed that profound changes have occurred in demography and social composition of these communities. Among these changes are aging populations, gender imbalances, and high relocation patterns, even in places which we may term as economic successful. The resilience of coastal communities’ hinges on diversity and flexibility in their environmental and social organization. Historically, these communities have engaged in international value chains, particularly in marine products, and have been destinations for various forms of migration. This mix of global and local value chains, especially if infrastructures are in place, strengthens their resilience against unexpected challenges.
This, second, report is following up with the case studies in the same communities as the first report, and we decided to title it “Open local communities in the Nordic Atlantic”. The title refers to our recognition that economic diversity is also closely followed by increased mobile practices and a diversification in terms of local identities and place values. In other words, people use, value and deal with places in still more different ways, something that in recent years is made visible by more dynamic migration patterns, e.g. by increased immigration of non-European citizens to many coastal communities who come to seek work, love or experiences. Another development in the same direction is the steadily increasing proportion of second homes seen in many coastal communities. Whether they be vacated or inherited, purchased for their amenity value or for rental purposes, they represent a variation in the local settlement pattern and contribute strongly to openness and diversity. Local communities thus depend on infrastructures, securing their connectivity. But on the other hand, we also find that people in spite of very different backgrounds feel a strong belonging to the very same places. This has policy implications in a number of fields, where municipalities meet new and important challenges they need to cope with. The municipality's central role in Nordic coastal community development is something that continues.
Nordic Atlantic communities are thus in fact not insular or isolated but instead they are composed of people with various backgrounds, including long-term residents, newcomers, second home owners, international migrants, and seasonal workers. The openness of these communities is reflected in their economic activities, which often involve a mix of global and local value chains in activities such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. Overall, open communities that are also resilient are defined by their capacity to embrace diversity and change, leveraging these attributes to build sustainable development. Key aspects of these open communities include: 1) A mix of permanent residents, temporary workers, and visitors, each bringing different perspectives and values. 2) A combination of local and global value chains, allowing the community to adapt to changing conditions. 3) An ability to adapt to economic and environmental change, involving flexible use of natural and human resources. 4) A strong sense of varied place values and belonging among residents, which is central for community cohesion and resilience. 5) A recognition of the contributions of all members to local development, including those with temporary or partial ties to the area. In sum, open local communities in the Nordic Atlantic, though exposed to vulnerable circumstances, can find ways to feel 'in control' through their diversity and coping strategies. However, it remains to be seen how they will cope with increasing vulnerability in the future, including the impacts of climate change.
References
Hovgaard, G. & Bærenholdt, J. O. (Eds.) (2022).
Value Chains and Resilient Coastal Communities in the Nordic Atlantic. TemaNord 2022:555. Nordic Council of Ministers.
https://doi.org/10.6027/temanord2022-555