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Arctic Yearbook 2014
Russia – its knowledge of how to colonize the Northern Sea Route under the conditions of climate
change; Canada – how to inspire self-development of the isolated small Arctic communities; USA –
how to create innovative institutions to share resource rents in the interests of the Arctic people;
Scandic countries – how to transfer remoteness into accessibility by the elements of the Arctic
infrastructure; Arctic island countries of Greenland and Iceland – how to use the energy of the
Arctic sovereignty in new projects for Arctic economic development.
If we compare Arctic and non-Arctic regions we can reveal several distinct differences in the Arctic
human capital. First, Arctic human capital is dependent upon the tacit knowledge of the Arctic
Natives, the wisdom of elders, the art of living with nature for ages peacefully and sustainably.
Second, it is highly connected with resource and land use. Third, it is focused on the art of living on
the edge of the land/sea limit, that is combining coastal zone management knowledge and
innovations with rapid climate change. Fourth, Arctic human capital is a holistic, comprehensive
phenomenon, uniting social and natural knowledge in one common pool. And finally, last but not
least, Arctic human capital is embedded into the vibrant and resilient Arctic communities, with
collaborative role of its veterans, migrant newcomers, and of course responsible local leaders.
If we look at the papers of this year’s Arctic Yearbook authors we can see all these peculiarities of
the Arctic human capital in their agenda, study, and description.
Preface