25 March 2025 | 13:30 - 15:30 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: UMC Second Floor - 247
Organisers: Sandy Starkweather (University of Colorado - CIRES/NOAA, USA); Heikki Lihavainen (Svalbard Integrated Observing System, Norway); Daniel Lyberth Hauptman (Arctic Hub in Greenland, Greenland)
Session Description:
Addressing systemic challenges in Arctic data collection and sharing capabilities calls for coordinated and equitable approaches, leveraging capabilities across scales from local to global. Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks initiated the Arctic Roadmap for Observing and Data Systems (Arctic ROADS) to facilitate coordinated planning across multiple ‘centers of action’; it outlined a four-phase planning process and identified guiding principles and useful tools to support planning. Arctic ROADS is rooted in concepts like equitable engagement of Arctic Indigenous peoples and generating broadly shared benefits. This session invites contributions from those piloting the Arctic ROADS process to share their progress and experiences, as well as those with useful concepts, tools and reflections to contribute to the growing Arctic ROADS concept.
Oral Presentations:
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unfold_moreGreenland’s Arctic Hub as a place-based approach to research roadmapping — Daniel Lyberth Hauptmann
Daniel Lyberth Hauptmann 1
1 Arctic Hub, GreenlandFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
In an era of unprecedented environmental change, effective Arctic observation and data systems are critical for informed decision-making. This session, addresses the collaborative development of a comprehensive roadmap for Arctic observing and data systems that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, including researchers, indigenous communities, policymakers, and industry representatives.
The Greenlandic perspective, as presented by Arctic Hub, highlights the significance of inclusive and place-based approaches in Roadmap process. Greenland's unique geographic, cultural, and environmental characteristics provide insight into a community which is supported by their own government and local strategies. Arctic Hub will in this session explore ways to enhance collaboration, science accessibility, and sharing of knowledge, ensuring that observing systems are adapted to local contexts and indigenous knowledge systems are integrated into broader Arctic data infrastructures.
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unfold_moreSatellite-based information for motivating community-based observations — Mikko Strahlendorff
Mikko Strahlendorff 1
1 Finnish Meteorological Institute, Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks, Euro-Argo, EU Earth Observation program Copernicus, Arctic GEOSSFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Work towards a Wildfire Shared Arctic Variable revealed how motivation for local/indigenous observing will be challenging. Dry summer conditions are usually short in a year in the Arctic. On the other hand to observe/predict soil and vegetation moisture well, needs mastering the wet end of the spectrum. Social media and mobile apps have shown that succesful apps lure user communities often to their apps to keep a steady usage. For soil and vegetation moisture interest, wildfire and terrain trafficability topics must be tackled simultaneously and snow/ice related winter conditions as well. For the tool to really be attractive it must help the observers in their daily life. This can be done by showing current and forecasting upcoming conditions for trafficability in the observers surroundings. Weather prediction and Earth Observation satellite observations enable trafficability estimates. With local observers, we tune information to be accurate enough for real use. An information service combined to local observing feedback would guarantee all-year usage and observing to be a continuous activity for app users. This app is being developed in two different projects. Summer conditions in a targeted Finnish foreign ministry supported project and winter within EU Horizon Europe Cryo-Scope, developing earth system modelling with in-situ and EO for snow and inland-ice issues.
Is there a general concept to be expanded outside of trafficability and wildfire applications? Satellite obs are even at 10m resolution still sparse and fuzzy compared to reality, so maybe coordinating how satellite obs can be combined with local feedback is something for iCARP to replicate in its many research topics.
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unfold_moreIndigenous Engagement Guidance for Arctic ROADS — Margaret Rudolf
Margaret Rudolf 1; Lauren Divine 2
1 International Arctic Research Center; 2 Aleut Community of St. Paul IslandFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The Indigenous experts of the Arctic ROADS Advisory Panel have been developing Indigenous Engagement Guidance documents. The goal of this presentation is to present the three documents for broader use and gain feedback on them. The purpose of these documents is for reference for those engaging in Arctic ROADS thematic expert panels and the broader Arctic observing community. The first principle of Arctic ROADS is "Indigenous Peoples’ equitable partnership and funding for their active participation is critical to Arctic ROADS." The first document is Indigenous Contexts of SAON's Arctic Roads, which overviews the Indigenous participation in developing Arctic ROADS and Indigenous review processes. The second document, Indigenous Protocols, Methodologies, and Practices, contains key concepts and references to relevant academic literature and research protocols from Indigenous Peoples. The third document is Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge Systems, which again reviews key concepts and references relevant Indigenous Peoples definitions and research ethics. These documents aim to support Arctic researchers in developing meaningful partnerships with Arctic Indigenous Peoples.
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unfold_moreRNA CoObs as an incubator for salmon and wildfire expert panels — Emily Lescak
Emily Lescak 1; Hajo Eicken 1; Harmony Wayner 1; Chris Waigl 1; Maggie Klope 2; Matt Jones 2; Sandy Starkweather 3; Margaret Rudolf 1
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks; 2 National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis; 3 CIRES/CU Boulder and NOAAFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Research Networking Activity for Sustained Coordinated Observations of Arctic Change (RNA CoObs) is a U.S.-based project supporting implementation of the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Arctic Roadmap for Observing and Data Systems (Arctic ROADS). We create connections between people and organizations focused on Arctic observing, with the goals of advancing progress under Arctic ROADS, fostering capacity exchange, and supporting equity in observing initiatives through co-production. We support the development of salmon and wildfire expert panels and the design of a knowledge portal to aid the salmon panel in decision making and communicating recommendations with funders, policymakers, and communities. CoObs and other networking activities are important for supporting facilitators and connecting them with potential panel members. From our experiences establishing the panels and hosting a workshop to inform the knowledge portal, we understand the need to meet expert panel members on their home ground and clearly articulate the value proposition of this process. Panel members are motivated by the prospect of a convening space that balances power dynamics and brings together people with different knowledge systems. Other sources of value include the ability to better support monitoring systems and access to new collaborations and funding opportunities. CoObs points to the importance of building flexibility into the Arctic ROADS processes. Crucial to panel conveners and members are example documentation, the ability to tailor communication, and knowledge about the context of the communities with whom they are looking to partner.
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unfold_moreBuilding Relationships and Establishing Process: Opportunities and Challenges within SAON Arctic ROADS - Harmful Algal Blooms Expert Panel — Nicholas Parlato
Nicholas Parlato 1; Hanna Hellen 2; Lauren Divine 2; Margaret Rudolf 3
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks; 2 Aleut Community of St. Paul Island; 3 International Arctic Research CenterFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have recently gained attention as their frequency and severity across Alaska’s coasts have increased under rapidly changing climate conditions. HABs have been identified as an area of interest for shared Arctic or essential variables in global Arctic monitoring and research. The Aleut Community of St. Paul Island (ACSPI) has begun to build relationships to leverage existing knowledge and experience regarding HABs monitoring and research among Tribal representatives and leaders towards coastal resilience, food sovereignty, and Indigenous-led stewardship. Through in person and virtual gatherings with representatives of Tribal governments and Tribal organizations, the Harmful Algal Blooms Expert Panel (HABs EP) has been taking shape over the last two years. The overarching goal for the HABs EP is to understand the research, monitoring, and communication requirements for community resilience to HABs events. Subsistence harvesters and consumers, managers, decision-makers, other rights and stakeholders, and the general public have identified the need for a united voice regarding HABs prevention; rapid response to maximize human and wildlife safety; communication and messaging; and clear and consistent policies, protocols and procedures. For this presentation, we will discuss the complex process of relationship-building; questions of inclusion and exclusion of non-Tribal stakeholders and HABs experts; difficulties and opportunities posed by the novelty of Arctic HABs; and challenges in communication and agenda-setting for the EP. Our contributions will help to clarify how to develop shared goals and strategies for monitoring and research variables within the Arctic ROADS process, and the tensions and synergies among research, information exchange, and management and policy interventions.
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unfold_moreDefining Shared Arctic Variables for Permafrost: A Collaborative Approach Guided by the ROADS Process — Ilkka Matero
Ilkka Matero 1; Heikki Lihavainen 2; Jan Rene Larsen 3; Mikko Strahlendorff 4; Katriina Veijola 4
1 Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System - SIOS; 2 SIOS-KC; 3 AMAP; 4 Finnish Meteorological InstituteFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Permafrost is a critical component of the Arctic environment, with its changes influencing ecosystems, infrastructure, and global climate systems. The definition of Shared Arctic Variables (SAVs) for permafrost is a step toward improving the coordination of Arctic observations and addressing diverse needs across scientific disciplines, indigenous communities, and policy stakeholders. This work follows the ROADS (Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems) process established by the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) initiative, which emphasizes inclusivity, transparency, and co-production of knowledge. An expert panel, consisting of scientists, local Arctic stakeholders, and indigenous representatives, is working on defining key variables that are critical to permafrost monitoring and forecasting. Potential SAVs that are under discussion include measurements of permafrost temperature, active layer thickness, ground ice content, and human health-related indicators.
By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the SAV process aims to enhance knowledge-sharing of observational needs, data harmonization, and infrastructure improvements. This process ensures that the defined SAVs provide benefits for diverse Arctic communities and support long-term sustainability goals. The outcome will support not only scientific research but also community resilience and policy development, ensuring that monitoring of permafrost can contribute meaningfully to local decision-making processes. The development of these SAVs will serve as a model for future SAVs and will demonstrate the importance of participatory governance and integrating indigenous knowledge in shaping future Arctic observing systems.
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unfold_moreThe Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (Arctic ROADS): Progress and collaboration with ArcticPASSION and RNA CoObs — Jan Rene Larsen
Jan Rene Larsen 1; Heikki Lihavainen 2; Lauren Divine 3; Margaret Rudolf 4; Sandy Starkweather 5
1 Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Secretariat, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat; 2 SIOS, Svalbard; 3 Aleut International Association; 4 University of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA; 5 University of Colorado, Boulder, USAFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) is an international body made up of Arctic and non-Arctic national representatives, Indigenous peoples organizations, Arctic Council Working Groups, and regional and global organizations. Its purpose is to facilitate improvements to Arctic observing and data systems.
The SAON Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (Arctic ROADS) is a process asking “How do we develop sustained and impactful observing and data sharing plans in an Arctic context"? Arctic ROADS takes a step back and starts with who do we need to include to achieve a Roadmap and why do we need certain information? Outcomes include the development of Shared Arctic Variables, developed through a process of co-design and sustained partnerships, inspired by an intersection of interests related to how observations will be used in support of broadly shared societal benefit.
The ROADS process was first described in Starkweather et al (2021) and the presentation will cover progress with a focus on collaboration with the EU-funded project ArcticPASSION and
Research Networking Activities for Sustained Coordinated Observations of Arctic Change (RNA CoObs). -
unfold_morePiloting, Pain, and Progress: Advancing the Sea Ice Expert Panel — Talia Wells
Talia Wells 1; Maribeth Murray 1; Jackie Dawson 2; Jeremy Wilkinson 3; Chantelle Verhey 4; Cecilia Bitz 5; Peter Pulsifer 4
1 Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary; 2 University of Ottawa; 3 British Antarctic Survey; 4 Carleton University; 5 University of WashingtonFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The Sea Ice Expert Panel (EP) was created and called to action by Arctic PASSION with the intention of co-creating a joint European-Canadian effort to pilot the SAON ROADS Shared Arctic Variable process. The panel is focusing on the Baffin Bay region – a region fundamentally shaped by its ice-covered landscapes. Its jurisdiction is shaped and shared by Inuit in Canada and Greenland, and by the governments of Canada, Greenland, and Denmark. Sea ice serves as a critical platform for ecosystems, traditional travel routes, and Indigenous subsistence activities. However, rapid sea ice variability and decline over recent decades have profoundly altered the Arctic landscape, introducing risks, challenges, and opportunities for Arctic communities, international stakeholders, and ecological systems. The objective of this research is to facilitate continued and coordinated monitoring of sea ice change in Baffin Bay. The region, spanning from Ellesmere Island to Nunatsiavut, is notable for its extensive political, economic, and cultural ties between Canadian and Greenlandic communities. This group has taken a unique approach in its pilot efforts, assembling a Steering Committee (SC). The SC is responsible for initiating the process, conducting a review on the status of observing efforts in the Baffin Bay region, securing funding, and nominating, assembling, and providing ongoing support to the Expert Panel. The Expert Panel is made up of sea ice specialists from Canada and Greenland, comprising individuals from Indigenous communities and organizations, academia, industry, government, and regulatory bodies.