MILJØ2015-Norsk miljøforskning mot 2015

The project VEGA 2045 will address three important and inter-connected environmental challenges related to on-going developments along coastal areas in general, and along the coast of North Norway in particular. Firstly, there is the challenge of establis hing ways of conserving biodiversity and biological resources for the future; secondly to sustain cultural heritage; and thirdly, to secure employment and income in ways that are ecologically and economically sustainable. Through the main elements of inte grated modelling and scenario building, VEGA 2045 aims at elaborating inter-disciplinary methodology in order to contribute with research knowledge to deal adequately with the complex, inter-related and multi-dimensional challenges. The project involves r esearchers and integrates elements from social, cultural as well as natural sciences. Through inventive elaborations and application of a narrative analysis, VEGA 2045 will take seriously the need to understand and adequately integrate local knowledge wit h the various types of research knowledge. The specific focus of the project is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Vega archipelago. Vega provides a case that illustrates well all of the three mentioned environmental challenges. Furthermore, it has a w ealth of existing information on various aspects that allows rapid progress towards the integration ambitions of the project. Besides, Vega is in great need for an integrated approach to future management. Key components of the Vega identity are its compr ehensive natural and cultural heritage values with rare and distinctive biotypes and geology, remnants of prehistoric settlement, rich later cultural heritage environments and a unique history of a frugal way of life based on fishing, agriculture, egg-col lection and eider down production. VEGA 2045 aims at elaborating new empirical insights as well as contribute to epistemology to meet the environment challenges and the need for a sustainable development.