The Arctic

The Norwegian Arctic includes the archipelago of Svalbard and the Jan Mayen island, and is one of the world´s last wilderness areas and is still relatively untouched. Maintaining it as such is a challenge in an extreme climate, where nature needs a long time to repair damages caused by human intervention, wear and tear and other causes.

From Chomjakovbreen, view north towards Hornsund on Spitsbergen. Photo: Winfried Dallmann

The Norwegian Polar Institute is dedicated to natural scientific research, mapping, and environmental monitoring, and acts as scientific and strategic adviser to the Norwegian Government in polar issues.

Environmental monitoring is key in this process, and the institute runs the enviromental monitoring programme MOSJ. Without the knowledge that this monitoring and research provides, the authorities will not be able to make the right decisions to ensure sustainable development in the Arctic.

The expressed goal of the Norwegian authorities is to manage the Norwegian Arctic in a manner such that it remains one of the best-preserved wilderness areas in the world.

Polar operations in the Arctic

A cruise with RV Lance to the Fram Strait between Greenland and Svalbard in September of 2006. Photo: Sebastian Gerland / Norwegian Polar Institute

The Norwegian Polar Institute has extensive experience with large operations in harsh and challenging conditions both domestically and abroad.

We also offer our services to others, including freight or rental of equipment, rental of our research vessel Lance and facilities for visiting scientists.

Maps More maps

Places and areas

Vulcanic activity at Beerenberg on Jan Mayen in 1970. Photo: Berntsen

If you're looking for info on a specific place, you might want to try our polar place name search.

Environment, climate & management Learn more

Global warming is one of the biggest challenges the world's population is facing. The Arctic climate is important for the global climate, and in recent years major changes have been observed, including decreased ice cover. Climate change will affect both ecosystems and communities in the north.

Through our scientific research, monitoring and counselling, we provide knowledge to the Norwegian Government that helps decision-makers ensure that the Arctic is developed sustainably.

The Barents Sea More on the Barents Sea

Our scientists study the ecosystems and sea ice in the Barents Sea, as well as birds and mammals who spend their lives this area, and our environmental managers were active in the development of the Norwegian Government’s management plan for the Barents Sea.