Call for Abstracts for the Session "Sustainable Solid Waste Management in the Arctic: Governance, Innovation, and Local Solutions"
The Thematic Network on Local-scale Planning for Climate Resilience invites abstracts for the session titled "Sustainable Solid Waste Management in the Arctic: Governance, Innovation, and Local Solutions" to be held at the UArctic Congress on May 2026, in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
Session (48): "Sustainable Solid Waste Management in the Arctic: Governance, Innovation, and Local Solutions"
Section: 1.4. Circular economies and community-led initiatives
Conveners: Nadezhda Filimonova and Kamrul Hossain, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland
The language of the session is English. Oral presentations only.
Description:
This session expands on the project “Strengthening the Transfer of Good Practices in the Arctic Waste Management Cooperation,” funded by the Nordic Arctic Program, to enhance regional solid waste management (SWM) collaboration, develop local sustainable circular solutions, and foster innovation, skills, and networking. SWM continues to pose significant societal, environmental, and governance challenges in Arctic cities. Implementing advanced SWM solutions in these cities depends on factors such as geographic location, climatic conditions, and small population sizes. Cold temperatures and permafrost impede traditional waste treatment methods, while the harsh climate also presents technological difficulties for waste processing, such as incineration and recycling. Local authorities and waste management companies face the need to develop innovative strategies specifically adapted to their unique environments. This session brings together practitioners and scholars from different fields of science to share insights and knowledge on the enablers and barriers to the advancement of SWM in Arctic cities, as well as tools to further promote sustainable SWM as a key component of a circular economy and green transition. In addition, the panel brings an understanding of the resources (e.g., financial) and knowledge that local authorities and waste companies require to advance the SWM, as well as who provides these resources. Examining pathways to SWM advancement sheds light on how governance practices, innovations, and knowledge transfer occur between cities in remote areas with severe climate conditions. Ultimately, increasing awareness of advancing SWM supports discussions on future Arctic governance and development strategies that aim to foster thriving Arctic societies.
Read the abstract guidelines here: Call for abstract proposals
Abstract submission deadline: 15 December 2025, 16:00 CET