Reporting from workshop about Arctic environment between GINR and AU
Over a three-day period, researchers from the Department of Environment and Minerals at Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and the Department of Ecoscience – Arctic Environment Section met for an intensive workshop and direct collaboration in Denmark. The workshop was extended by two days with visits by researchers from Greenland Institute of Natural Resources at DCE Aarhus University in Roskilde.
The purpose of the workshop was to discuss multiple existing projects and to develop and design future research initiatives focused on the Arctic environment and mineral extraction activities. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and Aarhus University co-advise the Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA) of the Government of Greenland concerning scientific knowledge and assessments of the potential impact on the environment from mineral exploration and exploitation activities.
Throughout the workshop, participants presented results from ongoing projects and shared ideas for new developments that will benefit Greenlandic society. The discussions centered on improving coordination between institutions, identifying priority areas for research, and ensuring that future projects contribute to sustainable development and informed decision-making. EAMRA participated in a session on how the planned scientific activities can benefit society and governance.
The workshop included these themes among others:
- Strategy for capacity building of scientific environmental advisory in Greenland.
- Continued environmental research on legacy mines in Greenland.
- Strenghtening of ties to environmental research on mines in Canada.
- Education materials to youth about mining and environment.
- Outdoor activity testing the new environmental sampling protocol
- Further development of the national NatureMap digital platform to display more details on environment and nature.
- Environmental assessment of glacial rock flour and sand dredging.
The workshop resulted in an action plan for further work in 2026 and beyond.
Participants:
- From Greenland Institute of Natural Resources: 7 persons.
- From Aarhus University: 7 persons.
- Additional guests: Researchers from Aarhus University and Copenhagen University.
- High level managers from Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and Aarhus University.