Participant report from UArctic Congress 2026: Maureen Whalen

Attending the UArctic Congress 2026 held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands on 26-29th May 2026 as I embark on my PhD journey was such a thought-provoking experience with the opportunity to grow my understanding of the complex issues facing Nordic countries. 

I am very grateful to Scandinavian Seminar for awarding me a travel grant giving me the opportunity to connect in person with this wonderful gathering of individuals from around the world, including indigenous peoples, who shared their experiences, expertise, and passion for healthy oceans and healthy humans. Interacting in-person was the best way to learn and grow my research and academic contacts’ network. 

The focus of the Congress on the triple threat to the Arctic from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through the lenses of marine science, indigenous and local communities, creative arts, and geopolitics shines a much-needed light and attending in person was the only way to meaningfully participate in this important conversation.

With over 1,400 attendees and 800 presentations covering five themes, the sheer number and breadth of talks and opportunities to connect both formally and informally seemed overwhelming at times. Yet, the experience was oddly intimate, made more so because many of the talks were held in the sports training rooms which lent a ‘fighting fit’ vibe to the entire proceedings. Without the grant, travelling to the Congress would have been more difficult and making these connections would have been much more problematic in isolated circumstances.

The main themes included: Sustainable Economic Development and International Co-operation; Oceans; Climate Change in the Arctic; Biodiversity; and Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities. The theme of Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities theme resonated with me as a resident of a northern community (Shetland Islands) and as a PhD candidate with the Institute for Northern Studies, University of the Highlands and Islands. My supervisory team includes by Professor Andrew Jennings (UHI INS), Dr Steve Taylor (UHI North West and Hebrides), Tamara Griffiths (UHI North West and Hebrides), and Laufey Haraldsdóttir (Hólar University).

My research looks at the ‘Impacts of Nature-based tourism in North Atlantic Arctic and Subarctic Islands: Considering a more sustainable and equitable approach by listening to local communities’ voices. Recent growth in nature-based tourism in the North Atlantic Arctic and Subarctic islands coupled with an awareness of its increasing governmental, economic, cultural, environmental, and climate-change impacts highlights the need for a more sustainable approach that supports greater equity between local and regional actors (e.g., governmental entities, local community groups and businesses, tourism providers, science entities and tourists themselves).

With a focus on Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands, and Iceland, my research aims to explore the complex mosaic of relationships (both supportive and challenging) between these entities by firstly considering how island tourism entities 'present' themselves online as ‘places’ for nature-based tourism. Any cross-cutting relationships will be identified. These cross-cutting relationships will be explored further by engaging with representatives from relevant organisations via in-person interviews, workshops, and/or focus groups. Ultimately, the project aims to provide insights to how mutually beneficial relationships between these entities can be fostered in turn supporting sustainable and equitable tourism. Potential case study areas include Unst, Shetland Islands; Suðuroy, Faroe Islands; and Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland.

I was so pleased to able to discuss this timely and increasingly high-profile topic with so many knowledgeable, like-minded, and interested people face to face at the Congress. The depth of commitment shown by all attendees with passion for their subjects and desire to make a difference conveyed an incredibly positive, friendly, and urgent desire for action atmosphere. 

The connections and understanding I’ve gained will provide a solid foundation for the data collection phase of my research and will provide needed context for data analysis and for writing my thesis.

Many thanks to Scandinavian Seminar for making this possible.

The travel grant was funded by Scandinavian Seminar.