In 2016, with combined efforts between the Icelandic Seal Center, Hólar University College, the Icelandic Tourism Research Center, and the Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø) we were awarded a grant titled, Cooperation in the Field of Arctic Studies Between Iceland and Norway. This was a 12-month grant divided between mobility and preparatory work.
Since 2016, a working research group was established titled, Responsible Tourism in Arctic Seascapes (ReSea) and has grown to include other national and international partner organizations both in academic and the industry in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Greenland, and Australia.
ReSea’s long-term purpose is:
1. To develop a research group that will connect with international experts and stakeholders to address the need for sustainable tourism development and responsible tourism practices in Arctic coastal communities and seascapes.
2. To coordinate projects that strive for excellent research and training that empowers postgraduate students by connecting them with stakeholder groups, government organizations, tourism industry organizations, academic institutions, non-profit organizations—both locally and internationally—for critical research on responsible tourism practices of Arctic coastal communities and seascapes.
ReSea’s Overarching research theme is Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Practices of Arctic Coastal Communities and Seascapes, and focuses on three major areas:
1. Arctic coastal ecosystems (marine and terrestrial)
2. Sustainable tourism
3. Responsible tourism practices
Since its inception, the ReSea team has applied for several grants with project start dates in 2018.
ReSea is CO-Directed by Jessica Faustini Aquino, PhD and Auður H. Ingólfsdóttir, PhD.