Polar Archaeology and Heritage

NIKU has extensive expertise on polar cultural environments in Svalbard and the Arctic

The polar cultural heritage represents a unique and internationally significant part of our shared history. At the same time, these cultural environments are among the most vulnerable in the world, exposed to both climate change and increasing human activity. Rising erosion, wear from traffic, and degradation pose serious threats to cultural heritage in the Arctic.

NIKU combines management expertise with research-based knowledge to ensure the documentation, monitoring, and preservation of polar cultural environments.

We offer:

  • Advisory services
  • Assessments and risk analyses
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Documentation (including 3D visualization and digital recording)
  • Outreach and communication projects
  • Research collaboration
Kulturminner etter gruvedriftn på Svalbard. Foto Lise Loktu.
Cableway station among threatened cultural heritageThis cableway station is one of Svalbard’s many cultural heritage sites threatened by coastal erosion. Photo: Lise Loktu, NIKU
Cableway pylonsSvalbard’s cableway pylons are imposing cultural monuments and a visible reminder of the archipelago’s mining history. Photo: Lise Loktu, NIKU
JensenvannetAt Jensenvannet, we find a burial ground with whalers' graves from the 17th and 18th centuries. These graves were previously well preserved by permafrost, but are now threatened as temperatures rise. Photo: Alma Thuestad, NIKU
A whaler’s jacketA very well‑preserved wool jacket from the burial ground with whalers’ graves near Jensenvannet on Svalbard. Photo: Lise Loktu, NIKU
Lise Loktu

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Lise Loktu can answer your questions

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