Challenge

Climate change necessitates increased coastal protection measures and improved capacity for engagement in DoD research

Accelerated by climate change, Alaskan Arctic coasts are eroding at rates that are among the fastest on earth. Coastal protection efforts and infrastructure development along northern coasts are priorities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

To facilitate this effort and increase access to best available information, there is a need to grow Department of Defense (DoD) Multiple Evidence Base assessment capability, encompassing the respectful collection and use of reliable information from both Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge.

Approach

Literature review, semi-structured interviews, participatory mapping, & research collaboration

NorthernSER engaged village leadership and knowledgeable community members in Point Lay and Kaktovik to collect and share data, local observations, and Indigenous Knowledge related to the risk of erosion, permafrost thaw, and infrastructure investment. Guidance from village leadership informed a framework for the creation and sharing of useful information in the context of DoD research and community engagement.

With sensitivity to growing research fatigue in local communities, NorthernSER coordinated data collection activities with other active research efforts in Point Lay (NNA Ice Rich Permafrost Systems — Alaska Geobotany Center)

Outcome