The fishermen in Attu Natural Resource Council act as observers, providing input into research (citizen science and local indigenous knowledge) and suggesting measures to improve the management of marine resources. Attu Natural Resource Council is an important example of community members assuming responsibility for their local environment and natural resources. Their observations enhance knowledge of the seas, improve management of the marine environment and promote a sense of local ownership of environmental protection. The Council also contributes to greater interaction between community members and science.

Attu Natural Resource Council is one of eight community-led natural resource councils from Disko Bugt and northwards in Northwest Greenland that have been established by Greenland Government in cooperation with Greenland Fishers and Hunters Association (KNAPK), the municipal authorities and other partners under the programme PISUNA (Piniakkanik sumiiffinni nalunaarsuineq). The PISUNA programme aims at enhancing the engagement of resource users in the documentation and management of the environment. The UArctic partner Nordisk Fond for Miljø og Udvikling (NORDECO) has assisted the Government of Greenland in establishing the PISUNA programme.

Read more about the nomination on the Nordic Co-Operation website here and on Naalakkersuisuts (Government of Greenland) website here.

See a short video about all of the nominees here.

For further information on the searchable database with the observations and recommendations made by the PISUNA natural resource councils, click here.