Coastal livelihoods in Northern Norway. Sustainable development of small-scale fishers and Sámi

Abstract

The sustainable development of small-scale fisher livelihood is important for the well-being and food security of millions of people around the world. However, factors that contribute to the sustainable development of this livelihood are under-developed in research (The World Bank, 2008; United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 2007). Within this knowledge gap, this applied research project explores factors that contribute to the sustainable development of small-scale fisher livelihoods in northern Norway, a region where the indigenous way of life for coastal Sámi dates back centuries (Pedersen, 2012). In doing so, it includes a case study conducted on the island of Spildra in Troms County, in which contemporary livelihood is examined and factors identified as challenging are investigated using a sustainable livelihood approach to research. Subsequently, based on research informant’s goals and aspirations, suggestions are prescribed that potentially provide the opportunity to help reach goals of sustainable development, including community-based collaborative management of natural marine resources (co-management) and asserting a human rights-based approach to problem-solving.