A Shared Vision for Improving Arctic Observing Systems for Societal Benefits of Arctic Indigenous Communities

Abstract

“What does success look like in improving Arctic observing?” We posed this prompt to focus groups tasked with discussing the development of success metrics for creating a sustained, coordinated Arctic observing system. The focus groups were composed of members of the Research Networking Activities for Sustained Coordinated Observations of Arctic Change (RNA CoObs) and the Indigenous-led Food Sovereignty Working Group (FSWG). These groups had come together to pilot the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems (Arctic ROADS) process. Our four-person research team used the Rapid Assessment Approach with nine focus groups. Based on this data, we developed twenty Themes of Success that outline the dimensions of a successful observing system, processes in improving observation, and values of the process in improving observing. We defined each theme based on perspectives of the RNA CoObs scientists and Indigenous-led FSWG members. We also compared points of alignment between these two groups and areas of misalignment between them. Our team identified a set of seven tensions between RNA CoObs and FSWG that illustrate ongoing barriers to the improvement of Arctic observing. The goal of recognizing misalignments and tensions was not to create division between the two groups, but to allow space for each to express themselves so that a shared understanding and vision could emerge. Co-production of knowledge literature emphasizes the need to address these misalignments and tensions to support better collaboration and actionable outcomes.