Study visit of representatives of Polish cities to Longyearbyen in Svalbard within the framework of the Bilateral Initiative 2024-2025 - inspiration from Norwegian ‘total defence’ in crisis management

On 4 November, 2024, a delegation of Polish cities started a study visit to Svalbard at the invitation of the Norwegian Union of Local and Regional Authorities (KS). The delegation included representatives of the cities of Rydułtowy, Jarocin, Stalowa Wola, Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Konin, Włocławek, Żary, Przemyśl, Opoczno, Żywiec, Krosno, Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Piła, Zabrze, Ostrów Wielkopolski. The purpose of the visit is to exchange experience and learn about best practices in responding to emergency situations, especially in regions with difficult geographical conditions and strategic importance.

The Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean, is characterised not only by its extremely harsh climate and unique environment, but also by its significant strategic importance, regulated by the Svalbard Treaty. The local governments and other institutions that operate here, such as the provincial governor, have to deal with numerous challenges on a daily basis to protect the inhabitants from extreme weather events, climate change and the specific risks that come with living in the Arctic.

The visit to Longyearbyen was an opportunity to explore the Norwegian concept of ‘total defence’, which is at the heart of Norway's crisis management. This innovative approach involves the full cooperation of the entire state administration, local governments and civil society organisations to create a comprehensive, integrated support network for emergencies. ‘Total defence’ in Norway is based on historical experiences, such as the reorganisation of security structures after the Second World War, and contemporary events such as the attacks in Oslo and on the Utøya island in 2011. These difficult experiences have reinforced Norway's need for strong cooperation between the government administration and local government units in order to respond effectively to threats.

The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Longyearbyen, Leif Terje Aunevik, who outlined the unique nature and geopolitical importance of the Svalbard archipelago.

‘Total defence’ - Crisis Management and Division of Responsibilities

The Norwegian approach to crisis management, referred to as the ‘total defence’ approach, is based on close cooperation between local authorities, the central government and the community. There is a clear division of competences on Svalbard: the governor manages the region and has a supervisory role, while the mayor of Longyearbyen focuses on local administrative activities and the day-to-day needs of the residents.

Norway's ‘total defence’ also includes comprehensive hazard maps, warning systems and cooperation between institutions. Residents can use an information app that provides up-to-date news on possible threats. This contributes to community awareness and preparedness for emergencies.

Climate Change and Natural Hazards in Svalbard

Svalbard, located in the Arctic, is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which affects the local environment and the safety of its residents. Although the region does not face the risk of flooding that exists on the continent, the local topography and geographic location present other challenges. There are regular avalanche hazards, snowstorms and mountain landslides on Svalbard, especially in Longyearbyen. The unstable rocks and specific geology of the area make it crucial to monitor potential landslides. The region has developed hazard maps and early warning systems to increase the safety of residents and reduce the risks associated with these dangerous phenomena.

Representatives from the cities and APC had the opportunity to visit the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), a university research and education centre located in the Svalbard archipelago, in the city of Longyearbyen. UNIS specialises in research and education in Arctic areas, including fields such as geology, biology, geophysics, as well as environmental science and risk management of extreme Arctic conditions, such as avalanches and climate change.

Warning System and Avalanche Risk Management in Longyearbyen

In recent years, Longyearbyen has implemented measures to minimise avalanche risk. After the tragic avalanches in 2015 and 2017, among other things, snow support structures, barriers against blowing snow and a snow monitoring system using ultrasonic sensors were introduced. Approximately 10 percent of buildings in high-risk areas were removed between 2019 and 2021.

The Arctic is warming more than four times faster than the global average, which has a direct impact on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The increase in temperature and precipitation, the destabilisation of the permafrost, the reduction in the area and mass of glaciers, and the more frequent occurrence of avalanches and landslides are creating new risks for residents.

The visit was taking place within the framework of the Bilateral Initiative 2024-2025. It is a continuation of bilateral cooperation between Polish, Norwegian and Icelandic local governments as an example of establishing lasting relations after the Local Development Programmes and expanding cooperation in the preparation of the next financial perspective. Sources of funding: Bilateral Cooperation Fund, European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 The intention of the project is to facilitate the continuation of cooperation between all interested Norwegian/Icelandic cities/municipalities and the 53 Polish cities that participated in Phases II and III of the Local Development Programme within the EEA and NMF 2014-2021. Activities under the Initiative are also a bridge to the new financial perspective of the EEA and NMF.