Hi there!

The IK Foundation network has a stimulating time ahead – several projects enter new phases while some projects are finished and completed. At the same time as the United Kingdom – where our main seat is located – will undergo a tumultuous and uncertain time through Brexit, how it ends is hard to say! Like many other international NGOs, we have prepared ourselves for different scenarios, our starting point is that we will safeguard and preserve our cross-border European roots in the most appropriate way.

On Svalbard – in the northernmost parts of Europe – where we have been doing field work for several years. This month we completed the third season of multidisciplinary research projects along the west coast of Spitsbergen. The projects are long-term scientific investments from a remote and unique wilderness with a sensitive environment. It is our hope that we can contribute to a better understanding of this relatively small geographical area, which already in 1758 was visited by the Linnaeus’ apostle Anton Rolandsson Martin.

Increased curiosity and knowledge, cross-border exchanges between people and countries are the best way to understand and respect the Planet Earth we all share...