UHI Institute for Northern Studies PhD candidate Maureen Whalen attended the UArctic Congress 2026 held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands on 26-29th May 2026. The congress was titled Healthy Humans and Oceans in the Arctic and was hosted by the University of the Faroe Islands in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture and the Faroe Marine Research Institute.
The main themes of the congress included:
- Sustainable Economic Development and International Co-operation
- Oceans
- Climate Change in the Arctic
- Biodiversity
- Indigenous Peoples and Northern Communities
Maureen writes, ‘Along with colleagues from UHI Shetland, Marine Science and Technology (Beth Mouat and Rebecca Geisler) I had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the UArctic Congress 2026.
The Congress was a wonderful gathering of individuals from around the world, including indigenous peoples, who shared their experiences, expertise, and passion for healthy oceans and healthy humans. With over 1,400 attendees and 800 presentations covering five themes, the sheer number and breadth of talks and opportunities to connect both formally and informally seemed overwhelming at times. Yet, the experience was oddly intimate, made more so because many of the talks were held in the sports training rooms which lent a ‘fighting fit’ vibe to the entire proceedings. The amazing food didn’t hurt either.
We were treated to an especially powerful performance by Faroese singer Eivør Pálsdóttir, bringing the feeling of coming home to the Faroe Islands for newcomers and residents alike.
The last day of the Congress was dedicated as Ocean Day with a Welcome and introduction from Inge Thaulow, Head of Delegation to CAFF, Kingdom of Denmark and keynote speakers from Denmark Bárður á Steig Nielsen, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Fisheries and Christine Creyke, Gwich’in Council International, Permanent Participant of the Arctic Council. The focus of the day (and the entire Congress) was the triple threat to the Arctic from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through the lenses of marine science, indigenous and local communities, creative arts, and geopolitics.
The depth of commitment, passion for their subjects and desire to make a difference conveyed an incredibly positive, friendly, and urgent desire for action atmosphere.
I was so pleased for the opportunity to discuss my research looking at the impacts of Nature-based tourism in Arctic and Subarctic Islands with so many knowledgeable, like-minded, and interested people.’
UArctic (University of the Arctic) is a network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organisations focused on education and research related to the North.
UArctic is dedicated to building and strengthening collective resources and infrastructures that help member institutions better serve their communities and regions. By cooperating in education, research, and outreach, UArctic enhance human capacity in the North, promote sustainable communities and economies, and foster global partnerships. Established by the Arctic Council, UArctic is committed to upholding the principles of sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Maureen’s PhD is titled ‘Impacts of Nature-Based Tourism in Arctic & Subarctic Islands’ and is supervised by Professor Andrew Jennings (UHI INS), Dr Steve Taylor (UHI North West and Hebrides) and Laufey Haraldsdóttir (Hólar University). Her research focuses on Arctic and Subarctic Islands, Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands, and Iceland, with the aim of exploring the complex mosaic of relationships between nature-based tourism providers (on- and off-island), the wider tourism industry, science entities, island communities, businesses, local government, transport operators, and tourists themselves.
If you are interested in following research with the University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies then email Professor Andrew Jennings at ins@uhi.ac.uk
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