Areas Under Pressure (APRESS)

The research group aims to promote an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral understanding of how to protect pristine natural and cultural environments amid climate change and the green transition, while implementing necessary development processes. The research group places a clear emphasis on developing methodologies that strengthen the knowledge base for managing and conserving cultural heritage sites.

Norway faces major challenges at the intersection of sustainable development, the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, climate change, and the demands of the energy transition. As the green transition progresses, previously untouched natural landscapes face ever-increasing pressure from wind power development, hydropower projects, residential and cabin construction, the tourism industry, and industrial development. This puts previously untouched areas—which often have high natural and cultural-historical value—at risk of destruction and, consequently, the loss of important natural and cultural heritage.

The research group aims to delve deeper into the issues surrounding cultural heritage sites in vulnerable areas to generate new knowledge and ensure that future development projects also take important cultural environments into account. The goal is for the research group to contribute to developing methods for the most sustainable management of our shared cultural heritage, while also facilitating a green transition.

The major challenge for our shared cultural heritage is that a green transition also entails rapid expansion of renewable energy, such as wind and hydroelectric power. This type of development therefore places increased pressure on pristine natural areas, which also largely contain important cultural heritage sites and cultural environments. By surveying, documenting, and researching cultural environments in particularly vulnerable areas, the research group aims to identify areas that should be avoided or protected. At the same time, we aim to contribute new knowledge that can enhance our understanding of how undisturbed areas can and should be managed holistically, and to help raise awareness of the connection between climate, the energy transition, and the consequences for managing our shared cultural heritage. This perspective is crucial to ensuring that Norway succeeds in balancing energy development with the preservation of both cultural and natural heritage, which is essential for the quality of life and identity of both current and future generations.

The research group has applied to the Research Council of Norway for a research project under the “Research for a Green and Just Transition” programme. The group received seed funding from the University of Bergen’s climate and energy transition programme to support the application process.