The Ilulissat Icefjord: Local Stewardship and Global Responsibility in a Changing Climate

Abstract

The Sermermiut archaeological site at the Ilulissat Icefjord contains cultural remnants from three Inuit cultures spanning nearly 4000 years. This unique site is now under threat from climate change and oceanic forces. The permafrost layer, which has long supported the site, including the cultural-historical ruins located on it, is thawing, causing destabilization of the ground and severe erosion of the slopes. A fieldwork initiative conducted in the summer of 2024 by collaborative teams from Greenland’s cultural and heritage institutions, in partnership with international technical assistance programs, studied these impacts using advanced monitoring techniques and community involvement, setting an example for adaptive management strategies that align with the UN 2030 Agenda. This article highlights how climate change is affecting both cultural heritage and contemporary life at the Ilulissat Icefjord, and emphasizes the importance of combining scientific research, responsible site management and local community engagement to safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage property. Through adaptive management, integration of local knowledge and strong collaboration across sectors, the Ilulissat Icefjord can remain both a globally significant natural site and a resilient, living Arctic community in a changing climate.