Social Sustainability
Social Sustainability at Hurtigruten Svalbard
Our local community on Svalbard is important to us, and we’re all about creating lasting benefits for the incredible Arctic community we’re lucky to be part of. From teaming up with local organisations to supporting community-driven projects, we ensure Svalbard remains a special place for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Cheering on Svalbard with sponsorships
We love supporting local events that bring the community together and celebrate the Arctic spirit. Svalbard isn’t just a place, it’s a close-knit community surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature on the planet. By supporting local initiatives and working with passionate partners, we’re helping to ensure Svalbard stays just as incredible as it is today, both for the people who live here and those lucky enough to visit.
Supporting the local community is about more than just giving back, it’s about strengthening the bonds that make Svalbard so special. By partnering with these inspiring initiatives, we help unite people, celebrate the local culture, and preserve the unique character of Svalbard
Some of the events we are sponsoring:
Dark Season Blues: This soulful festival lights up Svalbard during the polar night with incredible music, creating a unique atmosphere and drawing locals and visitors to celebrate together.
TV-aksjonen: Contributing to this nationwide fundraising campaign helps support causes benefiting communities across Norway and beyond.
Svalbard Skimarathon: The world’s northernmost ski marathon, attracting enthusiasts to traverse the stunning Arctic landscapes in an unforgettable endurance challenge.
Spitsbergen Marathon: A unique marathon event where participants run under the midnight sun amidst Svalbard’s rugged Arctic scenery.
Longyearbyen Literature Festival: A celebration of storytelling and literature, featuring authors, workshops, and discussions inspired by the Arctic's unique cultural and natural heritage.
Polarjazz: The world’s northernmost jazz festival, combining world-class performances with Svalbard’s breathtaking winter atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
Hurtigruten Foundation: Supporting local projects on Svalbard
The Hurtigruten Foundation plays a vital role in preserving Svalbard’s fragile environment and strengthening its local community. By funding impactful initiatives, the foundation helps create a more sustainable future for this Arctic region.
Some of the local projects recently supported by the Hurtigruten Foundation
Outdoor activities for the community
The foundation has sponsored events organised by Aktiv i Friluft, such as a boat trip for schoolchildren across Isfjorden to explore glaciers, seals, and walruses, as well as educational seminars on Svalbard mushrooms for locals. These initiatives foster community engagement and connection to the Arctic environment.
Training avalanche rescue dogs
In collaboration with local volunteers, the Hurtigruten Foundation supports the training of rescue dogs to save lives during avalanches on Svalbard, enhancing safety for residents and visitors alike.
Mental health and social inclusion
Hurtigruten Foundation funds “speed-friending” events to combat loneliness and support new arrivals in Longyearbyen. These events provide a welcoming space for social interaction, helping to strengthen the local community.
Beach cleanups on Prins Karls Forland
Through Prosjekt Forlandet, the foundation supported a two-week cleanup of marine debris along 40 km of coastline, removing over 8,000 kg of waste. This project involved local volunteers and highlighted the impact of global marine pollution on Arctic ecosystems.
Green Stay initiative
Guests staying at Coal Miners’ Cabins, Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and Funken Lodge can contribute directly to the Hurtigruten Foundation through the Green Stay initiative. Proceeds from this initiative flow back into the foundation, indirectly benefiting the Svalbard community by funding these essential environmental and social projects.
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