On Creating Cultural Heritage in Antarctica

The project addresses the paradox of how cultural heritage can be reconciled with a governance system that limits the accumulation of materiall egacies of human presence. The framing of cultural heritage protection in Antarctica within environmental protection regulations is significant as it raises particularly important questions about the relationship between environmental change and cultural heritage. The research draws on methods from history, geography, heritage studies and cultural anthropology. Over three years, the cross-disciplinary team will produce research of academic as well as policy value:

• a “state of the field” edited volume bringing together theoretical and practical perspectives on Antarctic heritage
• academic papers addressing the relationships between cultural heritage and geopolitics, both specificto Antarctica and the polar regions
• a network of experts capable of providing policy advice on Antarctic cultural heritage management in the Swedish context but potentially beyond
• a report, made availableto the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the scientific advisory body to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings. It will assess the efficacy and value of current structures for designating and managing Antarctic cultural heritage from a political perspective.

Funding agency: the Swedish Research Council

Duration: 2017-2021