Island Communities’ Viability in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian Arctic: The Role of Livelihoods and Social Capital

Island communities in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian Arctic, exhibit resilience despite significant socioeconomic changes post-Soviet Union, driven by strong livelihoods, employment opportunities, and robust social capital. Key factors include shared perceptions of change, place attachment, and local values, which deter outmigration. The study, based on qualitative interviews with residents and stakeholders in the Solovetsky Archipelago and Northern Dvina River delta, highlights that sustaining community viability requires both bottom-up initiatives—such as engaged individuals accessing economic support—and top-down investments fostering local value creation and employment. This dual approach is crucial for addressing challenges faced by remote Arctic communities.

OLSEN, J., NENASHEVA, M. V., HOVELSRUD, G. K., WOLLAN, G.,. (2021). Island Communities’ Viability in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian Arctic: The Role of Livelihoods and Social Capital. Arctic and North, (42), 13–31. https://doi.org/10.37482/issn2221-2698.2021.42.13