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A few per cent of the Earth's northern surface is the part of our planet that we call the Arctic! It is a region with a multifaceted Natural and Cultural history, but also an area that almost everyone has heard of, yet surprisingly few really know much about it. Its oral and written history stretches far back, as does the outside world's interest, which has come and gone throughout history.

Perhaps one could say that the Arctic is once again entering a period of heightened interest in this northern part of our planet – politically, economically and militarily, to name a few – which, in various ways, increases the pressure on an already vulnerable environment.

This “boost” of interest can, of course, also have positive effects, but historically it has mostly led to increased exploitation, resulting in negative consequences such as mineral drift, overfishing, tourism, hunting, and too many projects in the service of science (yet countless unwanted traces and rubbish have been left behind from centuries of scientific projects…). It would be desirable for history not to repeat itself and for the balance between ignorance and understanding to be more even. For this to become a reality, deep, long-term knowledge is needed that can both influence and inspire young and old, students, officials, politicians, businessmen, scientists, et al.

The IK Foundation's contribution to increasing understanding of the Arctic has been based on many years of fieldwork, the establishment of autonomous field stations, and, most recently, the publication of the unique monograph ”Naturae Observatio SPITSBERGEN Science Expeditions”, written by leading international subject experts in Arctic Natural & Cultural History. Since its publication in 2025, the book has been distributed to libraries and interested parties across all continents. Only 250 printed and numbered copies have been produced. Those interested in securing a copy are welcome to order through BOOKS & ART.

In the ongoing crowdfunding campaign “Open-access iBOOK Spitsbergen Science Expedition”, the project has fortunately received an economic “boost” towards full funding, thanks to a generous donation from explorer and philanthropist Frederik Paulsen in Switzerland.

At the moment, the project has reached over 80% of its target for final funding within the next month. This final funding will enable us to offer a free, democratically accessible digital resource on Arctic Natural & Cultural History - a “boost” to deep, long-term knowledge.

EUR 4,840 remains to be financed to realise this goal. If you have the opportunity to donate as a private individual, organisation, or grant foundation, we welcome donations of any size to this campaign to help make it possible for more people to learn about the Arctic.

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