The Climate Project

Vision for Climate Park 2469:

To develop into a unique arena for research, presentations and value generation relating to climate change, cultural heritage and alpine nature in a long-term perspective.

Background:

In the past few years, a number of international studies and scientific observations have shown that the world is facing dramatic changes to existing climate patterns. Visible signs of this development are the many archaeological finds being discovered in the mountains in Oppland due to unusual glacier melting.

Research on climate issues is a rapidly growing field, and the goal of Climate Park 2469 is to communicate new climate-historical knowledge to young and old. The climate park will be a site where visitors can physically sense and experience climate change and the relationship between nature and culture from a long-term perspective.

Climate Park 2469 is located in the alpine region around Galdhøpiggen (2469 metres) and the Juvasshytta lodge.

Why Climate Park 2469?

• The Park will bring new focus and understanding about global challenges to various groups, particularly youth.
• The Park will provide new knowledge about climate change, cultural heritage and nature in a long-term perspective.
  The Norwegian Mountain Museum and the ”Out of the Ice” exhibit will become new major attractions in Lom.
• Strengthen Oppland County’s and Norway’s international reputation on ecology and cultural heritage issues.
• The Park will strengthen national, regional and local identity and cooperation.
• The Park will attract a wide range of groups and milieus for research, presentations and value generation.
• The Park will highlight Nasjonalparkriket and help promote the Northern Gudbrandsdal valley.
• The Park will stimulate added value generation based on local nature and cultural heritage.

How far along is the project?

We are now in a preliminary project phase involving the following tasks:

1. Concept development/developing a strategy plan for the main project, financing and budgets, model and method, ownership and roles, network and anchoring, information presentation and experiences.
2. Conducting several major information campaigns in 2009 with local, national and international participation.
3. Studying vulnerability issues and values in relation to permitting more use of the area, as well as registering and securing finds and cultural treasures.
4. Organising a seminar and workshop.

The preliminary work will be concluded by January 1st, 2010. A decision will then be made regarding the future direction.

Who is behind the project?

Climate Park 2469 is a collaborative effort involving Oppland County Municipality, Lom Local Authority, the County Governor of Oppland, the Directorate for Nature Management, the Norwegian Mountain Museum and Nasjonalparkriket.

The following people are members of the executive board:

• Chairman: Simen Bjørgen (Mayor of Lom/leader of the regional council in NG)
• Deputy: Bent Fasteraune (Mayor of Dovre, with regional responsibilities for Nasjonalparkriket)
• Bernt M. Tordhol (County Governor of Oppland County Municipality)
• County Environmental Chief Lars Eide
• Representative from the Directorate for Nature Management

Project Group:

• Project Manager: Espen Finstad, Oppland County Municipality
• Mai Bakken, Norwegian Mountain Museum
• Rigmor Solem, Directorate for Nature Management
• Sander Sæltun, Lom Local Authority
• Asbjørn Amble, Nasjonalparkriktet
• Harald Klæbo, County Governor
• Lars Pilø, Oppland County Municipality
• Rune Strand Ødegård, Gjøvik University College
• Øystein Windingstad, Oppland County Municipality

Galdhøpiggen and Juvasshytta lodge

The area around Galdhøpiggen (2469 metres) and Juvasshytta (1900 metres) is a landmark among Norway’s unique alpine habitats, and serves as a gateway to the Jotunheimen National Park. This awe-inspiring outdoor expanse features glaciers, snowdrifts, melt offs, permafrost and soil polygons. During the past few years, a large number of historical artefacts have been discovered in the mountains as a result of melting glaciers.

The centre of Lom has been officially designated a National Park Village and is located only a 45-minute drive from the Juvasshytta lodge along Norway’s highest road. The Norwegian Mountain Museum is located in Lom, and a new exhibition is being planned featuring spectacular archaeological finds that have risen ”Out of the Ice” as a result of global warming. The exhibition has the potential of becoming a national and international attraction for the more than 50 000 people who visit the area annually.