“It is a sham process with participation.” Ten forms of citizen participation for sustainable development in the Norwegian Arctic

Roxana Roos 

This study examined practices of citizen participation at the municipal level and the role of sustainability in this context in various municipalities in Nordland, Finnmark, and Troms in the Norwegian Arctic. Analysis of transcripts from 75 interviews identified 10 forms of citizen participation in planning processes and meetings aimed at discussing local challenges and possible solutions. Only two of these forms give citizens the opportunity to influence decisions, but only in matters that are less relevant to their future and the next generation. A link to the Sustainable Development Goals is prominent in all forms, but while citizens emphasize the importance of focusing on climate adaptation, nature conservation, and local values, local authorities see green industry, power plants, and the economy as fundamental. Since current practice of participation in the Norwegian Arctic hardly leads to citizens' influence, their priorities don’t affect the decisions that are made.