21 September 2022
The purpose of RESIST is to use technology, innovation and science to develop regions that will remain sustainable in the face of climate change. This will be done by conducting large-scale trials of climate adaptation innovations in 12 regions and sharing knowledge and innovative solutions among the regions.
Vesterålen is the sole Norwegian region taking part in the project and has been named as one of the 12 regions in Europe that are especially vulnerable to climate change.
In addition to Vesterålen Regional Council and Lofotr Næringsdrift AS/GaiaVesterålen, Andfjord Salmon has been asked to join as one of three Vesterålen-based project partners.
RESIST will build on the work conducted by Gaia Vesterålen, which is a research initiative that aims to create more environmentally friendly local communities.
“We have been asked to join as a project partner as a result of our involvement with GaiaVesterålen, and because Andfjord Salmon’s vision reflects the solution to a number of the challenges the fish farming industry is currently facing as well as many of the potential issues that may arise from future changes to the climate,” says Stig Pettersen, project coordinator at Andfjord Salmon.
The RESIST project, which starts on 1 January 2023, has a budget of EUR 26.6 million, the equivalent of almost NOK 270 million. The project has received EU funding through Horizon Europe's EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change programme.
“As a local Vesterålen business, we want to contribute, collect and share data that allows us to tackle future climate challenges. Our objective is to build the world’s most sustainable fish farming facility, both out of consideration for the climate and the local environment here in Vesterålen. We look forward to contributing to the RESIST project,” says Stig Pettersen.
