Greenland Institute of Natural Resources

The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources conducts research into Arctic ecosystems, monitors the living resources and the environment in Greenland and advises the Greenland Government and other authorities on sustainable exploitation of living resources and safeguarding the environment and biodiversity.

The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) has three departments: Department of Fish and Shellfish, Department of Birds and Mammals, and Department of Environment and Mineral Resources. Furthermore, a cross-disciplinary Danish/Greenlandic climate centre: The Greenland Climate Research Centre.

Research primarily focuses on living marine resources – fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds, as well as land-based resources – land mammals and vegetation. Research is directed towards physical and chemical processes in the environment in relation to climate change and its impact upon fisheries, hunting, construction, and transport.

GINR monitors animal populations, vegetation, physical and chemical parameters in order to follow trends associated with environmental change. The monitoring forms an integral part of GINR’s research activities. Monitoring activities focuses on exploited species and constitutes a significant part of the continuous scientific documentation of population dynamics. Population surveys are conducted annually for species in commercial fisheries and at regular intervals for hunting resources. Monitoring is carried out in collaboration with international institutions, as most populations cross international boundaries. Climate parameters are continuously monitored through all the monitoring programmes. GINR takes part in the monitoring program “Greenland Ecosystem Monitoring” in the High Arctic at Zackenberg/Daneborg in North East Greenland and the Low Arctic at Kobbefjord/Nuuk, West Greenland.

GINR advises the Greenland Government on sustainable exploitation of living resources and safeguarding of the environment and biodiversity. Advising is independent of special interests and is prepared based on scientific documentation from research and monitoring. Population assessments, advising, etc. are produced and quality assured in scientific committees under various international bodies.

GINR communicates knowledge of environmental issues and is legally obliged to publish the Institute’s research results. The Institute actively communicates with users of the environment – fishermen, hunters, and recreational users – and with direct recipients of scientific advising – administrators and politicians.  Users of the environment, and their comprehensive knowledge of the natural environment, are included during planning and implementation of GINR’s activities. Meetings are held regularly to disseminate information with users as well as recipients when new initiatives are being planned and new results become available. Information intended for the general public is disseminated through traditional channels such as newspapers, television, radio, web site, folders, reports, and exhibitions. Several hundred people visit the Institute each year.

GINR is open all year. Application procedures, cost of use etc. can be found on our website.  

E-mail: info@natur.gl

Phone: (+299) 361200