OSLO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Norwegian government on Tuesday unveiled an updated strategy for Ny-Alesund research station in Svalbard, strengthening research coordination and introducing new requirements for researchers and infrastructure.
According to a press release by the government, the strategy introduces approval procedures for installing new research infrastructure and equipment. Instruments used in the field must be labeled with the institution's name and a project code to identify their use and ownership.
Researchers and other personnel must have sufficient proficiency in Norwegian or English to communicate on safety, emergency preparedness and scientific cooperation.
Noncompliance could affect access to research resources and infrastructure, as well as building lease agreements, according to the press release.
Research and Higher Education Minister Eileen Fugelsnes said climate change, increased activity on Svalbard and changes in the security environment had made updating the framework necessary.
The government emphasized stronger coordination, data sharing and international scientific cooperation, alongside protection of the area's fragile environment.
The Norwegian Polar Institute, which leads the station, will implement the strategy, replacing the 2019 version.
Ny-Alesund is one of the world's northernmost year-round research communities. ■