Working with a Nunavut island community to build sustainable ‘blue economy’

 An Inuit community on a remote island chain in the southeastern corner of Hudson Bay is once again looking to the sea to provide for the community, as it has for centuries.
NUNAVUT ISLAND COMMUNITY TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE ‘BLUE ECONOMY’

Table of Contents

Share This News

An Inuit community on a remote island chain in the southeastern corner of Hudson Bay is once again looking to the sea to provide for the community, as it has for centuries.

Nestled among the two-billion-year-old folds of sedimentary rock, basalt and iron known as the Belcher Islands, Sanikiluaq is a partner in WWF-Canada’s community-based fisheries program.

WWF-Canada has been working with Nunavut communities towards building a sustainable “blue economy” — which is an ocean-based economy incorporating not only financial prosperity but also positive impacts for communities and ecosystems — through development of small-scale commercial fisheries.

As with many Inuit communities, Sanikiluaq residents harvest much of their food from the sea, including seal, walrus, beluga and Arctic char. Sanikiluarmiut also look deeper when it comes to seafood, and it isn’t uncommon for mussels, scallops, sea stars, sea urchins or sea cucumbers to be on the dinner table or over the cooking fire.

Working with communities like Sanikiluaq to develop sustainable economic activities like small-scale fisheries is especially important because there are few other economic options. There are some carvers, weavers and people who make winter clothing stuffed with eiderdown. There are also existing mining leases for iron on the Islands, but the community has strongly opposed development of a mine.

Don't Miss Out!

Join The Island Innovation Network!

This occasional newsletter highlights events and stories about innovation in sustainable development for rural, remote and island regions. We want to change the discourse to demonstrate how islandness can be a driver for innovation.

Invalid email address

News

A global media platform with unique insights into island sustainability.​

Content Library

A global media platform with unique insights into island sustainability.​

Find unique and insightful content on island sustainability

In our vast content library you will find original articles, webinars, interviews, past event sessions, island news and much more. Navigate through the categories to find information, get inspired and learn.

Giving visibility to projects worldwide

Our flagship event, the Virtual Island Summit, is one of the biggest events for sustainable development. Every year, it brings together over 10,000 stakeholders from around the world for a week-long virtual event covering every timezone.

Thank you for subscribing!
22-23 May 2024 | Prince Edward Island, Canada

Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2024

Prepare to immerse yourself in this landmark event for the
global island community in 2024!
Live from COP28 - Island of Hope
The Island Innovation Agency Newsletter is a must-read for sustainable business leaders! It delivers a free monthly dose of relevant and valuable business insights, expert advice, downloadable resources, and easy-to-implement ideas for professionals aiming to optimize their results in communication, branding, and networking. By signing up, you will benefit from curated insights for your sustainable brand, exclusive offers, ready-to-use templates and industry news.
Our newsletter on island sustainability is perfect for everyone interested in sustainable development, innovation, and island territories! Every week we compile stories from islands worldwide and highlight commonalities, demonstrating the spectrum of innovation from technology to the arts. Our newsletter brings together globally disparate places and strikes a balance of acknowledging and dealing with critical problems while emphasizing the resourcefulness of isolated communities.