UNIS Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

The natural environment and cultural heritage: main goals

"UNIS will undertake field-based research and teaching taking into account the special vulnerability of the Svalbard environment. All activity will be based on an understanding of the flora, fauna, cultural heritage and natural environment of Svalbard. Protecting the environment is the deciding factor when conflicts between the environment and a desired activity occur."

UNIS Environmental Standard

UNIS engages in field-based research and education over much of Svalbard throughout the year. Thus, UNIS will conduct field-based teaching and research so as to cause the minimal impact on Svalbard’s fragile environment.

We shall have a thorough understanding of how our activity may negatively impact the environment and how we can avert the impacts. All persons at UNIS shall have necessary training so as to be able to use the tools and aids that will prevent harmful impacts during their field work.

Below you will find a Pdf version of the UNIS environmental standard goals. Please have a look at it before your arrival in Svalbard.

UNIS staff and students on excursion in Kongsfjorden. (Photo: Steve Coulson/UNIS).