Preserving fishing through Arctic tourism

In northern Finland, traditional lake fishing on Lake Inari is under pressure as climate change alters fish behaviour and ice conditions, putting the livelihood of local fishers at risk. With only six of the eighteen fishers still fully active on the lake, many sought ways to adapt their practices and maintain the heritage that connects their community to the Arctic environment. 

With EU support through the Lapland Fisheries local action group (FLAG), the Sámi Education Institute helped fishers turn their knowledge into sustainable tourism experiences, preserving local culture while creating new incomes. Tailored training in customer service, pricing, English, outdoor cooking, and ice safety enabled fishers to design guided ice‑fishing and lake tours, develop inclusive activities for visitors with disabilities and collaborate with hotels and tour operators, strengthening local identity and attracting younger fishers.