The first scientific dog sled expedition in Finnmark
35 Alaska Huskies supported this expedition
200 kilometers within an area of over 15,000 square kilometers of wilderness
A multi-professional team of outdoor experts and scientists in search of microplastics"
Humans and nature are one and depend on each other, especially in Northern Norway’s polar regions.
In Finnmark, the indigenous Sami people have long depended on nature and are now among those most affected by climate change. A rising but under-researched threat is microplastics.
Microplastics, from sources like tire abrasion and synthetic textiles, are polluting the Arctic seas, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Fish and shellfish, essential to local food supplies, ingest these particles, affecting the entire food chain and destabilizing biodiversity.
With PURE ICE, we aim to bridge research gaps, collaborate with scientists, and protect the fragile Arctic environment.
Main Challanges
Weather
Arctic weather is unpredictable. Storms can make progress impossible, and temperatures can drop to as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius
Supplychain
We are moving off the usual routes and into remote areas. Both rescue operations and the supply chain must be maintained at all times, even without direct phone connection.
Equipment
The extremely low temperatures put a strain on the sensitive equipment, causing it to freeze within seconds. After the expedition, the samples must be transported savely back to the university.
Setting the Route
The route changes depending on the weather and must avoid the large reindeer herds in the region while still reaching the sampling points.
We do not inherit the earth – we borrow it from our children
WHERE WE ARE
Where
550 km above the Arctic Circle in the border region with Finland and Russia
What
Remote high plateaus alternate with small settlements and wide river stretches
When
During the Polar night between December and March
Timeline
PURE ICE is not just one expedition. This is still evolving and there will be multiple expeditions designed to span several years, ultimately forming a larger conservation initiative.
kick off experience
2019: During a multi-day tour, we witnessed significant changes in the natural landscape. This prompted us to delve into the topic of climate change in the Arctic. We began to explore ways to raise awareness among a broader audience about these critical issues and discussed how we could contribute to protecting the subpolar landscape.
first media exposure
2020: The first interviews, lectures, and newspaper articles were published about our concept of a sled dog expedition with a scientific approach.
connecting with scientists
2021: There was significant interest in our idea, but the resources from universities were limited. After an extensive search, we finally found Dr. Andreas Fath from Furtwangen University, a scientist who could provide the necessary resources and support for our project.
Testing equipment - Crowdfunding
2021-2022: The first tests for the required equipment were conducted in Germany. At the same time, we received a call from a filmmaker interested in joining us on the expedition. This led to the idea of creating a documentary that would explore the changes in the Arctic and highlight indigenous perspectives. Alongside our search for sponsors, we launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the film.
first expedition
2022: After two attempts and adjustments to the equipment for the extreme conditions of the journey, we were able to collect samples from a total of five locations, which were analyzed in Germany. The results confirmed our suspicions: microplastics pose a significant problem in the seemingly untouched nature of Northern Norway. Meanwhile, filming for the documentary continued, with a potential release date set for 2025.
Building a team
2023: We connected with Tilo and formed a team together. Through Tilo’s guidance, we were able to sharpen our message, and since then, we have focused on collaborating on film projects that showcase life in Northern Norway.
Release of the first documentary
2024: Our first documentary as a new team was released on YouTube, following our migration to Norway. This move allowed us to dedicate ourselves even more to a life with our dogs and to the expansion of the PURE ICE project
Second Expedition
2024: Together with Furtwangen University, we conducted a second expedition that confirmed the results of the first and included an additional sampling site. With these findings, we are now confident that our measurements are accurate, and we were able to identify key areas for further research. This expedition was filmed by Tilo and will be part of an upcoming documentary set to be released on YouTube. The planned release date is late 2024.
Further development and new goals
2024: We were able to connect with various representatives from Norwegian municipalities and environmental organizations to discuss our research and explore potential collaboration opportunities. What began in 2019 has continued to evolve since then.
Responsibility
PURPOSE
All of our expeditions strictly follow the „Leave No Trace“ principle. We prioritize the protection of Arctic flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. At PURE ICE Expeditions, our mission is to deliver concrete scientific results while contributing to the preservation of the Arctic. Join us in safeguarding the fragile Arctic ecosystem and supporting vital research efforts to combat climate change.
SAVETY
We place special emphasis on ensuring that no living creatures are harmed during our expeditions. The safety of both our sled dogs and team members is always our top priority. We have developed a comprehensive safety plan to ensure that we can respond effectively in any emergency. At PURE ICE Expeditions, our safety—and that of the environment and our dogs— is at the heart of everything we do.
AUTHORISATION
All necessary authorisations are obtained to carry out the expeditions. We keep a good contact with the reindeer herders to ensure their herds are never in danger and their lifestyle is protected. We strictly follow our routes and plans.
Scientfic Partners
TAKE ACTION
If you’re looking to get involved with PURE ICE or similar conservation projects, there are several ways you can contribute:
Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities with organizations focusing on Arctic research and conservation. This can involve fieldwork, educational outreach, or administrative support.
Spread Awareness: Use social media platforms to share information about this project, microplastics, climate change, and the importance of protecting the Arctic. Your voice can help raise awareness and engage a wider audience.
Support Research Initiatives: Contribute to or promote funding for scientific research that focuses on environmental conservation in the Arctic, especially studies related to microplastics and their impact on ecosystems.
Attend Events and Workshops: Participate in talks, webinars, and workshops that focus on Arctic conservation, environmental issues, and sustainable practices.
For more information on how to get involved, you can check relevant conservation organizations‘ websites or community initiatives focused on the Arctic and environmental protection.