“Voices from the North: A Youth Perspective on Lofoten, Life, and the Future”

Good morning everyone, 

Lofoten Ungdomsting, named LUT, consists of 12 youths from 6 localcommunes and we are two of them. My name is Ida and I am from vestvågøy, My name is Fredrikke and I am from Flakstad, and we are honored to stand here today as the voice for the youth of Lofoten—aregion that’s not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also deeply meaningful to those of us who call it home.

Today, we want to talk about what it means to live and grow up in Lofoten, what the Youth Council is working on, what we think about the future,and how we’re doing —both good and bad—when it comes to sustainability.

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[Lofoten – A Region Like No Other]

Let’s start with Lofoten itself.

Lofoten is more than just a postcard. It’s a region built on strong traditions, wild nature, and proud people. For generations, our economy has depended on the ocean. Fishing — especially the famous Lofoten cod—has shaped our identity and supported our families. Tourism has also become a major partof our economy, drawing visitors from all over the world who come for the mountains, the fjords, and the midnight sun.

We live close to nature. In Lofoten, the mountains are our neighbors, and the sea is our backyard. That connection to nature is something special, and it affects how we see the world, and our place in it. It shapes our days, our traditions, and our way of life, reminding us to cherish the beauty and balance of the natural world around us.

[Youth in Lofoten – Between Mountains and Possibilities]

But what is it like to grow up here?

Being young in Lofoten is both beautiful and challenging. On one hand, we are lucky to live in a safe, peaceful, and close-knit community. We know our neighbors. We can ski under the northern lights, fish in the ocean, or hike up a mountain before dinner. That’s not something every teenager in the world can say.

On the other hand, we also face unique challenges. The distances are long. Public transport can be difficult. Opportunities for education, work,and cultural experiences are more limited than in big cities. Some young people feel that they have to leave Lofoten to chase their dreams—and we worry that some might not come back.

Still, many of us are proud to be from here. We want to contribute. We want to create change—not just for ourselves, but for our region, and the world.

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 F - [What the Youth Council Works For]

That’s where the Youth Council comes in.
The Lofoten Youth Council (LUT) is a group of young people who work to make the voices of youth heard in local politics and decision-making. We give advice to local councils on issues that matter to us—like mental health, public transportation, youth housing, and education.

In LUT, we work hard to improve public transport, because many of us rely on it to get to school, activities, or just to see friends. We also push for safe and accessible meeting places for children and youth in all the towns and villages across Lofoten—so that no matter where you live, you have a space to belong.

We care deeply about inclusivity, making sure that everyone feels welcome regardless of background, identity, or ability. And of course, mental health, climate, and environmental protection are always on our agenda—because these are the challenges we live with every day, and the ones we’re inheriting for the future.

One of our main goals is to make sure that Lofoten becomes a region where young people feel they can live, thrive, and make a difference—now and in the years to come. We’re not just the leaders of tomorrow—we’re active citizens today.

[Looking Forward – The Future of the World and Lofoten]

When we talk about the future, it’s impossible not to think about climate change, war, social injustice, and rising mental health problems. Many young people are worried. We wonder: What kind of world are we inheriting? Will we be able to fix the problems we didn’t create?

But we’re also hopeful. We believe that we can be part of the solution—if we are given the tools, the trust, and the chance to lead.

As for Lofoten’s future, we hope it stays wild and free—but also vibrant and modern. We hope it becomes a model for how small communities can balance tradition with innovation, and nature with development.

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F - [Sustainability – What Lofoten Gets Right]

Sustainability is a big part of that conversation.

Lofoten is actually doing some great things. We have strong environmental movements and local initiatives to protect the ocean, reduce waste, and promote green tourism. There is a growing awareness that we must take care of what makes this place so unique—its nature.

Many local fishermen now use more sustainable methods. Some businesses are powered by renewable energy. There are projects that connect tradition with technology—like using old knowledge in new, greener ways.

One exciting example is Biomarin Værøy— that is exploring the use of marine bioresources in sustainable and innovative ways. They’re working to turn what's in our ocean—like seaweed, fish waste, and other marine materials—into valuable products such as biofuels, feed, or medicine.

This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking we need to see more of—where traditional industries like fishing are not replaced, but evolved into something that fits both our heritage and our future.

Another important step is the new fast-charging station in Flakstad, which officially opened on April 12, 2024. It’s not just a regular charging point—it’s the world’s first high-speed charging facility designed specifically for fishing vessels. That’s a big deal, because it shows that even in a small coastal community, we can lead the way in maritime sustainability. This kind of innovation is key if we want to reduce emissions at sea while keeping our fishing industry alive and strong.

[What We’re Not Doing Well Enough]

But let’s be honest. We also have a long way to go.

For example, plastic pollution is still a problem along our beaches. Public transportation is limited, and many young people feel forced to use cars just to get to school or practice. Some buildings are poorly insulated, wasting energy during our long winters. And even though tourism brings money, it also puts pressure on nature, and we don’t always manage that impact well.

If we want to be truly sustainable, we have to do more than just protect the environment—we need systems that support people too. That means better mental health services, affordable housing, and opportunities that keep young people engaged and included.

One clear example is the lack of public toilets. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors explore our beautiful hiking trails,beaches, and scenic spots—but there simply aren’t enough toilets. As aresult, private gardens and nature areas often become littered with human waste, creating health risks and ruining the very beauty people come here to enjoy. This affects not only the environment, but also the dignity and everyday lives of the people who live here.

Another important challenge is healthcare capacity.
Every summer, around one million tourists come to visit Lofoten. That’s a huge number compared to how many people actually live here. And while tourism is vital for our economy, it also puts a lot of pressure on our public services—especially our only hospital. This hospital doesn’t just serve locals—it has to be ready to treat tourists too.

Many visitors aren’t used to our mountains, our sea, or our narrow, winding roads. Every year, tourists get injured—in the mountains, on the ocean, and in traffic. The roads here are often steep, curved, and difficult to navigate, and people who aren't familiar with our changing weather can get into dangerous situations. Many aren’t properly dressed or equipped for the conditions.

That’s why it’s so important that our hospital is well-prepared,well-staffed, and equipped to handle this seasonal increase. We need to take care of the people who live here year-round—but also those who come here in large numbers. A truly sustainable community supports both its residents and its visitors safely and responsibly.

So where do we go from here?

You need to listen to youth. We and all of you here, need to invest in the future—not just in infrastructure, but in people. We need to protect what we love about Lofoten, while still being open to change and grow. Together, we can build a sustainable and vibrant community for generations to come.

Lofoten may be a small region, but we have a big voice. We are living proof that even in a small place far north, young people care deeply about the world and want to shape it for the better.

Let us be part of the solution. Let us help Lofoten become not just a beautiful place to visit—but an inspiring place to live, now and forever. Together, we can create a future where our community thrives in harmony with nature, and where our voices continue to make a difference. The change starts with us—let’s make it a legacy worth being proud of.

Thank you

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