DVIDS – News – The TSC workshop strengthens the health and safety of the Arctic

As the Arctic’s maritime activity increases, the challenges associated with health and safety in the region. To solve these problems, the TED Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies recently organized a workshop entitled Identification of the Community Indicators of Maritime Health Security of the Arctic at the Conference of Borders of the Arctic. The event, led by research analyst Elizabeth “Ellee” Parry and specialist in programs, Dr. Christine Duprow, focused on the intersection of the increase in threats of navigation and health security of the Arctic.

The workshop applied human -centered design methodologies (HCD) to identify the indicators relevant to health safety at community level. Participants in the United States, Canada and Norway have collaborated using creativity and importance / difficulty matrices, highlighting critical infrastructure problems such as sanitation, transport, food security and the response to disaster. Parry and Duprow highlighted the need for localized risk assessments, as conventional executives at the national level often neglect the unique vulnerabilities of the Arctic communities.

In addition to the workshop, Parry and Duprow presented the link between the conception centered on humans (HCD), health and human security challenges in the Arctic. Their research has highlighted the need to integrate HCD principles into health security planning to ensure effective and perspective solutions.

“The development of a maritime risk index benefits combatants by improving awareness of the situation, improving the planning of the mission, ensuring operational security, approaching emerging threats and providing a strategic advantage,” said Parry. “These tools are essential to navigate the complexities of modern Arctic operations and ensure the success of the mission in dynamic and often dangerous environments.”

By equipping military professionals and the safety of risk assessments based on data and usable ideas, the Ted Stevens Center aims to improve the operational efficiency of the United States in the Arctic. While the Arctic activity continues to grow, workshops like these provide essential strategies to protect regional communities and the interests of national security.