At the beginning of March 2024, launched a big predefined bilateral initiative: “HarSval Bilateral initiative aiming at Harmonization of the Svalbard cooperation.” The project was initiated by the Polish Polar Consortium, the cooperation involves 11 Partners from Poland and 14 Partners from Norway. The leader of the Initiative is Dr. Dariusz Ignatiuk from the University of Silesia in Katowice (Center for Polar Studies).

The objectives of the project focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Norway and Poland, expanding the network of partners and the scope of existing research activities, as well as the transfer of knowledge, technology, experience and best practices.

The project highlights the main 4 areas of activities:

1. Activities aiming at modernisation and standardisation of Svalbard observing system in priority areas for the Polish and Norwegian polar communities;
2. Activities aiming at the development of competencies and skills, internationalisation, and increasing visibility of the Polish polar community, implemented in Polish-Norwegian cooperation;
3. Activities in the area of FAIR data and open science;
4. Activities in the area of dissemination, communication and management.

The Initiative will be implemented for 12 months from 1^st March 2024 to 28^th February 2025, with a project budget of 1 580 000 €. Funding is guaranteed by the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021. www.eeagrants.org