Shining light on the aurora's contributions to people: A qualitative study of the aurora borealis in Greenland

The aurora borealis (northern lights) is an abiotic natural phenomenon that contributes to human well‐being. There is currently a significant research gap in primary qualitative valuation of the aurora's links to people. This exploratory qualitative study applies the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) framework in a novel context to study interactions between people and the aurora in Greenland.

The main aims of the study are to: (1) identify nature's contribution to people (NCP) in Greenland from the aurora and (2) explore how local stakeholders can enhance management of NCP from the aurora. Drawing on 28 semi‐structured interviews conducted primarily in Ilulissat, Kulusuk and Tasiilaq, the aurora is found to provide benefits to people in a variety of ways.

Benefits from the aurora span five NCP categories, including: energy, learning and inspiration, physical and psychological experiences, supporting identities and maintenance of options. The majority of benefits were non‐material in nature, although material benefits in the forms of tourism revenue and energy were also mentioned.

Practical considerations are explored for the localities of Ilulissat in western Greenland and the Ammassalik region (Tasiilaq & Kulusuk) in eastern Greenland. These study sites vary in their social, economic and institutional profiles and demonstrate moderate heterogeneity in perceptions about co‐production and potential avenues for the management of NCP from the aurora. Ilulissat demonstrates a broad spectrum of potential for institutional co‐production, where there are considerable anthropogenic assets for underpinning NCP from the aurora. In contrast, Tasiilaq and Kulusuk demonstrate more purely relational values, where tourism‐related benefits are currently less developed.

The information about aurora benefits and the role of co‐production elicited in this study can serve to support and inform decision‐making related to cultural heritage facilities, educational initiatives and tourism infrastructure pertaining to the aurora. Reflections about the usefulness of the IPBES framework in an abiotic context are discussed, and opportunities for future research are outlined.