Arctic communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing challenges like flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage. To respond, communities and researchers need observing systems—tools and methods to collect environmental data—that are not only scientifically useful but also affordable, respectful, and grounded in local priorities.

The Arctic Observing Systems and Technology Convergence Working Group (AOST CWG), part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) program, hosted workshops at three major Arctic research meetings. We asked participants—including Indigenous experts, community members, and scientists—three key questions:

1. 
   

   What low-cost, open-source technologies are most useful for community-based research?

   
   


2. 
   

   What environmental data and collection methods best support infrastructure planning and local adaptation?

   
   


3. 
   

   What training is needed to support ethical and effective collaboration?

   
   

Participants emphasized that good observing systems require not only the right tools, but also investment in people—through training, long-term partnerships, and culturally grounded methods. They also highlighted the need for data to be controlled and interpreted by the communities who help collect it.

These insights are helping shape a 2025 report and publication to support more equitable, community-led Arctic observing systems that reflect both scientific and local knowledge.