GeoNordBalt network is a NORDPLUS Higher Education Institution programme funded network of Geographers in the Nordic and Baltic Region.The network dates back to late 1980s when Joensuu and Umeå universities begun joint field courses. It has undergone several changes in memberships and has included partners from most Nordic and Baltic countries. The current network is geographically more focused with partner Universities in countries adjunct to the Baltic Sea: Eastern Finland (UEF/FI), Linköping (LiU/SE), Tartu (UT/EE), Vilnius (UV/LT), Latvia/Riga (UL/LV). The purpose of the network and its co-operation is to develop and intensify the links between geographers and universities in Baltic/Nordic countries, and to promote education, research and regional development collaboration related to Northern, shrinking regions/localities. The main activity of the network is to arrange a two-week intensive, research-oriented, excursion/field course hybrid on a yearly basis in changing locations throughout the partner countries. The theme of the year 2022-24 deals with the potentials and challenges related to smart shrinking as a novel approach to Nordic (rural) development. The theme is motivated by the ongoing demographic changes in Nordic and Baltic rural areas and the accompanying challenges that derive for their future development.
