Mina (10) to Cross Svalbard from South to North – Could Become the World’s Youngest

For Mina, the journey is not about setting records, but about going on an adventure with her daddy.

“I’m really looking forward to going on another expedition with daddy. I’ve been preparing for a long time with training, extra schoolwork and by learning more about Svalbard. The most important thing is being together with daddy, but I really hope I get to see polar bears along the way,” says Mina.

In her ten years of life, Mina has already spent more than 700 nights in a tent and travelled over 4,500 kilometres on skis and on foot in nature together with her father, expedition leader, outdoor therapist and filmmaker Alexander Read.

“This is the biggest expedition we have undertaken together as father and daughter. We’re not doing it for records, but because a ten-year-old wants to go on a long journey with her dad. This is a world we have built together since Mina was born. We’re not doing it because it’s easy, but because we want to experience smiles and tears, good moments and challenging ones. The most important thing is that we do it together and create memories. That’s how the magic of the journey happens,” says Alexander Read.

Communication and Social Impact

The expedition and Mina’s upbringing close to nature over the past ten years are being documented as a feature-length cinema film for children and families. The expedition and the content of the film are being filmed by Alexander himself and produced by the award-winning Field Production, with planned national and international distribution. A television series and a book are also planned.

The project builds on Norway’s polar history but is told through an intimate father–daughter perspective that highlights relationship, security and children’s encounters with nature and challenge.
“Although the journey is first and foremost for the two of us, it is also a journey for everyone who follows us on short and long trips in nature. We want to share the power of adventure and the magic of the outdoors with children and parents, and champion outdoor play, connection to nature and resilience in meeting both nature and one another,” says Alexander.

During the expedition, the public can follow progress via a dedicated website featuring a digital map. Here, children and adults alike can ask Mina and me questions about everything from polar bear watch and food to climate and wildlife.

Link to website: https://www.minaogmeg.no/

Research, Climate and Sustainability

At the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) in Longyearbyen, Mina will meet researchers from the CLEAN research project. There, she will receive small sample bottles that she will use to collect snow along the route she walks in Svalbard. The snow samples will later be analyzed in a laboratory to determine whether they contain so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS).

Forever chemicals are man-made substances that do not break down in nature. They can accumulate in animals and humans and pose a risk to both health and the environment.
“It is important that children learn how we affect nature and what we can do to take care of the planet. By becoming more familiar with Svalbard, children can learn about its unique ecosystem and why it must be protected,” says Professor Raul Primicerio at UiT the Arctic University of Norway, leader of the research project CLEAN.

CLEAN is an interdisciplinary research project organised by the Fram Centre and led by UiT. In total, 94 researchers from 13 institutions are participating.
Several other societal actors are also contributing to the project with knowledge and insight within climate, environment and childhood development. Among the partners are Miljøagentene (The Environmental Agents), CICERO Centre for International Climate Research, Hold Norge Rent (Keep Norway Clean), the network Smartphone-Free Childhood, and Nature and Youth in Svalbard.

Safety and Expedition Team

The expedition is led by Alexander himself, who has assembled a robust team that complements one another, safeguards polar expertise and ensures the magic of the journey along the way.

“Safety and health always come first, and that is especially important when travelling with Mina, who is a child. The expedition is planned according to Mina’s needs and capabilities, with a focus on rest, recovery, play and secure frameworks throughout,” says Alexander.

Are Johansen – one of Norway’s most experienced polar explorers – is second-in-command of the team. The team further consists of Lerke Bie, Signe Fonneland Steen, Aksel Framstad Holden and Dirigenten, a cross between a Greenland Dog and a Siberian Husky. Together they safeguard both safety and joy in the journey. The team is also supported by resources on the mainland and in Longyearbyen within logistics, weather and medical preparedness