Governing, producing, and negotiating reindeer landscapes – towards fair and sustainable use of land
Informations
- Funding country
Norway- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 1/1/2021
- End date
- 12/31/2025
- Budget
- 1,200,972 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MILJØFORSK - Environmental Research for a Green Transition | Grant | - | - | 1,200,971 EUR |
Abstract
The project examines the management of landscapes that are habitats for wild and domestic reindeer (reindeer landscapes) in Norway; areas that also harbor conflicts between different user interests. Focus is on the wild reindeer area in Hardangervidda and the domestic reindeer area in Finnmark. Both landscapes provide living conditions for reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): seasonal pastures, migratory routes, calving and rutting areas. Yet, the management of the two landscapes has different political goals and relate to different knowledge providers. They are perceived as separate administrative spheres, governed by different sectors and influenced by different representations (discourses) depending on whether the landscape is inhabited by wild or domestic reindeer. Good management of these reindeer landscapes is crucial for preserving Europe's wild reindeer population, Sámi reindeer husbandry and biological diversity. But the landscapes are exposed to increasing pressure from various land-use interests and climate change, and local right-holders such as landowners and reindeer herders claim that their knowledge and perspectives are often excluded in land management. Through participatory methods and close collaboration with landowners and reindeer owners, the project compares land management of wild and domestic reindeer areas, and sheds light on how Norwegian reindeer landscapes are managed, negotiated and created in the interaction between right-holders, land-use stakeholders and decision-makers. The project investigates which values and knowledge systems are reflected in land-use decisions, and it creates an arena where the actors of 'wild' and 'domestic' reindeer landscapes can exchange experiences and discuss issues they have in common. Finally, the project provides solutions for a more inclusive, fair and comprehensive management of 'wild' and 'tame' reindeer landscapes with an aim to minimize land-use conflicts in the transition to a low-emission society.