An Indigenous Perspective on National Parks and Sámi Reindeer Management in Norway

Abstract

Protection of nature for biodiversity, and for the material livelihoods of Indigenous peoples, have much in common. Indigenous relations to nature are, however, based on unity between use and protection, implying that human use is necessary for effective protection. Often protected areas include the homelands of Indigenous peoples, whose needs and rights are still being ignored to a large extent. This paper explores the effects of a plan for a significant increase of large nature protection areas in Norway, still under implementation. Most of the new protection areas are in the heartland of the Indigenous Sámi, whose core livelihood is reindeer management. The plan implies transfer of jurisdiction from Indigenous and local domains to formalised central domains. In several cases, this has provoked Indigenous and rural groups to organised resistance. In this case study, there are signs of new tensions between Sámi and other rural groups. Indigenous land use can be marginalised by park restrictions and increasing pressure from visitor activity. The Sámi response was to boycott the park management board leading to a stalemate. A robust solution seems to require consideration of deeper institutional levels.

Does Pastoralists' Participation in the Management of National Parks in Northern Norway Contribute to Adaptive Governance?

“…While large wild predators are part of the valued biodiversity of the ecosystem, they are considered a menace by local resource users who now depend on a modernized animal husbandry system. Area protection is to some extent experienced as a challenge for reindeer husbandry (Holte 2008, Riseth andHolte 2008). Although protected areas initially provided the means to safeguard these pastures/ecosystems from encroachments such as increased infrastructure, motorized transportation, and resource extraction, conservation decisions may subsequently have led to increased human traffic in sensitive herding areas and more disturbance by tourism.…”

“…However, many protected areas globally also include human user groups, in which people continue to carry out livelihood activities (Bedunah and Schmidt 2004, Lockwood et al 2006, Riseth 2007, Bay-Larsen and Fedreheim 2008, Sandberg 2008. In this situation, protected areas are thus an arena where various actor groups exist and interact-hikers, hunters, pastoralists, tourist operators, and managers.…”

Gestion participative en territoires autochtones : disputes autour d’une aire protégée dans les Andes chiliennes

“…Le terrain conquis par les organisations autochtones ne s'en tient encore toutefois qu'à la légalisation de situations de fait. Cette réalité ne diffère guère, à ce titre, d'autres expériences ailleurs dans le monde, où l'on note aussi parfois une certaine réticence des pouvoirs publics à laisser davantage de prérogatives aux acteurs locaux (Martin, 2006 ;Åge Riseth, 2007 ;Fouache et al, 2009). Des situations contrastées existent cependant à l'intérieur même des États, selon les régions mais aussi selon le type d'aires protégées concernées.…”

“…Privées de l'accès à leurs territoires traditionnels, ainsi que de leur contrôle, ces populations se sont alors proposées, au cours des dernières décennies, de réinvestir et de se réapproprier ces juridictions, contestant à l'État la légitimité d'administrer des territoires leur ayant été subrepticement usurpés au cours du temps (Aagesen, 1998 ;Muller, 2003 ;Martin, 2006 ;Åge Riseth, 2007).…”

Co-management of protected areas to alleviate conservation conflicts: Experiences in Norway

“…Sheep and reindeer owners use the protected areas for grazing, and the fact that these areas are protected secures the outfield pastures from developments. On the other hand, the protection decision might lead to more visitors, which can affect the pasture negatively (Jystad 2007;Riseth 2007;Holte 2008;Riseth and Holte 2008). For tourism operators, the protected area is a quality signal to consumers (tourists), as offering experiences in "wild" nature increases tourists' satisfaction.…”