Cultural Perception and Adaptation to Climate Change among Reindeer Saami Communities in Finland

Perceptions on and impacts of environmental changes under multiple stressors: a case study from two communities in northern Fennoscandia

“…These changes have a direct effect also on local people's seasonal experience and activities like winter sports (Savukoski 14.7%; Jokkmokk 17.1%). The vulnerability of tourism and reindeer herding under changing environment has been evidenced in numerous other studies of the region (Kaján 2014; Näkkäläjärvi et al 2020;Rasmus et al 2020b;Horne et al 2021;Horstkotte et al 2022b;Rosqvist et al 2022). Furthermore, the most commonly mentioned adaptation measures, in both municipalities, are linked to the plight of naturebased livelihoods or activities (Savukoski 33.3%, n = 48; Jokkmokk 16.7%, n = 30).…”

“…In northern Fennoscandia, environmental change perceptions of reindeer herders have been studied in particular in terms of climate conditions, vegetation dynamics and herders' coping strategies (see, e.g., Horstkotte et al 2017;Lépy et al 2018;Markkula et al 2019;Näkkäläjärvi et al 2020;Turunen et al 2016). There has been, however, less research on environmental change perceptions and adaptation among the wider community and people who are not engaged in reindeer herding in these communities.…”

“…Formulation of policies and adaptation measures that benefit local and indigenous populations are recognized as important for ensuring environmental justice and mitigation of socioeconomic and ecological risks (Nordic Council of Ministers 2014; Friedrich 2023). There is a vast literature on concerns and adaptation of reindeer herders to environmental changes (e.g., Lépy et al 2018;Näkkäläjärvi et al 2020;Rasmus et al 2021). By looking at the wider communities' response to change, we can identify that the concerns are similar among non-reindeer herders.…”