Reindriftas sårbarhet og Norges ansvar

Abstract

In Norway, the reindeer exists as both a wild and semi-domesticated species. The latter forms the basis of a livelihood and industry that is the clearest characteristic of Sámi culture, and it is protected by international law and the Norwegian Constitution. Nevertheless, reindeer herding is threatened by loss of land used for infrastructure and recreation facilities development, as well as human activities in the outfields (utmark). Reindeer are physically vulnerable, and society’s institutions do not provide sufficient protection of land for grazing and herding of reindeer. Politicians and the general public are largely unaware of this. The chapter documents this by analyzing land-use challenges in two reindeer-herding districts. Besides loss of pastureland, the accumulated effect of former losses is a loss of flexibility, which makes adaptation to new challenges increasingly difficult. The authors suggest several practical measures (e.g. plans, maps, etc.), but also point to the need for general education in Sámi culture and affairs, for politicians as well as the public. This should be a part of necessary reconciliation processes in the context of historical assimilation policies. Furthermore, the Norwegian government should strengthen its efforts to realize the intentions of plan and building laws by strengthening local and regional government obligations.

Sámi agency in economic development processes in the Norwegian High North

“…Increased Sámi influence has given rise to conflicts, both locally and regionally, and within Sámi institutions and communities. The core issue in larger development processes is often that they affect the land available for reindeer husbandry, but also broader changes related to major development projects affect Sámi society and way of life (Eriksen & Falch, 2016; Riseth, Eilertsen, & Johansen, 2021; Riseth & Lie, 2016). Since 2009, the Sámi Parliament has had a right to object under the Norwegian Planning and Building Act (Broderstad & Josefsen, 2016; Riseth & Nygaard, 2018).…”

“…An important and challenging field in regional development is reindeer husbandry’s extensive use of uncultivated land that conflicts with other use of the same areas, as exemplified in road construction, cabin construction, mineral development and energy development (particularly wind power) both in Finnmark and further south (Riseth & Lie, 2016; Nygaard, 2016; Nygaard, Carlsson, & Sletterød, 2017; Riseth et al, 2021). Increased Sámi rights to land resources also entail increased regional self-determination rights in areas where the Sámi have previously had little say.…”

“…For land-intensive wind and hydropower development, however, the level of conflict may be reminiscent of what we see in the mineral field. Here, strong mobilisation linked to international law has in several cases stopped development plans, including some that were far-advanced (Eriksen & Falch, 2016; Falch 2022; Riseth & Lie, 2016). Of particular interest is the Fosen ruling from 2021, where the Norwegian Supreme Court concluded that a major wind power development project completed in southern Sámi reindeer herding areas violates human rights (SP 27).…”