This collaborative project examines the management of areas where there are currently conflicts between conservation and use interests. The areas in focus are habitats for wild and domestic reindeer (reindeer landscapes) in Norway, with a particular focus on the wild reindeer area on the Hardangervidda plateau and the domestic reindeer area in Finnmark.

Both of these areas cover the livelihood of the reindeer (species Rangifer tarandus ) with seasonal grazing, migration grounds and calving and rutting areas. Nevertheless, the management of the two landscapes has different political goals and different knowledge providers. They are perceived as two administrative spheres, governed by different sectors and influenced by different linguistic representations (discourses) – depending on whether the landscape is inhabited by wild or domesticated reindeer. 

Good management of Norwegian reindeer landscapes is crucial for preserving Europe's wild reindeer population, Sami reindeer herding and biodiversity in general. However, the landscapes are subject to increasing pressure from various land-use interests and climate change, while local rights holders such as landowners and reindeer herders claim that their needs, knowledge and perspectives are often excluded from land management. 

The goal of the project

Through participatory methods and close collaboration with landowners and reindeer owners, the project compares the land management of wild and domesticated reindeer areas and sheds light on how Norwegian reindeer landscapes are managed, negotiated and created in the interaction between rights holders, land use stakeholders and decision-makers. The project examines which values ​​and knowledge systems are reflected in land planning and decisions. The project creates a meeting place where actors from "wild" and "domesticated" reindeer areas can exchange experiences and discuss common issues.

The project also provides solutions for a more inclusive, fair and holistic management of "wild" and "domestic" reindeer landscapes that can also minimize land use conflicts in the transition to a low-emission society.

This is a competence and collaboration project funded by the Research Council of Norway (project no. 320697) in the period 2021-2025. The full title of the project is "Governing, producing, and negotiating reindeer landscapes – towards fair and sustainable use of land".