Reindriftas sårbarhet og Norges ansvar

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 NorwegianConstitution. Nevertheless, reindeer herding is threatened by the loss of land used forinfrastructure and recreation facilities development, as well as human activities inthe outfields (utmark). Reindeer are physically vulnerable, and society’s institutionsdo not provide sufficient protection of land for grazing and herding of reindeer. Politicians and the general public are largely unaware of this. The chapter documentsthis by analyzing land-use challenges in two reindeer-herding districts. Besides lossof pastureland, the accumulated effect of former losses is a loss of flexibility, whichmakes 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. Thisshould be a part of necessary reconciliation processes in the context of historicalassimilation policies. Furthermore, the Norwegian government should strengthenits efforts to realize the intentions of plan and building laws by strengthening localand regional government obligations.Keywords: encroachments, natural foundation for Sámi culture, political perspectives, reindeer, reindeer herding, vulnerability

Til publikasjon: https://press.nordicopenaccess.no/index.php/noasp/catalog/book/151, https://www.facebook.com/stiftelsenruralis/videos/3814072432151392, https://youtu.be/50Hy81zmwFs https://www.facebook.com/stiftelsenruralis/videos/3814072432151392), https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.23865/noasp.151.ch2 | Publiseringsår: 2021 | Tidsskrift: Cappelen Damm Akademisk