Competing Land Use in Northern Sweden: The Sami Land is Shrinking and Shrinking Fast

Jonas Vannar

2021

English

Sweden

Reindeer herding is the traditional way of Sami (Native people of Scandinavia) life that works with the animals not against them. Describes how they are dealing with exploitation and competing land from mining forestry, hydropower, railroads, infrastructure and wind power which affect reindeer herding, and Sami way of life.

While exploitative companies can only see their specific project and effects, Sami see the widespread combined effects in the area. They are finding that they are constantly battling against companies, it is only when scientists align with what Sami are saying that they are listened to. So how do they combat this or how can Indigenous way of life combine with modern technology? They have their own GIS program to show how industry is affecting caribou herds and lands. They work with researchers who have open minds, they combine traditional knowledge with scientific methods, they meet with decision makers and authorities.

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