Reindriftas sårbarhet og Norges ansvar
      
          
  Av
          Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
      
    
                
  Utgiver:
              Cappelen Damm Akademisk
          Year published:
              2021
          Sider:
              29-66
          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 the 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.
Keywords: encroachments, natural foundation for Sámi culture, political perspectives, reindeer, reindeer herding, vulnerability
      
  
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