Reindeer driving Sami in Finnmark say they need wind power in their pastures

– Coexistence between reindeer husbandry and power development is possible, but then everyone has to adapt. It’s all about the conversation, says the Reindeer owner from Kautokino.

The debate over whether energy development and reindeer husbandry can live side by side is a hot potato, brought up to date with the Fossen demonstrations.

There is now a tense and expectant mood in Finland, where many fear the Fossen case will hinder power development. This is in a district where almost every square meter is reindeer pasture.

– Requires more power

Reindeer Sarah stands behind those who believe more power is needed in Finnmark.

– I see that there may be flaws in the current development and what we have in store for the future. So we need to find out which type of development is most suitable. Nuclear power, wind power or hydropower?

– So do you think that reindeer herding Sami should also contribute to the development of more power to create the development that many people are talking about in the north?

– Yes definitely. It is important to find a way out of the situation so that everyone’s existence is protected. We must bow to it. But he points out that surely no one should run away, as seen in Fossen’s case.

Sarah has a summer pasture on Sealand Island in the Altafjord. Here he believes there are areas he can do without, without doing too much damage.

– But considering what is most relevant to me, I should point out where the turbines should be. The Reindeer owner says he is not sure if the developer will fully agree, as it would be too expensive for his wallet.

Sara was President of the Norwegian Reindeer Summers National Association (NRL) from 2006 to 2014 and knows the art of negotiation.

– It should be important. Dialogue and common understanding.

Visit to Lviv

Dialogue is a word that Prime Minister Jonas Gerstor has used frequently in recent weeks. Not least on the ongoing Finnmark trip this week.

He was in Porshankar yesterday and heard the sighs of Sami residents and the explanation of the situation.

He has heard from many who believe that reindeer herders occupy large areas, and rangeland is too protected.

The day began today in Karasjok, where Storr visited a family of reindeer herders who changed clothes and entered the Sami Parliament a few hours later.

Here he met with great opposition from the Sami who attended.

He was also handed over 35,000 signatures collected by the Amnesty. They demand an end to human rights abuses against Fosun Sami.

In an interview with Støre yesterday, he told NRK that dialogue is certainly one thing, but energy development is something reindeer herders cannot escape.

– Reindeer handlers must be heard, and they must be heard properly. Storr says it’s important to listen and listen to how reindeer are doing on winter and summer pastures.

– Do you want Norway to continue with the natural reindeer husbandry we have today?

– It is part of our history and culture. The Sami are an indigenous people and they are protected by the conventions we entered into and we really have to stand up for that.

– So I believe that reindeer herders should also be interested in more power so that we can create different workplaces.

Equinor and Sea Breeze

Last year, the electricity allocated to Equinar for the electrification of the gas plant at Melgoya shocked many. This is at the expense of other companies.

When asked by Støre whether Equinor should not be pressured to resolve electrification, the Prime Minister says:

– We will decide the question once the application is duly received. But whether we say yes or no to electrification, this question is not resolved.

– But don’t Equinar have the money and brains to solve this themselves?

– Yes, but Equinor is our leading energy company and will also look at offshore wind. From now on, onshore breezes will be allowed along the coast. But Storr says it needs to happen in a way that doesn’t create these conflicts.

Lack of confidence

Kate Utsi is the manager of reindeer herding district 9, Reinjarka in eastern Finnmark. His district approved wind turbines ten years ago. Now she deeply regrets it.

Utsi says that after the Fossen case, he and many reindeer herders with him lost faith in the government.

– There is a complete lack of faith. And for what will happen in the future. And he says it’s incredibly scary.

Nils Henrik Saara believes that many of the reindeer herding Sami may be motivated by what happened at the Fossen demonstrations. He hopes that the legal cases in Finnmark may come to an end in the coming years.

– I’m afraid. But at the same time, authorities remain vigilant after the Fossen case. So next time everything should be clarified. But I’m sure you can agree on something. But Sarah says you have to listen to each other.