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Book chapter2020Peer reviewed

Who knew digitizing and dialogue could change the course of reindeer herding rights? We know, now’: building bridges between knowledge systems and over highways

Sandström, Per; Myntti, Eva-Lisa; Sandström, Stefan; Jonsson, Niklas; Lidestav, Gun; Jonsson, Tobias

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates how critical land use needs, rights and solutions to maintain and safeguard Sami reindeer husbandry in Sweden can be understood, explained and communicated. Our case concerned infrastructure planning processes led by the Swedish Transport Administration (STA), where reindeer herders asked researchers for assistance to assess and illustrate consequences of infrastructure development on migratory routes and access to critical winter grazing lands. By combining knowledge from reindeer herders with scientific tools and methods, we co-produced maps depicting a system of reindeer overpasses as solutions to landscape level barriers. Further, use of participatory GIS and video productions including reindeer herders’ use of drones to demonstrate reindeer movements proved essential in affecting the planning processes. Along with an educational programme for STA personnel to understand reindeer husbandry needs, the construction of a vegetation-covered reindeer overpass, by the STA, linked to a series of other overpasses, is clear evidence of how co-operation and co-production of knowledge can be utilized for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Published in

Title: Sharing knowledge for land use management : Decision-making and expertise in Europe’s northern periphery
ISBN: 9781789901887, eISBN: 9781789901894
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
DOI: 10.4337/9781789901894.00017