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Conference abstract2007

A user oriented model for ecologically based land-use planning in northern Sweden

Sandström, Per; Olsson, Håkan; Jougda, Leif; Baer, Karin; Wedin, Mats

Abstract

Reindeer are part of the native herbivorous fauna in arctic and subarctic regions around the globe and play important roles both ecologically and economically. In northern Scandinavia reindeer play a key role in the indigenous Sámi people’s cultural identity and traditions. In Sweden the reindeer husbandry area covers 1/3 of the country with reindeer using the Scandian mountains during summer and migrating far to forested areas used during winter season. A lack of knowledge and understanding between the reindeer industry, and other land users (forest, power, tourism and mining industry) about each other’s needs has often led to heated debates. In this paper, we illustrate how remote sensing and GIS techniques can be used to gather and compile information about land-use activities and patterns among reindeer herders and other land users. The project represents a novel user-oriented effort largely based on the work carried out by the principal end user - the reindeer herders. The basis for development of land-use plans for reindeer husbandry consists of 3 parts: 1. Collection and digital systemization of traditional ecological and landscape knowledge of reindeer habitat use; 2. Integration of this information with results from field inventories and satellite-based vegetation classifications; 3. Mapping and compilation of other land user’s activities. The resulting land-use plans provide information that can facilitate consultation between the reindeer herders and other stakeholders and can facilitate operational work in reindeer husbandry. The work is now completed for 6 Swedish reindeer herding districts (in Swedish; sameby) covering 6 million ha and is ongoing in an additional 6 districts. The work has involved 85 reindeer herders and key personnel in the Swedish Forest Agency. This project can serve as a model for participatory involvement and planning, bringing indigenous knowledge and advanced remote-sensing techniques together in an interactive process

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Conference

International Polar Year (IPY) workshops on Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks