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| Photo: Erkki Oksanen |
Reindeer herding has both positive and negative impacts on local flora and fauna; several species are fairly neutral in their relationship with reindeer. This was concluded from a Metla study on the impacts of reindeer husbandry and conservation in Malla strict nature reserve in Enontekiö. Ultimately, it is impossible to have all species in their greatest numbers concurrently, so decisions have to be made as to what kind of environment and what species are desirable in the park.
The research project was launched in 2001 to provide information to balance the environmental conflict that was initiated in the late 1990s between Sámi reindeer herders, conservationists and researchers. The reindeer herders wanted the herding rights in the park be returned. The conservationists were afraid that herding would constitute a threat to the endangered vascular plants and butterfly species in the park. The view that such a danger exists has been shown to be invalid.
For sustainable use of the Malla strict nature conservation park it is crucial that scientific and conservation values are preserved and that the needs of reindeer husbandry are acknowledged and taken care of. The requirement is for more open communication, critical reviewing of the values and objectives, and greater opportunities for local people to participate in land-use planning and decision making, as well as to take on related responsibilities.
Additional information: www.metla.fi/hanke/3312/index-en.htm
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