Metla Project 3312

Multiple impacts of reindeer husbandry and conservation in Malla strict nature conservation park

[  Suomeksi  |  Objectives  |  Results  |  Project leader  |  Researchers  |  Publications  |  Metla Research  ]

Duration: 2001-2003   Keywords: Malla strict nature reserve, Sami people, biodiversity, nature conservation, reindeer herding

Objectives

©Metla/Mikko Jokinen
Kuva: Mikko Jokinen

The main objective of the research project is to the study the ecological and social consequences of permitting or forbidding reindeer husbandry in Malla strict nature reserve. Another central issue is to chart the opinions of reindeer herders and land-use managers, specialised in the northern areas, concerning the values attached to the Malla and other conservation areas. The aim is to use the results as a base for the practical guidelines for management of land-use in the reindeer herding area.




Results

When the project was launched, the prevailing opinion was that grazing does constitute a large-scale threat to rare and endangered vascular plants and butterfly species. In the light of the latest research knowledge, this argument has become untenable. Grazing does disturb or threaten some species, but others benefit from it or are neutral to it. Ultimately, we cannot have all the species in their greatest numbers and we need to decide what species and what kind of an environment we want to support.

The key aspect for conservation of biodiversity is to keep the grazing pressure at an optimal state. The best situation would probably be to have the intensity of grazing vary from high to zero on a temporal scale. Continuous high pressure, as well as the total lack of grazing, are probably the worst scenarios. Malla strict nature reserve is also loaded with objectives and values other than the conservation of rare species. It was established as an area for scientific experiments, while for the Sámi people it represents an important summer pasture area and many people project attach personal interests and emotions to the area. These interests and emotions play important roles in the conflict.There is also disagreement among researchers and reindeer herders as to what is the correct way to use the reserve. The lack of communication between the stakeholders is a key factor that has kept the conflict on the boil. For sustainable development and use of the Malla area it is crucial that scientific and conservation values are taken care of along with the needs of reindeer herding. In future we need more open communication, critical reviewing of the goals and objectives, and greater opportunities for local people to participate in land-use planning and decision-making.

Project leader: Jokinen, Mikko
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Kolari Office, Muoniontie 21 A, FI-95900 KOLARI, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 3525
E-mail: mikko.jokinen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Ek, Lars-Göran (2002), Heikkinen, Hannu, KO (2004), Helle, Timo, RO (2001,2003), Hänninen, Noora (2002-03), Jaakkola, Lotta, RO (2001-02), Josefsson, Torbjörn (2002), Kauhanen, Heikki, KO (2001-03), Lehikoinen, Aleksi (2003), Mattsson, Jorma (2001,2003), Nilsson, Karin (2001), Nilsson, Per (2001), Olberg, Stefan (2001-02), Pölkki, Sini (2001-02), Sutinen, Marja-Liisa, MU (2002), Välimäki, Panu (2003)


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Updated 12.06.2012
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