Reindeer on the Coast…Conflict in the Media
In northern Norway, each year, reindeer migrate from the interior to the coast in an ancient movement coupling animals and people. In contemporary times, with dramatically increased settlement and development on the coast this has meant that summer brings stories of conflict between reindeer husbandry and cabin dwellers, farmers, mining interests, municipalities and others. Unfortunately, this has meant that reindeer husbandry only gets into the national and regional media with stories of ‘conflict’. The last few weeks have been no different.
Military operations in the Mauken reindeer herding district’s conflict with the military in their region (about which a documentary has been made in 2006) is in the media again,
Reindeer herders are attempting to prevent a golf course development in Bardu in Troms and Nils M. Utsi, the head of Reindeer Herding District No. 22 has stated in the media that he believes that mining plans in the Kvalsund region are attempting to squeeze out reindeer husbandry. Metallica Mining, wants to mine 7 million tonnes of ore (copper) in their area with the support of the local municipality that claims 50-100 jobs will be created.
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