The novelty of this research approach is that it focuses on the often-ignored large, geographic variation in reindeer numbers and production in Finnmark; these geographic differences have been persistent for at least 20 years. This project includes studies that analyse spatial variability in environmental and socio-cultural factors. We explicitly address the hypothesis that a shifting pattern of intensity of reindeer herbivory in conjunction with climatic variability and internal dynamics within plant communities can bring about long-lasting transitions in vegetation structure and quality which may feed back on the productivity exhibited by reindeer herds. Productivity will be studied with respect to the influence of reindeer density, habitat/resource use and climatic variation.

The social science studies in the programme are based on the expectation that socio-cultural processes and variable economic constraints at the level of the “siidas” (Saami reindeer herding units), as well as their interactions with the decisions of management authorities, will be forceful social and political determinants of reindeer herding practices and reindeer numbers. Reindeer numbers/husbandry practice/production as well as the general spatial research design will be the main interdisciplinary denominators of the project.

The PI of this project is Professor Rolf A. Ims at the University of Tromsø.

Collaborating partners are SARVVIS, NINA, and NPI.

This programme is financially assisted by the Norwegian Research Council. The project period is 2003 – 2007.