Reindeer herding associations demand more expertise and resources from authorities to investigate grazing disputes

The Sami Reindeer Herding Associations have called on Finnish authorities to improve their capacity and knowledge in handling disputes over reindeer grazing rights, Yle Sápmi reports.

For years, herding associations have reported cases to authorities, but investigations into grazing disputes, fencing issues, and land encroachments have often stalled due to insufficient expertise and resources. Tiina Sanila, chair of the association, emphasised that authorities lack the necessary competence to address the complex and varied nature of these conflicts.

“Authorities must recognise that this is a multifaceted issue affecting reindeer herders in different ways,” Sanila said.

Recent disputes include a case in Utsjoki (Ohcejohka) where a landowner began clearing land in a reindeer grazing area, and another in Sodankylä (Soađegili) where authorities are investigating a herding association’s complaint about illegal fencing. Additionally, the Supreme Administrative Court has received appeals related to wind power projects in Inari (Aanaar) and Enontekiö (Eanodat), which herders argue disrupt grazing.

The associations argue that regional state administrative agencies (AVI) lack the resources to properly investigate these cases. According to a recent Yle analysis, authorities have struggled to resolve disputes, with only a fraction of the 26 grazing-related complaints filed in Lapland over the past decade resulting in legal consequences. Most cases were dropped due to insufficient evidence or lack of a specific offence under Finnish law, which does not recognise reindeer herding disputes as a distinct legal category.

Sanila noted that herding associations have long faced challenges in getting authorities to take their concerns seriously. “There’s a perception that the state’s willingness to investigate and allocate resources to these issues has diminished,” she said. While authorities have engaged in some cases, many disputes remain unresolved. “Reindeer herders must be able to trust that their rights will be upheld in all situations.”

Public perception has also shifted, with recent high-profile cases increasing awareness of the difficulties herders face. Pälvi Suokas, a member of the Reindeer Herding Cooperation Committee, told Yle that disputes can often be resolved through dialogue when authorities have sufficient local knowledge and willingness to engage.

Disputes over grazing rights can severely impact herding operations, reinforcing stereotypes that reindeer herding is merely “cultural” or a “local tradition,” as highlighted in Yle’s analysis. Sanila stressed that grazing disputes are not just a herder-specific issue but affect broader land-use policies, such as climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and the expansion of wind farms, which can place outsiders in difficult positions.

“It’s crucial that research and decision-making are as open as possible,” Sanila said. She added that economic uncertainty in the industry further complicates disputes, as herders cannot afford to compromise their livelihoods.

Sanila also pointed out that similar conflicts exist in Sweden and Norway, where reindeer have been found fenced in or injured. She called for better compensation mechanisms for damages caused by fencing, noting that while some herders may tolerate minor losses, the associations demand systematic solutions based on their own assessments rather than arbitrary decisions.

“Reindeer get tangled in fences. In addition to the herders’ own losses, the Sami Reindeer Herding Associations seek proper compensation for all reindeer—whether privately owned or part of the herd—when fencing causes harm,” she said.