Reindeer herding - involving long migrations and pasturage - has been a way of life for many indigenous Arctic peoples, including the Sami in the Barents region, the Nenets in the Yamal Peninsula, and the people of Chukotka - among others.
Climate change and economic development have put herders and herds at risk. Since February 2007 the Reindeer Blog has been covering the topic.
A perusal of the posts shows the wide range of conflicts and tradeoffs following on climate change and economic development: posts deal with the conflicts between reindeer herders and oil and gas development, mining development, pipelines, loggers, cars and trains (that hit reindeer), urban residents, farmers, sport hunting, hydropower, and windmill farms.
Other issues covered include environmental pollution (PCBs and dioxins in reindeer meat), predator control (bears, wolves, and wolverines), market development, international boundaries and grazing rights, wild herd management, alcoholism among herders, rabies, and fire related habitat loss.
Coverage is circumpolar, although the focus is on northern Scandinavia and Russia. Most posts are in English, but some are in Russian and Scandinavian languages.
Sponsored by the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR). Most posts appear to be prepared by Phillip Burgess, a staffer with the Centre. According to his biography, "Philip Burgess joined ICR in January, 2007. From Dublin, Ireland, where he took a B.A. in Geography from Trinity College Dublin, he then took a Masters Degree in Arctic Studies from the University of Lapland, Finland. Since then, he has worked for the Sámi Council and the Indigenous Peoples Secretariat of the Arctic Council and spent a number of years in Vancouver working in the bicycle industry. He currently lives in Guovdageaidnu/ Kautokeino with his wife. Philip is the Project Manager for the Reindeer Portal and as an Advisor to ICR."
Short, well-written, and informative posts on current events. Recommended.
Photo is a page header from an International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry web page.
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