At the first ministerial meeting in Arctic Council, in Iqaluit Canada, the former Norwegian foreign minister Knut Vollebæk, focused on different Arctic industries (oil & gas, fisheries, and reindeer herding) and how these industries are related to sustainable development. Vollebæk stated that Norway would initiate international workshops in these themes. The workshop which discussed reindeer husbandry, was held in Kautokeino, Norway, in March 2000 under the heading "Sustainable reindeer herding and husbandry". The chairmen`s summary from the workshop states:

"The Arctic Council should initiate a project to survey the situation in the reindeer husbandry industry. Such a project would have to consider the different aspects of reindeer husbandry and be carried out in collaboration with the Association of World Reindeer Herders."

The project "Sustainable Reindeer Husbandry" was approved by the Arctic Council as a project under the Sustainable Development Programme at the Ministerial meeting in Barrow, Alaska 2000.

The aim of the project is to assess circumpolar reindeer herding and husbandry in relation to economic and social/cultural sustainability. This will be done by carrying out a thematic survey and assessment of reindeer husbandry in the arctic region (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Alaska).

The main objectives of the Sustainable Reindeer Husbandry are:

• Describe and analyse the present situation with regard to economic and social conditions
  
• Describe and analyse the present situation with regard to national management of reindeer husbandry, and
  
• Describe and analyse the present situation with regard to current legal status in the reindeer husbandry.
  

The formal start-up for the project was October 1st 2000, and the project period is until 31st of December 2002.

Anticipated outcome

A review and documentation of circumpolar reindeer husbandry will increase the focus on reindeer husbandry as an economic and social/cultural basis for Arctic indigenous people. The project is a contribution to increase the focus on reindeer husbandry within the Arctic Council.

The project will make for a better understanding of the industry’s needs and of how to meet future challenges. The project will identify areas for action and the need for international cooperation.

The project will involve reindeer herders who represent different groups of indigenous peoples and will thus facilitate the exchange of traditional knowledge and assist in building networks etc.

The results will be made public and available/distributed to members, permanent participants and observers of the Arctic Council, as well as reindeer herders, educational institutions etc.

The final report, which will be presented to the Third Ministerial meeting in Inari, Saariselkä, Finland, October 9-10, 2002 should reflect the main challenges for a sustainable development of the reindeer herding communities, and give recommendation for action to the industry, national authorities, and the Arctic Council.