Paper short abstract:

Norwegian coast line has become a prominent site of battle for rights of access. Outside the main tourism attractions the coast is also favoured sites for windmills parks. On the foreshore near the Arctic Circle, Southern Sami and their reindeer are attempting new forms of coexistence in the largest windmill park in Norway.

Paper long abstract:

Coastal Southern Sami keep their reindeer near the fjords in the winter. Winter pastures are meagre and limited by the rocky and fragmented Norwegian coastal landscape. Reindeer subside on limited shoreline and marsh vegetation. To ensure the survival of their herds, herders limit the time their animals spend on winter pastures in the autumn, and drive their herds into the mountains as early as possible in the spring. Every winter urged by the herders, reindeer cross waters to coastal islands. Increased pressures on their pastures have made the move to these islands a necessity. The reach of the herds across distances of water has improved with the introduction of landing vessels and ferries to ship hundreds of animals across to fresh pastures. Presently, Southern Sami face new challenges as the European energy crisis increases the search for new sustainable power sources. These islands have become highly desired locations for windmill parks. Norwegian perceptions of natural and national beauty exclude other potential sites, such as the high mountains. Down south, coastal areas are excluded as areas with tourism and holiday homes representing strong private ownership interests. Further out in the ocean, windmills are said to ruin the fisheries. Reindeer and windmills are attempting new forms of co-existence along the subarctic foreshore.