Norway: Learn More About the Issues: Land Rights

In 2007, the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous People. This was a major landmark decision because indigenous people have historically been pulled into land disputes and often denied equitable access to land and natural resources.

In 2007, the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous People. This was a significant landmark because indigenous peoples have historically been pulled into land disputes and often denied equitable access to land and natural resources. Alongside the International Labour Organization’s Convention Number 169, the international human rights instrument expands the special protection of the rights of indigenous people

Climate Change:

Climate change is a major issue for people worldwide. It is especially a concern for the Saami people of northern Norway, who work as reindeer herders. Global warming is proceeding twice as fast in the Arctic than the rest of the world.

Rising temperatures in Norway have led to a decline in the number of Saami reindeer. Higher temperatures cause the snow to melt and refreeze creating ice layers. An increase in rainfalls and storms in the northern latitudes has simultaneously limited the reindeer’s food supply. As a result, it has become more difficult for the reindeer to forage for food and travel across the Arctic.

By the year 2089, 40% of the Arctic will be affected by continuously rising temperatures. In the future, reindeers will have to either migrate in search for food elsewhere or depend on herders to provide them with food. The Saami people have been herding reindeer for hundreds of years. Now, climate change poses a threat to both the reindeer as well as the herders and their traditional way of life.