New practices for interaction and collaborative arrangements between the reindeer herding and wind power sectors
A recent research article by Akordi’s lead specialist Emma Luoma and Sanna Hast, a researcher at the University of Lapland, examines the cooperation forum for reindeer herding and the wind power sector, which Akordi, the Association of Reindeer Herding Co-operatives and the Finnish Renewable Energy Association have jointly developed over the years. Luoma and Hast analyse which features of this collaborative arrangement have helped the parties to develop new practices for interaction and coordination alongside established planning and decision-making processes.
Although coordination is a key objective of land-use planning, EIA procedures and the licensing process, the coordination process itself often remains invisible. Solutions are presented as the end results of coordination, but the underlying conflicts, needs and compromises are rarely made visible.
According to the findings, collaboration on ground perceived as neutral, addressing the root causes underlying the disputes, as well as repeated meetings and the establishment of a long-term collaborative framework, have enabled a working relationship in which reindeer herders and wind power project developers have been able to begin developing new coordination practices. An independent facilitator has helped to create a more balanced environment in which the parties have been able to address even difficult issues constructively. Project developers have gained an insight into the day-to-day reality of reindeer herding, its operational logic and the challenges it faces, whilst at the same time building personal relationships with reindeer herders. This increased mutual understanding has, in turn, laid the foundations for new coordination practices.
Furthermore, examining the pressure arising from wind power development – particularly within the reindeer herding area – as broader contexts rather than individual projects, has enabled discussion of the cumulative impacts of projects, cumulative changes in land use and wider regional transformation.
Collaborative processes do not replace formal procedures, but they can complement them by creating space for strategic, ongoing and high-quality interaction and problem-solving. However, establishing a permanent collaborative structure requires resources and investment, which in turn demands commitment from stakeholders and, in some cases, a rethinking of how resources are allocated.
The article is available via the link below (open access): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09640568.2026.2757828#d1e151
