In Luppio, solutions were sought together with reindeer herding cooperatives, wind power companies, one mining project, and the business area director of energy funds
On September 3–4, 2025, we gathered with reindeer herding cooperatives, wind power companies, one mining project representative, and the business area director of energy funds to discuss the cumulative impact of wind power projects on reindeer herding and to brainstorm solutions for mitigating and compensating for the negative effects.
At the meeting in Luppio, the challenges were tackled in concrete terms at the level of two reindeer herding cooperatives. The participants were:
- Lohijärvi and Palojärvi reindeer herding cooperatives
- Wind power companies operating in the area covered by these cooperatives: ABO Energy Suomi, Etha, Myrsky Energia, Taaleri Energia, and VSB Uusiutuva Energia Suomi
- Mining company Mawson Finland
- Ålandsbanken’s Energy Funds Business Area Director
The proposed solutions and development needs that emerged included:
- Restoring lost grazing areas
- Contract templates for fair distribution of financial compensation
- Construction and maintenance of various types of fences
The meeting was a continuation of the collaborative platform for reindeer husbandry and wind power that we have been building since 2019 with Reindeer Herders’ Association and Renewables Finland. In January, we met at the western reindeer herding district level, where we identified the need for unique meetings between two reindeer herding cooperatives and companies operating in their areas, which have now been realized. The first meeting of these took place in May in Ylitornio, and now the collaborative work has continued.
During the meeting, it was noted on several occasions how getting to know each other and learning about each other’s operating methods helps in dealing with common challenges. The earlier cooperation begins, the easier it is to find acceptable solutions.
A warm thank you to all participants for their active and constructive work!
The TAH and RELEX Foundations support Akordi’s work in five different living labs, which rolls out and scales procedures that have been tested and proven effective in anticipating and resolving conflicts related to the green transition. The interface between wind power and reindeer herding is one of these living labs.
