Finnmark 2007
We shall be traveling on dogsleds through Arctic Finnmark, from the Barents Sea to the Atlantic, a journey of close to 1,500 kilometers in rugged conditions and temperatures ranging from minus 10 degrees C to minus 35 degrees.
Aims and purpose in the field:
We shall be visiting Sámi communities and reindeer-herders in the field. Our efforts will be concentrated on the following:
* to make contact with reindeer herders and other renewable resource users throughout our journey. This to highlight Sámi traditional environmental knowledge and perceptions on climate and social change...
* to assist in diverse human activities in the area, especially those relating to reindeer herding, and to Sámi traditional practices. e.g. slaughter campaigns, outruns, corralling, preparation for the calving season...
* to meet local people in their everyday context - NOT for formal indoor interviews, but in the outdoor context of their knowledge, experience, perceptions and practices...
* to discuss related issues ( problems of secondary education, young male and female Sámi challenges, issues of identity), with old and young representatives.
We hope to enhance visibility of the Sámi communities' role and precariousness within the global system, and to contribute to international efforts to increase human security in the context of climate change. Under the aegis of the Royal Geographical Society, London, our expedition has been scheduled to start with the opening of the International Polar year March 1st.
Souce courtesy of: http://www.finnmark2007.com/
