A new publication by the Ministry of the Environment provides guidance on ethical negotiations with Sámi reindeer herders
“Rivttes vuohki, Olmâ vyehi, Õlmmvueʹǩǩ – The Right Way: Ethical Guidelines based on the UN Convention on Biological Diversity for negotiations and cooperation with reindeer herders in Sámi reindeer herding cooperatives” offers practical guidance for collaboration with Sámi reindeer herders.
The guidelines have been developed as part of the project MÁHTUT – Sámi Knowledge and Practices in the Era of the Green Transition, in cooperation with the Sámi Reindeer Herders’ Association and the Ministry of the Environment.
The MultiBEING Centre of Excellence has supported the preparation of the guidelines. The guidelines were authored by MultiBEING researchers Leena Hansen and Saara Alakorva, together with Tiina Sanila, Chair of the Sámi Reindeer Herders’ Association. The work builds in particular on Leena Hansen’s long-standing collaboration with both authorities and Sámi reindeer herders, as well as her expertise in Indigenous Peoples’ Law.
A workshop related to the guidelines was held in Inari on 20–21 May 2026. In addition to Hansen, one of the speakers was Anne-Maria Magga, a researcher in our research community whose work focuses on the status and practices of Sámi reindeer husbandry.
In addition, a printed summary of the guidelines will be published in Finnish under the title “Application of Section 53 of the Reindeer Husbandry Act in Accordance with the FPIC Principle”. It is intended as a practical tool for reindeer herders, authorities, and other actors whose activities require negotiations in line with the principle of free, prior and informed consent (#FPIC) with Sámi reindeer herders.
Learn more about the guidelines
For further information: Leena Hansen (firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi).
The guidelines are available in English here and in Finnish here.
