Conference:
Abstract: "The Rondane region in the southern part of Norway is one of the most popular regions for outdoor recreation in Norway. There are 4500 wild reindeer in this region. They are some of the few remnants of the original wild european mountain reindeer and are genetically unique. They are a common property resource, managed by several local institutions, some especially designed for reindeer management.
"Under natural conditions reindeer use different parts of Rondane throughout the year. These areas are situated in 11 municipalities and 2 countries. But outdoor recreation, tourism and other impacts have disturbed the reindeer so much that they have abandoned parts of the region in certain seasons.
"This conflict reached a peak when a plan to develop an area with a ski-lift and many cabins was proposed. This plan was met with objection from the County Governor in Hedmark and put before the Ministry of Environment for a decision. The Ministry rejected the plan, but decided that there should be a County Plan for the Rondane region in the counties of Hedmark and Oppland. The main purpose was to protect the areas where the reindeer live.
"In my paper I emphasize the reason that the Ministry chose a County Plan instead of for example 'national objectives for planning in the Rondane region', which would give stronger guidelines for planning. I will analyze the County Plan in relation to how much it protects the areas of interest for the reindeer, and I will analyze the process when establishing the County Plan. Planning at the municipal level will be analyzed with regard to the follow-up of the plan.
"This County Plan is of special interest because it is the first Norwegian attempt to protect the areas of interest for wild reindeer through a coordinated political process on the county and municipality levels."