Sweden’s Reindeer Herders’ Challenge of Wind Farm Fails

reindeerThe development of wind power stations in Northern Sweden could threaten reindeer herding practices there. And a ruling by the Environmental Court of Appeals Thursday in favor of a wind farm in Jämtland, could be bad news for reindeer herders who are challenging wind farm expansion plans.

The plan to build 30 turbines in Glötesvålen was challenged by a village of Sammi, Sweden’s indigenous people, who maintain a reindeer herding operation and claimed the wind farms would be built on the reindeer’s winter pastures. But the courts maintained that the effect would be limited.

The decision was seen to signify that the courts would prioritize a national initiative to expand wind power over the interests of other groups. A decision on a 450-turbine wind farm in Jämtland is expected in December. Swedish Radio News reports that there are more than 60 wind farms in vaious stages of planning in development in reindeer herding areas today.

Radio Sweden

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