Sámi traditional ecological knowledge as a guide to science: snow, ice and reindeer pasture facing climate change

Sámi traditional ecological knowledge as a guide to science : snow, ice and reindeer pasture facing climate change

Scientific studies of challenges of climate change could be improved by including other sources of knowledge, such as traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), in this case relating to the Sámi. This study focuses on local variations in snow and ice conditions, effects of the first durable snow, and long term changes in snow and ice conditions as pre-requisites for understanding potential future changes. Firstly, we characterised snow types and profiles based on Sámi categories and measured their density and hardness. Regression analysis showed that density can explain much of the variation in hardness, while snow depth was not significantly correlated with hardness. Secondly, we found that whether it is dry/cold or warm/wet around the fall of the first durable snow is, according to Sámi reindeer herders, crucial information for forecasting winter grazing conditions, but this has had limited focus within science. Thirdly, elderly herders’ observations of changes in snow and ice conditions by ‘reading nature’ can aid reinterpretation of meteorological data by introducing researchers to alternative perspectives. In conclusion we found remarkable agreement between scientific measurements and Sámi terminology.We also learnt that TEK/science cooperation has much potential for climate change studies, though time and resources are needed to bridge the gap between knowledge systems. In particular, TEK attention to shifts in nature can be a useful guide for science.

Tømmervik, HansNorwegian Institute for Nature Research (author)
Helander-Renvall, ElinaArctic Indigenous Peoples and Sámi Research Office, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland (author)
Labba, NiklasMoskavuona Sámi Language and Culture Centre, Laksvatn, Norway (author)
Johansson, Cecilia,1974-Uppsala universitet,Luft-, vatten- och landskapslära(Swepub:uu)cjo10220 (author)
Malnes, EirikNorut Northern Research Institute (author)
Bjerke, Jarle W.Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway (author)
Jonasson, ChristerSwedish Polar Research Secretariat (author)
Pohjola, Veijo A.,1960-Uppsala universitet,Luft-, vatten- och landskapslära(Swepub:uu)veijpoho (author)
Sarri, Lars-ErikEsrange, Swedish Space Corporation, Kiruna, Sweden (author)
Schanche, AudhildSámi Parliament, Karasjok, Norway (author)
Callaghan, Terry V.Abisko Scientific Research Station, S-98107 Abisko, Sweden and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield (author)
Norut Tromsø and Sámi University CollegeNorwegian Institute for Nature Research (creator_code:org_t)

By the author/editor: Riseth, Jan Åge; Tømmervik, Hans; Helander-Renvall ...; Labba, Niklas; Johansson, Cecil ...; Malnes, Eirik; show more...; Bjerke, Jarle W.; Jonasson, Christ ...; Pohjola, Veijo A ...; Sarri, Lars-Erik; Schanche, Audhil ...; Callaghan, Terry ...; show less...

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