Background
In the application process for a Centre of excellence the Centre for Sami Studies at the University of Tromsø developed an application focusing on reindeer, resources and rights. The application was sent the Norwegian Research Council in April 2001. Even if the CoE-application "SARVVIS - Arctic Research Centre on Reindeer Husbandry and Resource Management" did not reach the second round of the application process, the Centre for Sami Studies continues the work focusing on these issues. The content of a SARVVIS-program for Sustainable Reindeer Husbandry and Resource

Management
The Centre of Sami Studies is launching a comprehensive plan for promoting natural and social research on reindeer husbandry and resource management. The aims are a) exploring rangeland ecology and ecosystem changes in circumpolar areas, b) exploring the cultural landscapes, knowledge and cosmologies of nomadic reindeer herders who depend on these ecosystem, and c) exploring social, political, economic, legal and organisational issues associated with reindeer husbandry and the management of pastures as a common pool resource. The focal point will be on the situation, problems and challenges of reindeer herding indigenous peoples, with a particular, but not exclusive, emphasis on the Saami of the three Nordic countries and Russia. The research will be multidisciplinary, drawing on theories, concepts and methodologies from the natural and social sciences and the humanities. The Centre of Sami Studies will be the co-ordinator and host institution for this research.

Establishing the SARVVIS program
In the work of realising the aims of establishing a research program related to reindeer husbandry, the Centre for Sami Studies has assessed different options. The work is connected to the University of Tromsø's competence building within the field of Saami and indigenous research. The initiatives taken have their background in the application to the Norwegian Research Council, but has to be seen separated from the previous application process. As a first step in the establishing, the Centre for Sami Studies suggested one scholarship funded through the university budget to be awarded within the field of reindeer husbandry research, and this scholarship is now announced. The Centre is also applying for external funding for additional scholarships that can be connected to the SARVVIS-program. This is in accordance with the aims of strengthening the recruitment to research, stated in the Saami strategic plan.

Survey of reindeer husbandry research
On request from the Director of the University, the Centre for Sami Studies has developed a report of reindeer and reindeer husbandry research at the University of Tromsø. This report will be updated accordingly with new information.

For more information, please contact Else Grete Broderstad

Updated February 20th 2007