If the equation is to come together, the state must locate renewable energy projects and other development projects so that they cause the least possible interference for the Sami. Consultation should take place as early as possible, it was stated in the debate.
It was also established that the Sami’s traditional industries are protected by UN conventions. The states are obliged to protect Sami culture and the Sami’s physical and psychological integrity.
“Make demands on rich states”
– One could demand that the rich states of the Western world adapt their exploitations. They have the resources and opportunities to support people in other states and counter and fight against climate change, said Gunn-Britt Retter, head of the Sami Council’s arctic environment department.
The Permanent Forum is an advisory body to the UN Economic and Social Council. The first meeting was held at the UN headquarters in New York in 2002. Since then there have been annual meetings, the most recent being April 17 to 28 this year.
A side event at the time was titled “Can human rights protect indigenous peoples from climate damage?” The debate was organized by the Norwegian Institute of International Law, the Norwegian UN Committee and the Australian Indigenous Organization.
Forced to feed the reindeer
Mattis Eira was one of several Sami guides who followed the debate.
– We have had several years of need in a row with poor grazing. We understand that climate change is the cause of that, he told SVT Sápmi’s team on site.
Although Mattis Eira is young, he has had to experience the consequences of climate change, when reindeer herding is not enough.
– It affects us reindeer herders who now have to feed. It’s not natural in reindeer husbandry, but we have to do it.