More than two years have passed since the Supreme Court in Norway ruled that the country is committing violations of international law when the wind farm in Fosen was built in the middle of reindeer pasture.
In April, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy began a mediation process between the parties to resolve the issue.
Now Fosen Vind, who mediated with the southern group, has reached an agreement.
– I am happy that the parties and the state have reached an agreement. My hope is that new generations will also see the opportunity to continue reindeer husbandry in Fosen, says Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland in a press release.
“Nice to have an end”
The agreement means that the wind turbines will remain, but that reindeer owners will receive compensation and a compensation area for grazing.
– It is good that we have reached an agreement and it is good to put an end to a several-year-long and unpredictable situation. The agreement ensures reindeer husbandry in Sør-Fosen for generations, says Leif Arne Jåma, leader of the southern group.
However, the agreement only applies to the southern reindeer herding group in Fosen. The reindeer herders in the northern group are still negotiating with the state and have not yet reached an agreement.
At the end of November, they had the latest mediation meeting and last week they sent a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre demanding a quick solution.
“There could be new demonstrations”
However, Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, who has been at the forefront of several demonstrations against the government’s handling of the Fosen case, says NRK Sápmi that the fight is not over.
– It is very important to emphasize that the Fosen case has not been solved. I feel very afraid that we should let this go now and it would be another betrayal of reindeer husbandry.
She also does not rule out that there will be new demonstrations.
– It is likely that there will be new demonstrations, because the situation is completely different for Nord-Fosen. We will continue to fight until they too are in a situation they can live with, she says.