Enhanced Cooperation between Indigenous Scientists and the Documentation of Traditional Knowledge

Reindeer husbandry is an ancient traditional livelihood practised by over 20 different indigenous peoples, the vast majority of whom reside in Russia. The livelihood embodies sustainability and is uniquely adapted to the specific climate challenges that e xist in the Arctic, the region that is predicted to be most adversely affected by climate change in the future. Over multiple generations of living and working in the North, reindeer herders have amassed an enormous body of traditional knowledge in how to thrive and adapt within a challenging environment, a skill set that, coupled with advances in mainstream science that will best assist indigenous communities in adapting to a rapidly changing world. This project draws and will further enhance the netwo rk and expertise of the Association of World Reindeer Herders within the IPY EALAT research project, which recognises the need for reindeer herders to connect and share knowledge, challenges and experiences. A specific need that has become apparent for re indeer herders and their communities is internal capacity building, so that communities can develop the tools, peoples and skills they will need to thrive in the future, maintaining their traditional livelihoods and more fully engaging on an equal footing with the modern world. By bringing indigenous scientists from Russia to work in an indigenous peoples educational institution in Norway (the Sami University College) fulfils the very requirements that small indigenous communities practising traditional l ivelihoods possess. By facilitating the documenting and sharing of traditional knowledge between reindeer peoples - their scientists and elders - this project will further promote a closer cooperation between two of the world's majors areas of reindeer hu sbandry: Norway and Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia.