Research planning in the face of change: the human role in reindeer/caribou systems

Reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus) constitute a biological resource of vi tal importance to the physical and cultural survival of Arctic residents si nce time immemorial, Recent and possible future economic, social and ecolog ical changes raise concern for sustainability of these resources and the we ll-being of those who depend on them. In February 1999 eighty scientists, r eindeer/caribou users and resource managers gathered in Rovaniemi, Finland, for an interdisciplinary workshop to develop a circumpolar research plan t hat addressed the sustainability of human-reindeer/caribou systems. Small w orking groups addressed six themes: hunting systems, herding systems, range land/habitat protection, minimizing industrial impacts, maintaining the str ength of indigenous cultures, and responding to global change. The resultin g Research Plan calls for interdisciplinary comparative studies, advancemen t: of tools for assessing cumulative effects, implementation of regional an d a circumpolar monitoring and assessment programmes, and cultural studies on the transmission of knowledge. Cross-cuttings directives for future rese arch include: improving humans' ability to anticipate and respond to change; understanding better the dynamics of human-reindeer/caribou systems; developing research methods that are both more instructive and less intrusi ve; facilitating open communication among groups with interests in reindeer/car ibou resources; organizing researchers into a strong, coordinated network; re-framing the conventional research paradigm to be more inclusive of diffe ring cultural perspectives. Three follow-up initiatives are proposed: 1) development of a web-based res ource on the human role in reindeer/caribou systems (www.rangifer.net); 2) establishment of a Profile of Herds database to support comparative researc h; and 3) convening of working groups to address specific problems identifi ed by workshop participants.