Saami reindeer herding Paadar brothers and Metsähallitus have settled their disputes over the grazing lands in the Nellim area.

In a historic and groundbreaking agreement, the Saami reindeer herding Paadar brothers and Metsähallitus, the state owned Finnish forestry company, have today, on 24 August 2009, settled their disputes over the Paadar brothers’ traditional reindeer grazing lands in the Nellim area. 

In the settlement, Metsähallitus agrees not to log 90 % of the forests on the Paadar brothers’ grazing lands suited for forestry.  In addition, Metsähallitus agrees to take into account the needs of reindeer husbandry in future harvesting activities in the remaining 10 % area.  For instance, Metsähallitus will not log lichen areas when ground is melted, not plough moraine ground, and will spare trees rich with tree-hanging lichen.  The settlement ends all court proceedings involving the parties, including the Paadar brothers’ complaint to the United Nations.

- This is indeed a historic agreement, comments Mattias Åhrén, President of the Saami Council.  We congratulate the parties for reaching this groundbreaking settlement.  - In particular, the Saami Council extends our admiration to the Paadar brothers for standing tall and never giving up their rights, even in tough times when they did not get much support from the surrounding society.  Doing so, they have not only secured their future as traditional Saami reindeer herders, but have also contributed to an important precedent for the Saami people as a whole, continues Åhrén. 

- But we also express our deep appreciation to Metsähallitus.  By placing its ink under this agreement, Metsähallitus demonstrate its genuine will to contribute to arrangements that allows the Saami traditional livelihoods and industry to coexist, says Åhrén.  
- The Nellim settlement sets a significant precedent in Finland, Åhrén continues.  We are looking forward to seeing Metsähallitus reaching similar arrangements in other Saami areas, and other companies operating in Finland to follow suit.  - But the precedent reaches beyond the Finnish borders.  The Saami Council expects also forestry companies operating in other parts of Sápmi to live up to the standards set by Metsähallitus.  - This development is a result of a few Saami reindeer herders taking issue with the big company, concludes Åhrén.  

For inquiries, contact Mattias Åhrén, President, on +47 47 37 91 61