SCA and the representative organisation for reindeer husbandry and Sámi business and community affairs, the Swedish Sámi National Association (SSR), have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between SCA, SSR and the reindeer husbandry sector. The agreement is intended to develop working methods that improve conditions for reindeer husbandry while ensuring that forestry is conducted in a long-term and responsible manner.

The agreement is based on an enhanced dialogue between SCA and SSR, as well as a more developed co-planning process in which the knowledge of the Sámi reindeer herding communities regarding land use is given a clearer role in the planning of forestry operations. It also includes adapted forestry practices, investments in training, and joint initiatives in research and innovation.

An important part of the process is that the Sámi villages describe how the landscape is used in order to identify areas and sites of particular importance for reindeer husbandry. This information will form the basis for planning and adapting forestry measures.

SCA will implement specific measures to strengthen conditions for reindeer husbandry in areas of particular importance to the sector. This includes, among other things, increased adaptation of pre-commercial thinning and thinning in forests rich in ground lichens, as well as adapted forest management and reindeer husbandry considerations in older forests.

The agreement also means that SCA intends to reduce and redistribute the area of lodgepole pine (contorta). In year-round grazing areas and other areas of particular importance to reindeer husbandry, reforestation will instead be carried out using native tree species.

"Forestry and reindeer husbandry share the same landscape. This agreement is an important step in strengthening dialogue and developing concrete working methods that take into account the needs of both sectors. Our ambition is to create long-term solutions where forestry and reindeer husbandry can coexist," says Jonas Mårtensson, Head of Business Area SCA Forest.

"For reindeer husbandry, access to functional grazing land is crucial. Through this agreement, we hope to create better conditions for dialogue, transparency and real influence for the Sámi villages in the planning of forestry measures. This is an important step in developing cooperation between Sámi villages and SCA's forestry operations," says Jenny Wiik Karlsson, Legal Counsel at the Swedish Sámi National Association.

The agreement also includes training initiatives to increase knowledge within SCA's organisation about the conditions for reindeer husbandry, as well as opportunities for reindeer herders to participate in training in forest management.

The agreement will be followed up through annual evaluations between the parties, and the strategy will be reviewed after one year to ensure continued development and improved working methods.