Title: Norway Rebuilds Border Fence to Prevent Reindeer From Crossing Into Russia
In an effort to stop reindeer from wandering into Russian territory, Norway is undertaking the task of rebuilding a section of fence along its border with Russia in the Arctic. The move comes as Oslo faces the need to compensate Moscow for the loss of grazing land resulting from reindeer straying into Russia.
Since the beginning of this year, a total of 42 reindeer have ventured into Russia in search of greener pastures and better grazing lands. To address this issue, a 150-kilometer reindeer barrier was built along the Norway-Russia border back in 1954. However, due to wear and tear, a 7-kilometer stretch between Hamborgvatnet and Storskog requires urgent replacement.
The reconstruction process is projected to be completed by October 1 with estimated costs amounting to 3.7 million kroner ($348,000). Throughout the construction, workers will be required to remain on the Norwegian side of the border, ensuring that no illegal entries into Russian territory occur.
Russia has filed two compensation claims as a result of the reindeer crossings. The first claim, filed for each reindeer that crossed into Russia and grazed in the Pasvik Zapovednik natural reserve, amounts to nearly 50,000 kroner ($4,700) per animal. The second claim, demanding a lump sum of almost 47 million kroner ($4.4 million) in total, covers the duration the reindeer spent grazing in the park.
Of the 42 reindeer that strayed into Russia this year, 40 have already been brought back to Norway, and the remaining two are expected to return soon. To prevent any further migrations, the returned animals have unfortunately been slaughtered. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority might also intervene, demanding the destruction of the carcasses for safety reasons.
The indigenous Sami people, who have inhabited Arctic Europe along with their reindeer herds for around 9,000 years, play an integral role in reindeer herding in central and Arctic Norway. The greater population of Sami people reside on the Lapland region’s Norwegian side, making this an issue of significance for the community.
As the rebuilding process progresses, Norway aims to close any gaps in the border fence, ensuring the reindeer remain in Norwegian territory, thus avoiding further financial compensation claims from Russia. By undertaking this initiative, Norway seeks to safeguard the livelihoods of the Sami people and protect the well-being of their reindeer herds.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”