Self-Governance and Sami Communities: Transitions in Early Modern Natural Resource Management

This book explores how early modern indigenous Sami inhabitants in interior northwest Fennoscandia built institutions for governance of natural resources, focusing on how they made decisions regarding natural resource management and how they altered the long-term rules for use of land and water in a self-governance context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 247 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book employs an interdisciplinary approach that delves not only into social organization but also examines the intricate interplay between societies and ecological contexts. How did the early modern indigenous Sami inhabitants in interior northwest Fennoscandia establish institutions for the governance of natural resources? The book seeks to answer this question by exploring how they made decisions regarding natural resource management, particularly with regard to wild game, fish, and grazing land. It sheds light on how Sami users, in a shifting economy, altered the long-term rules for the use of land and water within a self-governance context.

The early modern period witnessed a significant transformation of property rights, driven by fundamental shifts in the Sami economy. From a livelihood centered around fishing and hunting to one dominated by reindeer pastoralism, many Sami shifted their focus and resources towards this new occupation.

This book offers a fresh perspective on the remarkable organization and governance abilities of indigenous inhabitants in managing natural assets. It highlights their proficiency in establishing highly functional institutions that effectively oversaw and protected these valuable resources. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book sheds light on the intricate web of social, economic, and ecological factors that shaped the management practices of the Sami during this transformative era.

The interdisciplinary approach adopted in this book allows for a holistic understanding of the complex dynamics between societies and ecological settings. It explores the interdependencies and interactions between different groups, such as the Sami, local communities, and the natural environment, highlighting the significance of collaboration and sustainable resource management.

The book's findings contribute to our understanding of indigenous societies and their resilience in the face of environmental change. It provides valuable insights into the strategies and practices employed by indigenous communities to adapt to and thrive in diverse ecological contexts. By examining the case of the Sami, this book offers valuable lessons for policymakers, conservationists, and researchers seeking to promote sustainable resource management and indigenous rights.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the governance of natural resources by the early modern indigenous Sami inhabitants in interior northwest Fennoscandia. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it sheds light on the complex interplay between societies, ecological settings, and resource management practices. The book's findings contribute to our understanding of indigenous societies, their resilience, and the importance of sustainable resource management. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, conservationists, and researchers interested in promoting indigenous rights and sustainable development.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030874971
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022