Norway is undertaking the reconstruction of a deteriorating reindeer fence along its Arctic border with Russia. This measure aims to prevent the reindeer from venturing into Russian territory, as Oslo is required to compensate Moscow for the loss of grasslands. In the current year alone, 42 reindeer have crossed into Russia in search of better pastures and grazing areas. The original reindeer barrier, dating back to 1954, spans 150 kilometers. However, a 7-kilometer stretch between Hamborgvatnet and Storskog will be replaced. The project, costing 3.7 million kroner ($348,000), is set to be completed by October 1st.
While the construction poses unique challenges, with workers being required to remain on the Norwegian side of the border at all times to avoid illegal entry into Russia, progress is being made. As construction activities are underway, a man can be seen helping build the new fence in an image captured on Wednesday. This undertaking not only prevents reindeer crossings but also minimizes the accompanying bureaucratic processes. So far, Russia has submitted two compensation claims. The first request seeks compensation of nearly 50,000 kroner ($4,700) per reindeer, accounting for their grazing activities within the vast Pasvik Zapovednik natural reserve in the Russian Murmansk region. The second claim demands a lump sum of nearly 47 million kroner ($4.4 million) for the total number of days the reindeer grazed in the reserve that primarily consists of lakes, rivers, forests, and marshland.
Out of the 42 animals that have ventured into Russian territory, 40 have been successfully brought back to Norway. The remaining two are expected to return soon. Nevertheless, the returned reindeer have been slaughtered to prevent a potential return to Russia. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority may require the destruction of the carcasses for safety purposes.
The reindeer in question are typically herded by the Indigenous Sami people in central and Arctic Norway. The Sami people, who settled in Arctic Europe approximately 9,000 years ago, originated from Central Asia. They traditionally inhabit Lapland, which spans northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. However, the majority of Sami people reside on the Norwegian side of the border in the Arctic region.
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