Snowchange Cooperative

Finland

What would ecosystems look like if management plans were based on local indigenous and traditional knowledge? The Snowchange Cooperative, based in North Karelia in northern Finland, brings traditional communities’ unparalleled knowledge of place into both scientific research on climate change and the governance of Finland’s natural resources. Through the Cooperative, local Finnish fishers and Sámi fishing and herding communities collaborate with governments and international scientific organizations to monitor fisheries, forests, and weather patterns; assess the ecological impacts of climate change and industrial activity; and develop management plans for rivers, lakes, wetlands, and watersheds based on traditional knowledge. Snowchange has also published several books documenting Finnish and Sámi history, land use, and stories, and hosts a biannual Festival of Northern Fishing Traditions. Visit the Snowchange website to learn more about their diverse projects and publications.

Photo from snowchange.org