10 STAFFAN WIDSTRAND / REWILDING EUROPE
<strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong> Background In March 2012, the Swedish Ecotourism Association nominated <strong>Lapland</strong>, initiated by Ulf Lovén, to become one of the 10 rewilding areas in <strong>Rewilding</strong> Europe. As first step, a small delegation from the organisation visited the area in November and met with representatives of the Sami, municipalities and local businesses. Based on the positive outcome of the visit, <strong>Rewilding</strong> Europe decided to proceed with the nomination process. <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong>, bringing in experience at the national and international level (e.g. the Sámi Parliament and the Swedish Sami Association, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues & the Working group for indigenous peoples in the Barents Region). Lars-Anders’ role as president of Mija Ednam has been one of the key starting points for meetings and other communications with Sami villages, amongst others. The Swedish Ecotourism Society contacted the EU program LEADER Polaris for a more detailed feasibility study. With support from SVEASKOG funds were allocated in March 2013 to investigate the potential, through a new and stronger collaboration between all local stakeholders, to develop the concept of <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong>. The project led to deeper relations with foremost several Sami villages, local tourism entrepreneurs, fish conservation organisations, municipalities and the Norrbotten County Administrative Board. In June 2013 a second visit was carried out by the <strong>Rewilding</strong> Europe central team to study summer aspects and a number of potential pilot areas and to meet with local tourism entrepreneurs. In early October, Lars-Anders Baer and Ulf Lovén presented the concept of <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong> during the 10th World Wilderness Congress WILD10 in Salamanca, Spain, with participants from all over the world, which generated great interest from both international organisations and authorities and from international media. The conclusion was that <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong>, with the unique World Heritage Laponia included, is by far Europe’s largest, unbroken natural and cultural area with significant development potential. Especially in combination with the Norwegian Atlantic coast and the three pristine rivers Pite, Råne & Kalix, <strong>Lapland</strong> has obvious potential to become a leading destination for nature-based in Europe. Lars-Anders Baer of Luokta-Mavas Sami community joined in the development of During 2014–2015 the planning phase of <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong> was finished. It also included further meetings in July–August 2014 and specific discussions with 15 of the 16 Sami villages in October and November. In April and September 2015, finally, the last field visits and discussions with local and regional stakeholders were carried out. The following pages summarise the plans for <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong>. STAFFAN WIDSTRAND / REWILDING EUROPE STAFFAN WIDSTRAND / WILD WONDERS OF EUROPE Lars-Anders Baer presenting <strong>Rewilding</strong> <strong>Lapland</strong> in the 10 th World Wilderness Congress in Spain, October 2013 Local tourism entrepreneur in <strong>Lapland</strong> – Pathfinder <strong>Lapland</strong> 11
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