Porotalous

Porotalous is a traditional form of animal husbandry in Arctic and subarctic regions, based on the herding and seasonal migration of domesticated reindeer. It combines subsistence, cultural heritage, and, in many communities, income from meat, hides, and by‑products; reindeer are also valued for transport and cultural purposes.

Geographically, porotalous is strongest among Sámi communities in northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and across the Russian Arctic among groups such as the Nenets. Herds are often managed by families or local communities, with grazing ranges allocated through land-use arrangements and cooperative structures.

Practices center on seasonal movements between summer and winter pastures, calving grounds, and lichen-rich winter zones. Herders perform tasks such as branding, marking, veterinary care, and coordinating migrations with other land users. The work relies on traditional ecological knowledge as well as modern veterinary and logistical support.

Legally and institutionally, reindeer husbandry is recognized as a separate Indigenous livelihood in several countries. National laws regulate land rights, grazing permits, and herd management; Sámi parliaments and regional authorities advise on matters affecting porotalous.

Main challenges include climate change, which alters pasture availability and snow conditions; habitat fragmentation from infrastructure; predation; diseases; and market fluctuations. These pressures can affect herd productivity and community viability, prompting ongoing negotiations among indigenous groups, states, and landowners to secure sustainable access to pasture and support for traditional livelihoods.