Land-use, outfields- and resource management

Norwegian rural areas are changing. In the 16th and 17th centuries, mining and forestry were the drivers for the rural areas, while in the 20th century, the development of hydropower was responsible for the most significant transformations. Today, two main trends have a noticeable influence: the rural areas as recreational areas, with new users and new practices related to modern forms of outdoor activities and sports, as well as extensive cabin construction; and a third wave of industrialization related to the green transition, involving data storage centers, small hydroelectric power plants, wind turbines, solar parks, and new mining activities. At the same time, farmers, hunters, berry pickers, and grazing animals also require space.

We work towards an increased understanding of issues and conflicts related to planning, resource management, and the use and conservation of natural resources in Norway. We contribute to knowledge, management, and national policies related to rural and mountainous areas and holiday homes.

Current project themes include sustainable cabin development, management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in wild reindeer, sustainable land management in urban coastal areas, and the role of the third sector in sustainability changes. Links to ongoing projects are provided below.

Telemark Research Institute is active in the national research network Fjell-forsk-nett and in the Journal for Rural Areas. We also have a large international network in social research on nature and resource management and regularly participate in conferences such as IASNR (International Association for Society and Natural Resources) and NESS (Nordic Environmental Social Science). We are also active in the Arctic Ungulate Conference network (AUC).