created a collaborative project entitled "Birgen: Traditional Knowledge and Training in Reindeer Herding". The Sami word "Birgen" means to survive or save. The project coordinator is Karen Inga Kemi and the project is run from the offices of ICR. The project has just released a report summarising the Birgen project activities from 1 November 2008 to 30 June 2009.

The goals of the Birgen project are as follows:

• Strengthen and develop family-based reindeer herding industry

• Collect traditional knowledge and expertise.

• Intensity value and promote herding of women in the industry.

• Develop women's within the reindeer husbandry to promote the work of traditional knowledge and training, and externally with relevant environments.

The first part of the project has been a start-up phase. The Birgen project has participated in many events during this first project period. The project coordinators are pleased with the results thus far and look forward to continuing the work and overall goals of the project.

You can contact the project coordinator here