RESPONSIBILITY

RESPONSIBILITY

For us, as a Sámi reindeer-herding family, responsibility means, above all, respecting nature, the reindeer, and our own cultural heritage. We practice reindeer herding while cherishing traditions and the local environment, and we strive to operate in a way that ensures the livelihood endures for future generations. We want to keep reindeer herding vibrant and pass on the associated knowledge and skills to our children. In our operations, we prioritize local resources and long-term solutions, and we ensure that visits with the reindeer are conducted respectfully. Responsible reindeer herding is founded on respect for nature, the animals, and this traditional livelihood. We aim to offer travelers safe and responsible experiences while sharing authentic and respectful insights into Sámi culture and reindeer herding.

Reindeer herding relies on natural pastures and careful consideration of pasture availability. Traditional pasture rotation and an understanding of natural conditions are central to Sámi reindeer herding. For many Sámi, reindeer herding is not merely a livelihood but also an integral part of language, traditional knowledge, community, and a culture passed down through generations. It sustains the vitality of the Sámi Homeland and provides a livelihood in sparsely populated areas.

Responsibility is a key part of the daily operations of our reindeer farm tourism business. We strive to minimize waste, sort waste carefully, and prioritize sustainable, long-lasting solutions. We prioritize local products and partners in our operations. We also retail products from local and regional producers at our farm, supporting the vitality of the area and local production. We operate according to the principles of responsible tourism and are continuously developing our business. Our company is on the path to the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, demonstrating our commitment to the continuous development of responsible tourism practices.

We continuously develop our operations in line with Green Activities principles and integrate responsibility into our everyday activities.

If you are referring to a sustainability statement for a tourism business—prepared in accordance with the Green Activities certification—it is advisable to highlight environmental responsibility, local focus, safety, respect for culture, and animal welfare.

These align well with Visit Finland's sustainable tourism criteria, which emphasize aspects such as waste reduction, local focus, the preservation of cultural heritage, and ensuring economic benefits remain within the region.

How we put responsibility into practice

Environment and waste reduction

We sort the waste we generate and ensure it is recycled properly.

We prioritize reusable tableware, equipment, and materials.

Whenever possible, we purchase products in larger packages to reduce packaging waste.

We guide our customers on how to move through nature without leaving litter or traces behind. We monitor waste levels and continuously seek new ways to reduce waste.

Reindeer welfare

Reindeer welfare is the foundation of our operations.

We ensure the reindeer have sufficient nutrition, water, and rest, as well as safe living conditions.

We take into account the reindeer's natural behavior and individual needs.

The animals are handled calmly and respectfully.

We do not place unnecessary strain on the reindeer through tourism activities.

We monitor the animals' condition and reduce or suspend activities if necessary.

Local focus and products

We prioritize local producers and entrepreneurs when making purchases.

We sell products from local and regional producers at our farm.

We inform customers about the origin and local nature of the products.

We utilize local service providers and partners whenever possible.

We aim to ensure that the economic benefits generated by tourism remain within our local area as much as possible.

Cultural responsibility

We respect local culture, history, and traditions.

We share information about reindeer herding and the local way of life truthfully and respectfully.

We pass on knowledge and skills related to reindeer herding to future generations.

Energy and water

We turn off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances.

We use energy-efficient lighting solutions whenever possible.

We monitor energy consumption and strive to reduce it. We avoid unnecessary water consumption and repair water leaks promptly.

We wash and maintain equipment in a water-efficient manner.

Nature and guiding customers

We guide customers to act responsibly in nature.

We avoid causing unnecessary wear and tear to nature and disturbing wildlife.

We inform customers about Everyman's Rights and the responsibilities associated with outdoor activities, as needed.

Safety

We assess service-related risks in advance.

We train our staff in safe operating procedures.

We ensure customer safety when in the vicinity of the animals.

We provide instructions to customers before they encounter the reindeer.

We record any incidents or deviations and use them to improve our operations.

Personnel and continuous improvement

We train our staff in responsible operating practices.

The person responsible for sustainability monitors the achievement of goals.

We review our sustainability practices regularly.

We collect customer feedback and use it to improve our operations.

We update our sustainability measures annually and set new goals.

Green Activities is based on adhering to sustainability criteria, as well as monitoring and reporting on their implementation.

It is also advisable to gather evidence for the audit.

A mere description is usually not as strong during an audit as a combination of practice and documentation. For a reindeer farm, for example, I would compile a folder containing the following:

waste management and sorting instructions

list of local suppliers used

list of local products sold

reindeer welfare and care practices

monitoring of animal health

safety plan and risk assessment

staff induction guidelines

sustainability and safety instructions for customers

monitoring of energy and water consumption

monitoring of waste volumes

sustainability goals for the coming year

photographs or other documentation of measures taken.