Local stakeholder's perspectives on development of economic activities: The Gällivare case

Abstract

Sweden's commitment to environmental conservation, social equity, and cultural preservation is challenged by intensifying resource extraction and land use conflicts. To ensure its continued equitable development, understanding and incorporating local perspectives into the decision-making process is necessary. Hence, this study seeks to understand current stakeholder views on the development of extractive industries i.e., mining and forestry; and traditional livelihood focusing on reindeer husbandry as defined by the human development theory and subjective capabilities. We used Gällivare, Sweden as our case study where all these economic activities are present and land use conflicts are intensifying. Through expert interviews and local stakeholder surveys using Q-methodology, we identified three perspectives: (1) Uncertain Development, (2) Prioritizing Nature and Reindeer, and (3) Industry Growth Equals Community Growth. We also found points of consensus and conflicts among these differing perspectives crucial for improving ongoing discussions and negotiations on land use conflicts. What remains clear is that development remains contested. Some groups express limited capabilities and freedom in pursuing the life they value hence development for some stakeholders is still far from reality as against reported indexes. Finally, we suggest that examining local stakeholder views on development can enhance the current monitoring of human development, especially in the Arctic region.