Poster 25

This paper deals with Finnish wolf policy. The wolf is an endangered species protected under the principles of international agreements. These formulations of international policies have somewhat failed to take into account the various historically formulated cultural and practical perceptions, and thus have caused a lack of respect and commitment at the local level. This problematic situation has been approached in this research by interviewing different actor groups in Finland during 2003-2005: local people, nature conservationists, authorities and researchers (total 18 interviews). The data has been analysed with narrative policy analysis. The analysis aimed at finding the metanarrative; the underlying narrative between different and conflicting stories. The analysis has shown that the underlying and often hidden problems relate to knowledge. Therefore it can be said that knowledge is somehow a problematic phenomena in current wolf policy. There are many different kinds of knowledge concerning the wolf. Some knowledge is related to local practices, some is connected to scientific data. There is a more or less shared vision about right and real knowledge which is free of values. Different actor groups all call for this knowledge but disagree about which knowledge finally meets these demands. However, this kind of "pure" knowledge does not and cannot exist. Another problem is that not all "knowledge" is appreciated as knowledge, especially if feelings are attached. Therefore even the local people themselves fail to recognize and value some elements of the knowledge they have. To tackle this problematic situation some policy changes are required. Institutions and practices which help us to understand and learn to utilize the different elements and forms of knowledge have to be developed. This development must take place at the local level in co-operation with different actors. Also connections to national and international levels must be constructed and maintained.