Natur og Ungdom: the power of solidarity among majority and minority youth

Natur og Ungdom from Norway was awarded the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award because it gives young people of all backgrounds a voice in environmental policy. In particular, it creates bridges between youth from different communities, gives youth a voice in environmental policy and increases the integration of society.

A voice for youth

Since its founding in 1967, Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) has harnessed solidarity among generations of youth from majority and minority communities to successfully address environmental challenges. Beginning in 1979, the organization began to specifically link environmentalism with protection of the rights of the Sámi. Its core mission is to empower youth to advocate for the protection of nature and the environment. Today, it has approximately 7,000 members aged 13 to 25, operating in 80 local groups. They deal with local environmental concerns, and target their human and financial resources at issues that have the potential for successful outcomes.

Many young people are concerned about climate issues, but they do not feel that they have meaningful avenues to affect policy. Through Natur og Ungdom, the young people of Norway have an opportunity to have their opinion heard.

Solidarity with Sámi youth

The Jury of the Max van der Stoel Award was impressed by how Natur og Ungdom brings youth of all backgrounds together, acting as a bridge between cultures. Its partnership with Sámi youth is particularly notable. Youth from all backgrounds – including but not limited to Sámi and Norwegian – collaborate on common challenges related to environmental protection, climate change and the impact of industrial activities on traditional Sámi areas.

Many Sámi are engaged in traditional activities, such as reindeer herding, fishing and land husbandry. This means they are often witness to the effects of climate change. Natur og Ungdom recognizes this and works with Sámi communities to highlight the disproportionate effects of climate change on indigenous populations.

Natur og Ungdom also recognizes how Sámi traditional activities are closely tied to responsible environmental stewardship. They work to incorporate Sámi knowledge into their broader environmental campaigns, amplifying Sámi voices in environmental decision-making. They empower Sámi youth to participate in environmental activism and advocate for their rights.

Real impact on environmental policy

What is remarkable about Natur og Ungdom is how they blend peaceful protest, civil disobedience, awareness-raising and legal actions to achieve their ends. As a group made up mostly of children, the majority of whom have not yet had a chance to vote, they have a passionate desire to make a difference.

One of their most visible and effective campaigns has been against the windmills in the Fosen region. The Government awarded permits for six wind farms with a total of 278 windmills in traditional Sámi reindeer pastures.

When construction started in 2016, protesters objected because of its effect on a reindeer habitat of great importance to southern Sámi reindeer herders. The reindeer herders demanded that the district court stop the construction. They said the windmills disturb the reindeer and therefore disrupt their traditional herding activities. The reindeer herders took the case to court, eventually reaching the Supreme Court, which found in their favour. However, the windmills were not dismantled.

On 23 February 2023, the 500-day anniversary of the court verdict, Natur og Ungdom and the youth wing of the Norwegian Sámi Association joined forces to protest against the lack of action. The protesters blocked the entrance of the Petroleum and Energy Ministry in Oslo, and refused to move until the Government obeyed the court ruling.

As a result of the protests, the Government issued an apology and began dialogue to find a solution. A partial settlement has now been reached, but some issues remain outstanding.

Building bridges to address common challenges together

The Jury of the Max van der Stoel Award found this action to be a good example of how “Natur og Ungdom [shows] how environmental issues – such as climate change, sustainable development and the allocation of resources – can be an opportunity to unite society around effective policies that also respect fundamental human rights.”

The Jury said: “Natur og Ungdom uses these issues to build bridges between communities by incorporating Sámi youth as active members and by carrying out its environmental advocacy in co‑ordination with other Sámi activists and organizations. The organization has demonstrated that environmental issues can be addressed in solidarity among majority and minority populations, fostering a sense of common purpose on a topic of crucial importance to youth in Norway.”

Timeline

1967: Natur og Ungdom was founded on 18 November 1967 to give young people a voice in environmental advocacy.

1970s: Natur og Ungdom opposed the development of nuclear power in Norway. They advocated for alternative, renewable energy sources.

1980s: Natur og Ungdom focused on conservation and pollution, with campaigns to protect Norway's natural landscapes and address air and water pollution.

1990s: Natur og Ungdom started to campaign intensely against Norway's oil industry, including protesting against further oil drilling, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

2000s: As understanding of the effects of climate change increased, Natur og Ungdom focused on promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

2010s: Natur og Ungdom campaigned to prevent oil drilling and oil exploration in the Arctic. They filed a lawsuit with Greenpeace against the Norwegian government for opening up the Barents Sea to oil drilling, citing Norway’s obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement. This case became known as the “People vs. Arctic Oil” lawsuit. They ultimately lost the case but raised awareness of these issues.

2020s: Natur og Ungdom continues to be at the forefront of climate activism in Norway, including protests and lobbying for stricter climate policies. They remain active in opposing oil and gas exploration in Norway, particularly in sensitive ecological areas like Lofoten and the Arctic. In 2021, they took the “People vs. Arctic Oil” case to the European Court of Human Rights, seeking a final decision.

Natur og Ungdom continues to campaign for climate justice, focusing on renewable energy, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and protecting natural ecosystems in Norway.