Will there be Dynamic Prohibited Kitezone for 2025?

The winter season is upon us, and many are inquiring about the status of dynamic prohibited kitezones for this season. Unfortunately, the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) has indicated that we likely won’t have access to the GPS positions of the reindeers this season. This lack of data prevents us from demonstrating to the authorities the effectiveness of the ‘Dynamic Prohibited Kitezones’ in protecting wild reindeer and allowing us to co-exist.

The issue of reindeer protection has become highly politicized, overshadowing common-sense approaches. While we all aim to protect wildlife, we cannot accept total bans or strict regulations that are not based on accurate assessments of our impact, which has been shown to be minimal

The National Wild Ranger’s yearly reports for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency, confirm that the “Dynamic Prohibited Kitezones” are effective. These reports document that it is possible to coexist with the reindeers at Hardangervidda. This success is thanks to our collective efforts.

Since September, Oslo Kiteklubb has invited the Norwegian Environment Agency to discuss last season’s experiences and to requested to continued cooperation for 2025. Despite numerous reminders, the agency has not responded to our formal request or shown interest in exchanging experiences. It appears that the agency may be hesitant to continue this work due to the political sensitivity surrounding reindeer protection and their unwillingness to admit that the “Dynamic Prohibited Kitezones” can be effective.

As highlighted in the press this autumn, Oslo Kiteklubb has demonstrated that current laws do not allow authorities to regulate our activity. Only His Majesty the King can impose such regulations. It is perplexing that the authorities are not willing to cooperate with us to establish “Dynamic Prohibited Kitezones” for 2025, a straightforward measure to protect reindeer as a low-hanging fruit to be captured!

We will continue our efforts to ensure that our interests are balanced and to prevent a total ban on kiting.

A national public consultation will be sent out quite soon by the The Ministry of Climate and Environment (government) regards to ensuring better sustainability for the wild reindeer that will lead into new stricter regulations. Oslo Kiteklubb will invest heavily to answer this document accordingly.

We will keep you updated on any developments.

Even though kiting is not yet regulated by law, it is crucial to ride responsibly and act as ambassadors for wildlife protection. If you encounter reindeer or other wildlife while snowkiting, immediately turn in the opposite direction to avoid disturbing them. Inform others of your observations to help them avoid any possible conflict with the reindeer as well.

Our ability to continue kiting depends on our collective efforts and responsible behavior.

What can you do?

• Continue to follow the current snowkiting rules.
• Continue to ride at the plateau as normal and enjoy the nature!
• Ride with great respect and responsibility.
• In case you encounter to meet or see reindeers, immediately turn in the opposite direction to avoid disturbing them. Do not ride with or against them!
• Inform others where the reindeers are assisting them to stay out of the area! Also report back to Oslo Kiteklubb

Let’s stand together to protect our interests including the wildlife and the nature we all love to share!