Problematic Knowledge in

Finnish Wolf Policy

The wolf is an endangered species protected under the principles of international agreements. The formulations
of international policies can be seen to have failed to take into account the various conceptions of the wolf
that have formed culturally and in practice during the course of history. This has resulted in a lack of respect
and commitment to conservation regulations at the local level.

Narratives Origins of Character- Analytical epistemo-

actor’s ization of logical observations
own con- common
ceptions (other)
of wolf under-
and wolf standings
politics of wolf
politics

Local people Practices, Other actors Pragmatic Realism

suffering from a balanced are out- knowledge (based on
damage caused by interaction siders when is not (un- everyday
the wolf – The wolf between it comes to fortunately) life), prag-
is affecting their wolf and the issues of legitimate matism,
everyday lives man wolf in wolf instrument
politics. policy alism

By-standing Ecology, People’s There is Critical

officials and nature nature, wolf knowledge right and realism,
Jari Peltomäki, Finnature
conservationists – as a species is culturally wrong infor- instru-
The wolf is an produced, mation mentalism
exaggerated personality
Research data and methods cultural counts
I have approached the conflict raising wolf politics in Finland by phenomenon
interviewing various political actor groups in Finland during 2003- Intermediate level Nature, People have Knowledge Contextual
2005 such as local people, nature conservationists, authorities and administration – balance, different is not a
researchers (18 interviews in total). I have analyzed the data by The wolf is a interaction under- straight-
narrative policy analysis (Roe 1994). My analysis aimed at finding dispute between standings forward
every-day life and from matter
the metanarrative; the underlying narrative between different the administration different
stories which are in conflict. starting
points
Results Governor in charge Adminis- People have There is Scientific
The analysis shows that the underlying and often hidden problems of wolf policy – trative different reliable and and critical
in wolf politics relate to knowledge. The metanarrative in wolf The wolf is an understand- unreliable realism
administrative task ings from information
policy is as follows. different
starting
Governing Finland’s wolf policy is difficult because the various points
actors evaluate the origins, goals and instruments in wolf politics Scientific Ecological, No opinion Scientific Scientific
based on different sources of knowledge and because the information scientific knowledge realism
understanding of the reliability, significance and role of these provider – The wolf is know-
is an interesting ledge of its
different sources of knowledge varies. object for research own kind

There are several 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 that right
and real knowledge exists and that this knowledge is free of values.
The actor groups 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 information is appreciated as
knowledge, especially if there are feelings attached to it. Therefore
even the local people themselves fail to recognize and value some
elements of the knowledge they possess.
Table 1. Narratives provided by actors in Finland’s wolf policy and the nar-
ratives’ relation to knowledge.
Suggestions
To tackle this problematic situation, some policy changes are
required. Institutions and practices which help us to understand
and to learn to utilize 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 the national and international levels must be constructed and
maintained.
Source: Roe, Emery 1994: Narrative Policy Analysis. Theory and Practice. Duke University
Press, Durham.
This research is funded by the Academy of Finland, project Of Wolf Moose and Man:
Ecosystem Services, Institutions, and Creative Governance.