APPROPRIATE Licences to appropriate land for societal ends

The goal of this research project is to get a thorough understanding of how the Norwegian licensing system for land and natural resource management works, and how it can be improved. To achieve this, two main cases – aquaculture and wind power – will be analyzed in relation to their broader historical, political and economic context. There are often competing interests in resource management processes – especially in a time where the nature and climate crises are causing dilemmas in terms of land use. On this backdrop, the licensing system is understood as a democratic tool for conflict management, building on earlier research by the project leader. The project will look closely at what values, compromises and practices the licensing system is based on. These political and bureaucratic practices will be studied with a practice-oriented approach, applying document analysis, interviews and workshops as the main methods, while reflecting and working closely with bureaucrats who deal with licensing day-to-day.