Aluminiumsmelter og vandkraft i det centrale Vestgrønland

the project, in particular in the construction phase, when operations are
conducted at the coast. Possible effects may be mitigated by coordinating
construction times and coordinating methods that do not conflict with
habitat use by these species. However, a southern smelter location with a
harbour (and a town development etc.) at Akia/Nordlandet may significantly
impact this area, which is an important stage and forage area to
seabirds and waders.
Caribou are hunted in the whole region, but mostly in the area north of
Nuup Kangerlua and around Kangerlussuaq. Areas close to the coast
and many valleys are important. Some hunting areas are located in the
far inland. The plans to develop hydroelectric in the region may affect
the caribou hunting, as hydroelectric plants and transmission lines will
be located in areas used for hunting. The most significant effects may be
expected during the construction phase. However, establishing infrastructure,
particularly roads, will ease access to inland areas not used for
hunting and other activities earlier. The impact of these will depend on
the way they are regulated.
Most hunting for muskoxen takes place in the area south of the airport at
Kangerlussuaq. Many animals are also shot in coastal areas at Kangerlussuaq.
However, the most important hunting areas are found outside
the area that will be affected by the project.
A few terrestrial bird species are hunted in the region. The most important
is ptarmigan. Hunting for Greenland white-fronted goose, Canada
goose, mallard and great northern diver also takes place. Little is known
about the importance of different hunting areas, but most likely the
hunting is so dispersed that it will not be significantly affected by the
project.
Besides hunting and fishing, the land is also used for recreation, e.g.
tours often combined with lodging in cottages, tents or boats. Such tours
are often combined with hunting and fishing and other resource use,
such as picking berries. Organized tourism, i.e. arranged tours with paying
participants, is an increasing activity. These tours often go to specific
localities. If a smelter is located at a town this may significantly affect
recreational areas there and the perception of the relation between the
town and the surrounding nature. The perception of the landscape, particular
the silence and virginity attracts many tourists and is used to
market tourism. Transmission lines and other installations will be perceived
negatively by most people who come to experience relatively undisturbed
nature. However, some local tourist bureaus consider that the
development of infrastructure may facilitate more tourists if the new installations
include improved roads. However, there are no quantitative
or qualitative studies of the use or recreational areas that could be used
to evaluate the importance of these areas.
15