The socio-economic implications of the Aurland development project for the municipality of Aurland

Abstract

Prior to the hydropower development project, the fjord and mountain municipality of Aurland had a fairly small population and a one-sided economy, dominated by primary industry. The transition from being an ‘anonymous’ district community with a high degree of physical and social isolation to being literally ‘put on the map’ was considerable for the municipality. The main task of the Aurland municipality in future years will be to consolidate the present economic activities and at the same time seek to create new employment and housing.