The Norwegian Supreme Court has ruled that two giant wind farms built in western Norway invaded the pastures of the Sami reindeer herders.

The consequences of the ruling for the 151 turbines built on the Fussen Peninsula in 2020, is not yet known.

However, the herders' lawyer believes that parts of what is Europe's largest land-based wind park may be demolished.

Tom Kristian Larsen, the head of Fosen Vind, which operates one of the wind farms, described the ruling as a "surprise" and said all the company's actions were based on "definitive licenses granted us by the authorities after a long and detailed process that heard from all parties."

"Special importance was given to reindeer herding," he added.

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But according to Article 27 of the UN, ethnic minorities "should not be deprived of the right to share their own culture, believe in and practise their own religion, or use their own language with other members of their group."

The Sami minorities make up a total population of about 100,000 across Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia. Some of them make their living by raising semi-domesticated reindeer for their meat and hides.

The judges declared the licenses issued to build and operate the turbines void, saying they violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"Their construction has been declared illegal, and it would be illegal to continue operating them," said Andreas Bronner, who represented a group of herders.

The operators of the wind farms are waiting for a decision from the ministry about what happens next.