When "Project Lesser White-fronted Goose" was started in 1985, several staging areas in Nordland and Finnmark that were used on the way to the breeding areas were known. Yearly surveys proved that the sites were abandoned one by one. Today only two sites are still used, Skjåholmen in Nesseby Municipality and the Valdak Marshes in Porsanger Municipality.
On the west side of the Porsangen Fjord, approximately 15 km north of Lakselv, are the Valdak Marshes situated - the most important site for lesser white-fronted geese in Norway. Up to 90% of the Norwegian population uses this site during spring and autumn migration.
The Valdak Marshes are situated within the borders of Stabbursnes Nature Reserve that was establish in 1983. In addition to all the various bird species utilize the area, there is also a very special arctic sea shore vegetation.
A Nature Reserve is the strongest protective measure for nature in Norway. In the reserves it can, if necessary, be introduced prohibition of human traffic. On the Valdak Marshes, all traffic is prohibited in the period 1 May to 31 June to avoid disturbance for the lesser white-fronted geese during spring staging. The area has a similar prohibition in the period 10 August to 20 September in autumn.
Because of the Valdak Marshes importance for many rare bird and plant species, it is regarded as one of Scandinavia's most important wetlands. Through the Ramsar Agreement for protection of wetlands of international importance, Norway has undertaken the responsibility to conserve the Valdak Marshes.
