Sámi culture in focus –
International experts on sacred natural sites in protected areas at workshop in Finnish Sámi homeland
Published 2.7. 2010
Sámi culture is in focus at the workshop that gathers experts of the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) to Inari, Finland. The indigenous Sámi people participate in the Delos 3 Workshop as keynote speakers and observers.
The President of the Finnish Sámi Parliament Klemetti Näkkäläjärvi and Sámi Museum Director Tarmo Jomppanen welcomed the sacred natural site experts to Finnish Sámi homeland. Researchers from Norway and Finland shed light on Sámi culture.
Interconnectiveness between human beings and the natural world, and the respect of indigenous people for nature emerged as key issues during the first day of this important event. Foreign participants were particularly impressed by the Sámi traditions and profound relation to nature, as well as the close co-operation between their Parliament and the Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services.
The Delos Initiative is an initiative of the Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of the IUCN World Commission of Protected Areas (WCPA). The Delos Initiative was started five years ago to support the identification, management and communication of sacred natural sites within protected areas of industrialised countries in cooperation with local communities.
The theme of the meeting is Diversity of Sacred Lands in Europe. The meeting participants come from Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Finland.
The Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida at Inari, Finland is the venue of the Delos 3 Workshop that is held from July 1 to 3, 2010.
The workshop programme includes a visit to a Sámi sacred site the Ukonsaari Island on Lake Inari and a hike to Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church. Ukonsaari is also recognised under the Delos Initiative.
The host and local organiser is Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services that manages Finland’s state owned protected areas, including 35 national parks. The meeting is supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services with the collaboration of the IUCN National Committee of Finland.
More information:
Metsähallitus: Matti Määttä, tel. +358 40 7340 684, matti.maatta(at)metsa.fi
Delos Initiative: Josep-Maria Mallarach, tel. +34 625 456 950
The Delos Initiative (www.med-ina.org/delos)
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature (www.iucn.org)
IUCN WCPA, World Commission of Protected Areas (www.iucn.org/wcpa)
IUCN National Committee of Finland (www.environment.fi/iucn)
Metsähallitus plays a part in preserving Sámi culture