Nature in symbiosis with culture, a Scandinavian prerogative

Scandinavia represents not only a territory where nature has not suffered the invasion of ‘mass tourism’, but also where respect for nature is taught.

This has been preserved in its uncontaminated origin, thus promoting the principles of eco-sustainability.

Scandinavia represents a place of culture where nature blends with educational elements. Just think of the ‘Open-air Museums’ which can therefore be visited outside.

This solution allows visitors to access it, especially now in times of Covid_19, encouraging tourist attendance.

An excellent example, the Siida Museum in Inari in Finnish Lapland, a museum that combines the culture of the indigenous Sami population and an exhibition center of local nature, demonstrating how these two aspects coexist together.

A regeneration project extended until 2022, which has as its main objectives the dissemination of Sami culture, its uses, customs and language, the latter in danger of extinction.

The Sami, an indigenous people, increasingly less numerous in quantitative terms, but whose historical-cultural qualitative aspects have persisted for many years.

Population settled in the north of the Scandinavian regions and Russia, Finland has around 8,000, Sweden 20,000, Norway 50,000, Russia 2,000.

Originally hunters, dedicated to reindeer herding, land holdings, they now draw greater support from tourism, local manufacturing trade, crafts and fishing.

Even the natural scenery of Lapland has had its own characteristics for millions of years, but perhaps these too are slowly disappearing?

The purpose of the Siida Museum is precisely to delve into the different themes and problems of this territory by promoting education and supporting the local economy and therefore also the Sami culture.

A good example to evaluate now for other European states, more focused on ‘mass tourism’, but suffering more due to the ‘Coronavirus’?

It could be a positive solution in favor of sustainable tourism in more developed countries.