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.
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