The Delos3 Workshop: Conserving the integrity of sacred natural sites in technologically developed countries

02 Feb The Delos3 Workshop: Conserving the integrity of sacred natural sites in technologically developed countries

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Inari (Lapland), Finland, 30 June-4 July 2010

Background:

The Delos Initiative on ‘sacred natural sites in technologically developed countries’ was launched in 2004, in the framework of the Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas of IUCN/WCPA. The Initiative is co-ordinated jointly by Thymio Papayannis (Med-INA) and Josep-Maria Mallarach (Silene).

Two workshops have been organised up to now. Delos1 in Montserrat (Catalonia), Spain on 23-26 November 2006 and Delos2 in Ouranoupolis (Mt Athos), Greece on 24-28 November 2007. Their proceedings were published in 2007 and 2009.

Delos3 theme:

‘Conserving the integrity of sacred natural sites in technologically developed countries’

Objectives:

The following objectives have been agreed for this third Delos working meeting:

  • Respecting sacred natural sites related to indigenous and minority faiths in technologically developed countries (based on the Sámi people in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia).
  • Guidance for sustainable management of mainstream holy / sacred lands.

Programme:

Arrival at Inari is planned on Wednesday 30 June. The meetings will take place between Thursday and Saturday 1-3 July, and combined with visits to Sámi Museum, Nature Centre and important sites in Inari including a half-day boat trip to Ukonkivi Island, which is a sacred site for the Sámi people, and enjoying the midnight sun. Departure from Inari will be on Sunday, 4 July.

Participation:

Given the character of the Workshop, participation will be limited to 20 active participants by invitation, who will be expected to contribute papers to the meeting. There will also be approximately 10 observers.

If you are interested, please contact the organiser (see below) to be considered for an invitation. Also indicate whether you would require financial assistance for travel costs.

Venue:

The meeting venue would be ‘Siida – The Sámi Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre’ in Inari (see http://www.luontoon.fi/page.asp?Section=5770), starting from there or www.outdoors.fi, it is possible to obtain information on the venue, surrounding nature and culture, and opportunities for activities. The participants would be accommodated in two hotels nearby.

Local Host

Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services, manager of Finnish protected areas (www.metsa.fi)

Responsible for the organisation:

Irini Lyratzak
Med-INA (Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos)
23 Voucourestiou Street, 10671 Athens, Greece
T: +30 210 3600712-4, F: +30 210 3629338, E: ilyratzaki@medi-ina.org

Local organiser:
Matti Määttä
Development Director
Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services
Akselinkatu 8, FI-57139 Savonlinna, Finland
T: +358 40 7340 684, E: matti.maatta@metsa.fi , and the local staff

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