luonnonkulttuuriympäristöihin

Luonnonkulttuuriympäristöihin refers to the interaction between natural and cultural elements within landscapes. The term describes environments where the physical natural features, such as forests, waterways, or geological formations, coexist with human-made cultural artifacts, traditional land uses, and architectural styles. It is a concept used primarily in Finland to acknowledge that cultural heritage is often rooted in and shaped by the natural setting, and that the aesthetic, spiritual, and functional qualities of a landscape arise from this symbiosis.

The concept is integrated into environmental planning, conservation law, and cultural heritage policy. The Finnish Nature Conservation Act and the Cultural Heritage Act both recognize that protecting a landscape may require safeguarding both its ecological integrity and cultural expressions. In practice, this means that restoration projects may combine ecological restoration with the preservation of historic watercourses, mate (traditional drainage ditches), or vernacular architecture.

Examples of luonnonkulttuuriympäristöihin include the ancient semisedimentary cliffs of Kuivasaari, where traditional stone walls frame indigenous flora, and the Kainuun kansallispuisto, in which traditional pine farming is maintained alongside protected birch stands. The approach emphasizes sustainable use, community participation, and education so that future generations can understand how natural processes and human history are intertwined. The concept has guided numerous projects that aim to strengthen resilience by valuing the cultural narratives that reinforce stewardship of the natural world.