luontosuhteen

Luontosuhde (gen. luontosuhteen) is a concept in environmental humanities and Finnish discourse that refers to the relationship between humans and the natural world. It encompasses how people perceive nature, the values they assign to it, and the ways in which they interact with it in daily life, culture, and policy.

Etymology and scope: The compound of luonto (nature) and suhde (relationship) and the genitive form luontosuhteen is used in phrases such as "luontosuhteen kehittäminen" (development of the relationship to nature). The concept covers cognitive, emotional, ethical, and practical dimensions.

Dimensions: It includes affective dimensions (aesthetic appreciation, attachment), cognitive dimensions (ecological literacy, understanding of ecosystems), and practical dimensions (behavior, consumption, land use). It often carries a normative aim toward sustainable and responsible engagement with nature.

Context and applications: In Finland the concept is linked to outdoor education, "luontokasvatus," forest and wilderness policies, and the tradition of close interaction with forests and lakes. In academic debates it is explored in environmental ethics, sustainability science, education, and cultural studies.

Criticism and challenges: Cultural specificity; difficulty of measurement; shifts in policy; risk of romanticization; need to consider power and access to nature.

See also: Luontokasvatus; kestävän kehityksen; ympäristöfilosofia.