Why scandinavians love nature?

BALTIC NEWSLETTER OF THE GREEN WORLD, № 102

Information periodical of the GREEN WORLD NGO, South Coast of the Gulf of Finland.
P.O. Box 93/7, Sosnovy Bor 188544, Leningrad Oblast,
Tel/fax:: +7 (81369) 72991; е-mail: bodrov@greenworld.org.ru, www.greenworld.org.ru www.decomatom.org.ru

Seven members and friends of Russian NGO GREEN WORLD received three answers to this question during a week of familiarity with nature protection work in Norway and Finland. Thanks to the financial support

Conversation in Oslo City Hall about forms of information for the public

of the Nordic Council of Ministers, residents from Saint Petersburg, Sosnovy Bor, Kipen, Lebjazhie, Vistino, Izvara, those who hope to save the nature of the South Shore of the Gulf of Finland, took part in this study trip.
A meeting in Oslo City hall (municipality) showed that Norwegians as Russians work using the same outline – to protect Nature from harmful projects they prepare information materials, spread them among residents, and organize public hearings.

However, this work differs in form of presentation and information accessibility. Therefore, information about plans and projects “are translated” into language which is easily understandable for other persons, and this information is widely available for the general public. In this information, the strategy of the municipality is to have close cooperation with non-governmental organizations and political parties. Comments on the most significant projects can be made in the mass media for the ruling as well as opposition parties, and as well for the interested community.
Thus, the first answer to the question concerning why Scandinavians love Nature is that municipal authorities are under social control, and not the other way around. The mistakes and the deficits of information about nature protection work can lead to the loss power of the ruling party in the next election.

It is ritual of gratitude to a good day. It is the final lesson at Siuntio Nature School

To protect one’s native land and to protect nature in Scandinavian countries is a united responsibility and common service. And it is not only a slogan, it is a fact! Conscripts in Norway and Finland can, if they want, choose an alternative military service in … non-governmental environmental organizations and receive financial support from state in place of real military service. Biologists and other youths, who have a humanitarian education, and do not want “to stand under arms” can use this possibility. We knew about this at the Norwegian and Finnish Society for Nature Conservation. We met one such alternative conscript, who had graduated from the faculty of biology of Helsinki University, at the Siuntio Nature School in Finland.
Thus, one’s native land and nature, in Scandinavia, are words and concept-synonyms. And it is the second answer to the question concerning reasons of Scandinavian love to what we name environment.

A second-hand shop and Environmental Education Centre on recycling of waste

A second-hand shop and Environmental

A second-hand shop and Environmental Education Centre on recycling of waste

Education Centre on recycling of waste successfully functions in Helsinki for many years. Those things still in good quality, but needless to someone, can still be used by others who need them. Owners hand over those things free of charge to the shop, where during a month it can be sold for a symbolic price that during the month can be reduced twice and more. If during next month it is not sold, anyone who wants can take it free. This shop is working as an Environmental Educational and Waste Management Centre for children too. With humorous and ingenuity teachers of Centre tell about waste, why it is generated, how it influences Nature and how everyone in his house or school can reduce the quantity of waste and in that way save Nature. The activity of this and some similar centers is the result of the combined efforts of Helsinki city municipality, and non-governmental organizations and business, which are oriented toward the recycling of waste and protection of nature.
And it is the third answer to the question about why Scandinavians love Nature. Authority, business and NGOs find acceptable form of interaction for getting a result – the preservation of Nature and a common Habitat.
The weeklong study trip to two countries flew by very fast. All participants, among whom there were representatives of different sectors of Russian society, are inspired by the idea, at least partly, to adapt the Scandinavian experience to the South Shore of the Gulf of Finland. Perhaps, each participant will have more answers to the question about why Scandinavians love Nature ... But it means, everyone in their own place can help our Common Baltic Sea environment to be healthy. Well, may be there will be more love to what we sometimes overlook. It is probably the main result of our study trip.

Oleg Bodrov, Vera Ovcharenko with the support of Nathaniel Trumbull. Photo: Gennady Shabarin
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