The Finnish Institute in Japan Hokkaido Office

Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies,  Center for Advanced Tourism Studies

In recent years, the role of tourism in the development of northern regions has gained attention. In this regard, an important contribution is made by landscapes, the environment and approaches to land use. Accordingly, the nature of these elements as they relate to tourism development is a major consideration. The morning session here will focus on tourism with discussions covering the related roles of local residents, including indigenous peoples of the north. The afternoon session will highlight landscapes and approaches to land use. With the Sami and the Ainu as examples, discussions will also focus on issues facing indigenous peoples in relation to today’s rapid social and climatological changes as well as their involvement in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection initiatives. Check Agenda for more details.

This is an event of “Hokkaido-Finland, A Bridge for Northern Cooperation“.

The Finnish Institute in Japan Hokkaido Office   Contact: Tyriseva Martina

TEL: +81-(0)11-726-2000  FAX:  +81-(0)11-726-2005

E-mail: martina.tyriseva@finstitute.gr.jp

This symposium held on 1 November, 2011, consisted of morning and afternoon sessions. The first session dealt with the development of tourism in northern regions, and the second one focused on landscape and land use in these regions. At the outset of each session, a keynote lecture relating to its theme was delivered.
   The morning session illustrated the importance of developing tourism programs that benefit local communities and tourism that highlights the history and culture of indigenous people. At this session, Japanese and Finnish participants discussed effective ways to achieve these goals.
   The afternoon session involved a variety of discussions concerning indigenous people in northern regions, covering topics such as the historical transition of the living spaces of indigenous people, initiatives to promote the utilization of historical and cultural heritage resources, indigenous communities facing environmental change, and health issues among indigenous people. A proposal was also made to establish an international network with a database as a way to store and utilize cultural information relating to indigenous people.
   Symposium attendees reconfirmed the common challenges facing university research institutions in the two countries, both of which are located in northern regions and face issues related to indigenous communities. The event served as a platform for university researchers in both countries to discuss common challenges and build new structures for collaboration. In future work, the two nations are expected to regularly exchange opinions on various issues (especially those discussed at the symposium) and promote joint research on current and future challenges.