This book focuses specifically on the experience and protection of indigenous, and particularly Sámi sacred sites in the Arctic. Sacred sites are being increasingly recognized as important reservoirs of Arctic cultural and biological diversity, as a means for the transmission of culture and identity, and a tool for the preservation of fragile northern social-ecological systems. Yet, legal protection of Arctic sacred sites and related policies are often still lacking or absent. It becomes increasingly difficult for site custodians in the Arctic to protect these ancient sites, due to disruptive changes, such as climate change, economic developments and infrastructural development.

With contributions from Sámi and non-Sámi scholars from Arctic regions, this book provides new insights into our understanding of the significance and legal protection of sacred sites for Sámi of the Arctic. It examines the role of international human rights, environmental law, and longstanding customary law that uphold Arctic indigenous peoples' rights in conservation, and their associated management systems. It also demonstrates the complex relationships between indigenous knowledge, cultural/spiritual values and belief systems and nature conservation. The book looks forward to providing guidelines for future research and practice for improved integration of the ethical, cultural and spiritual values of nature into law, policy, planning and management. As such, this book offers a contribution to upholding the sanctity of these sites, their cultural identity and the biodiversity associated with them.

Inhalt
Chapter 1. Introduction (Leena Heinämäki).- Part I. Recognition of Sacred Sites of Arctic Indigenous Peoples in Customary Rights, International and National Law, Institutions, Policy and Protocols.- Chapter 2. Legal Protection of Sacred Natural Sites Within Human Rights Jurisprudence: Sápmi and Beyond (Dwight Newman).- Chapter 3. Harmful investments and protection of sacred spaces Realisation of Indigenous collective rights in the Northern and Arctic Regions (Robert Rode).- Chapter 4. Arguments from cultural ecology and legal pluralism for recognising indigenous customary law in the Arctic (Dawid Bunikowski).- Chapter 5. Indigenous Peoples' customary laws, Sámi People and Sacred Sites (Leena Heinämäki).- Chapter 6. Protecting the Sacred in the Finnish Sápmi: Settings and Challenges (Eija Ojanlatva).- Part II. Intangible Cultural Heritage Connected to Sacred Sites of Arctic Indigenous Peoples.- Chapter 7. Gosa bássi várit leat jávkan? Where have all the sacred mountains gone? (Marit Myrvoll).- Chapter 8. Sacred Sites of the Saami - Linking Past, Present and Future (Klemetti Näkkäläjärvi).- Chapter 9. External and Internal Factors the Desecration and Destruction of Pre-historic Rock Paintings in Finland? (Francis Joy).- Chapter 10. Safeguarding Sacred Sites in the Subarctic Zone three case studies from Northern Russia (Stephan Dudeck).- Chapter 11. Conclusion (Leena Heinämäki).