The Unregulated Old-Growth Forests of Sápmi – A Photography Exhibition on Endangered Forests

In Finnish Sápmi, there are over 3,000 km² of old natural forests that have no legal protection. These forests are at risk of disappearing due to forestry, construction, and other intensive land use. The Natural Forests Sápmi research group is mapping these unique old-growth forests that remain unprotected.

The old forests of Sápmi form part of an exceptional remaining belt of natural forests on a European scale, stretching across the northern regions of Finland as well as Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Each photograph in the exhibition captures a moment from this rare, living whole.

Old-growth forests are vital for endangered species that depend on ancient woodland, but their importance goes far beyond this. They are the foundation of Sámi culture and especially Sámi reindeer herding. Free-ranging reindeer husbandry relies in winter on lichens—such as ground lichens, beard lichens, and tree lichens—found in old forests, food sources that are scarce in managed commercial forests.

The permanent protection of these legally unprotected forests is crucial for Finland to fulfill its obligations to safeguard Sámi culture and preserve biodiversity. This exhibition invites viewers to see and reflect on what can still be saved.

The Natural Forests Sápmi research group includes Inari-born researcher and Doctor of Engineering Jan Saijets, long-time forest mapper and nature photographer Juha Länsman from Inari, and experienced forest inventory specialist and advisor to several reindeer herding cooperatives, Jarmo Pyykkö.

The exhibition has been supported by the Kone Foundation.