Lapland is the best-known part of Finland abroad. The traditional Finnish midnight summer fest takes on new dimensions in Lapland, where sun shines around the clock. The cold, long and dark winter is gone and the true superfoods - natural berries - are ripening in the forests and bogs.

Lapland is also well known as a large Arctic wildernesses and home to Europe's only indigenous people, the Sami people. Despite this exotic reputation, Lapland is still home to almost 200,000 inhabitants. They are earning their keep in all possible ways. Almost all types of livelihood are represented in Lapland. This northernmost area of Finland is also becoming well known for its abundant natural resources.

The future of Lapland will continue to be founded on these natural resources. Our forests have been measured as having the cleanest air in Europe and these are things whose value will only increase in the future. Even if we have no need to exploit our resources in a hurry, the Lappish people still need work. We especially need jobs for men because there is a lack of male-dominated jobs in Lapland.

Mining operations are welcome in Lapland but not without regulation. Every industrial activity has some impact on nature but there has to be a zero tolerance towards contamination in a highly fragile Arctic nature. The nature-respectable mining business calls it "green mining". The big issue currently is how we can consolidate traditional sources of livelihood, tourism and the mining business. Is it possible in the first place? Yes it is, indeed even if it's a question of desire to consolidate. We can't just establish mines everywhere.

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