What are wilderness areas for? Tourism and political ecologies of wilderness uses and management in the Anthropocene

Wilderness areas, often perceived as untouched remnants of 'original' nature, are in reality deeply intertwined with human-environment interactions and political ecologies. This study challenges the Western hegemonic view of wilderness as a pristine, uninhabited space by examining its cultural and administrative significance, particularly in the context of tourism and management practices in the Finnish Wilderness system. Using a political ecology approach, the research reveals that wilderness is not only a product of human influence but also a contested concept with diverse local meanings and use values. The study highlights how adventure tourism has reshaped perceptions and priorities for wilderness conservation, underscoring the need to reconcile global imaginaries with local realities in sustainable management strategies.

Saarinen, J. (2020). What are wilderness areas for? Tourism and political ecologies of wilderness uses and management in the Anthropocene. Anthropocene Ecologies, 51–66. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003000099-4