The Concept of Landslag: Meanings and Value for Nature Conservation

• Main Author: Edda Ruth Hlín Waage 1969-
• Other Authors: Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Doktorsritgerðir; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/25744

This thesis explores the Icelandic landscape concept landslag, envisaged here as a verbal cultural expression of meaningful relations between humans and nature. The main aim is to investigate the meanings of the concept and the value it may hold for the conservation of nature. In recent years, landslag has become a prominent concept in the nature conservation discourse in Iceland. Conceptual confusion arose when the concept was first methodically applied to identify possible nature conservation areas. Experts in nature conservation consequently called for a legal definition, which has prompted two separate definitions. The thesis seeks to explain the conceptual confusion which has complicated the incorporation of the concept into the nature conservation discourse. Four empirical studies investigate the meaning of landslag in different contexts: in the sagas of Icelanders in the 14th century; among the general public in the present; among experts in nature conservation; and in the general legislation about nature conservation. Qualitative research methodologies were applied, such as grounded theory, phenomenology, discourse analysis, and textual analysis. The results show that the concept of landslag is deeply rooted in culture and history. Within the nature conservation discourse, the meaning of the concept gradually changed because of the great emphasis put on scientific reasoning and methodologies originating in the natural sciences. In the present, landslag carries two meanings that differ in some fundamental aspects: a ‘culturally embedded’ meaning and a ‘technical’ meaning. This has caused difficulties in its incorporation in nature conservation. The thesis concludes that the culturally embedded meaning can be of great value in the nature conservation discourse, as it captures an aesthetic dimension that undeniably is an important part of conservation. It also suggests that the legal definition of landslag in the Act on Nature Conservation be revisited. Þessi ritgerð fjallar um hugtakið landslag, sem hér ...