The approach represents a scientific field called historical ecology, which is relatively new discipline and combines ecological research methods with humanities in order to gain deeper understanding on ecological processes and the human role in them

Ecologists generally investigate ecosystem processes
in the present. During the recent decades, however, scientist have become
increasingly aware that the plant communities and soil processes we see today are
heavily influenced by what has happened in the area during the past. The influence
of the past on present ecosystem structure is particularly strong in the north,
where soil carbon and nutrient cycles are extremely slow and exert a long-lasting
legacy on the conditions for plant growth. 

Land-use
history affects ecosystem structure especially through soil nutrient availability,
which in turn is a powerful driver for plant community composition and productivity.
In Lapland, reindeer husbandry has constituted a major means of land-use for
centuries. 

In this project, I answer the following
question: How does the long history of reindeer husbandry shape the nature we see
today?

– I use a multidisciplinary approach that builds
bridges between natural sciences and history. In the practical implementation of the
project, I combine ecosystem ecological research methods with archaecological
databases and historical records. Via this approach, it is possible to investigate
ecosystem effects of reindeer grazing in decadal and centennial timescales and to
identify its cultural legacies, Researcher Sari
Stark says.

The approach represents a
scientific field called historical ecology, which is relatively new discipline and
combines ecological research methods with humanities in order to gain deeper
understanding on ecological processes and the human role in them. Simultaneously,
novel tools are created for resolving current ecological problems and for predicting
and adapting to the effects of climate change.

Photo: Historical
milking grounds in Staloluokta, Northern Sweden