Norrland's water-related cultural environments

This project examines how the development of hydropower in Norrland has affected ancient and cultural heritage remains, as well as people and communities.

When Norrland's lakes and rivers were being developed for hydropower, many of them were lined with rich ancient and cultural heritage remains. However, development and regulation since then –together with climate change in recent decades – have destroyed or damaged many of these heritage sites. In this project we investigate the extent of these consequences.

Another important part of the project is to examine how developments have affected the people who live and work there. The advent of hydropower fundamentally transformed people's relationship with rivers. Both industries (reindeer husbandry, fishing, cattle breeding, etc.) and infrastructures and cultural heritage (travel routes, significant places, etc.) that have long characterized people's interaction with the rivers were affected or disappeared.

To gain knowledge about this, we will use a range of methods, from archival studies to field studies and interviews. In addition, we will conduct comparative research on undeveloped rivers.

The ultimate goal of the project is to contribute to the sustainable management of water-related cultural environments.

Do you want to participate or provide information?

Has the development of hydropower affected how you and other people in your local environment live and work? Then you are very welcome to contact us and share your experiences.

You can also contact us if you have information about archaeological remains along the rivers.

Participants within partner organizations

Ole Wolfhechel Jensen
Researcher, research coordinator and administrator at the Swedish National Heritage Board.

Peter Persson
Factual researcher, administrator and conservationist at the County Administrative Board of Västernorrland.

Roger Nyqvist
Lecturer in archaeology, field course coordinator at Umeå University

Berit Andersson
Archaeologist at Västerbotten Museum

Frida Palmbo
Archaeologist at the Museum of Norrbotten