What is NetworkNature Reads?
#NetworkNatureReads is inspired by #ReadingRainbow and the #NewYorkTimes #ByTheBook series, both of which spread a love of reading by highlighting stand out books and the people who love them. Our goal is to do the same, but with a #naturebasedsolutions flavor. Every month, we will feature one book selected by a NetworkNature member.
We believe that literature widens perspectives and can foster connection with human and environmental communities. Read Wild Geese by Mary Oliver if you aren’t sure what we mean.
This month’s interviewee is Helmi Mäntysaari, Expert, Events and Project Communications, ICLEI Europe
Want to get involved? Contact hello@networknature.eu to suggest a book!
Book
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
Tell us about yourself! What role do nature and reading play in your life?
I am passionate about sustainable living and an enthusiastic listener of audiobooks. For me, nature serves as a place to calm down, especially in the summer when it's lush and green.Whether it's through a walk in the woods near my family's summer house or exploring new landscapes during travels. I also feel that nature is what gives us everything we have, and I try to keep that in mind in my everyday life. Reading or listening to audiobooks is also a way to relax and let my thoughts wander away from the hustle of daily life.
Which book did you pick and why?
I chose J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, a timeless epic that addresses themes of nature, resilience, and community. The book resonates deeply with me because of its interesting view on good and evil, as well as its countless deep meanings. Also, Tolkien's love for nature is evident in the book. To appreciate this, you just need to read (or hear!) his detailed descriptions of forests, rivers, and mountains. There is also the link to the destructive power industry sometimes has on nature, which is beyond relevant in today's world.
Can you share a specific moment from the book that resonates with you personally? How does it connect to your work with Nature-based Solutions projects?
A moment that deeply resonates with me is the Fellowship's journey through Lothlórien, an enchanted forest preserved by the wisdom and care of the Elves. This sanctuary symbolises the power of the delicate balance required to protect natural environments. Related to the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) work we do, this scene is a reminder that conservation is not about isolating nature from human influence but about nurturing it in harmony with sustainable practices. It brings to mind the potential of landscapes restored through thoughtful diligent work and care.
In what ways do you see the themes or lessons from the book aligning with the goals of conservation and the challenges we face in combating biodiversity loss today?
One of the central themes in The Lord of the Rings is the destructive impact of unchecked power and industrialisation, embodied by Saruman’s exploitation of Isengard and Sauron’s desolation of Mordor. These elements parallel the real-world challenges of deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. The book’s emphasis on small, collective actions, like the Fellowship’s quest, reinforces the idea that even individual contributions can lead to significant change.
If you were recommending this book to a colleague or a friend within the conservation community, what key takeaway or message would you highlight?
I would emphasise the book’s message about the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of protecting what we love. Tolkien’s portrayal of the natural world as a character in its own right is a reminder to us all why conservation matters. It’s an inspiring call to action for anyone committed to preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
