On the water divide

Water divides have always had a significant meaning to people. As sparsely populated wilderness areas, they have formed a natural divide between cultures. In Finland, water divides have separated the people from Tavastia, Savonia, and Ostrobothnia. They have also been crossed when necessary via natural routes, such as waterways and ridges.

The water divide areas with their rough climates were the last areas settled. This is why these areas even now have more government lands than private lands. These areas are important for the conservation of original habitats, since the conservation network is the most frequent on water divide areas.