People have always lived close to nature and revered it. But in the Nordic countries, friluftsliv has a more specifıc meaning and deep roots in the culture. Norway and Sweden wrote this in a 2018 plan for taking coordinated action across the Nordic region: " The Nordic countries are becoming steadily more multicultural . . . [We recommend] ensuring that everyone who is new to the Nordic countries is introduced to the joy and benefi ts of outdoor recreation, and given the tools to take part in its practice and enjoyment. " 16 VIKING APRIL 2020 sonsofnorway.com Sharing outdoor experiences makes it easy for people to open up and bridge differences, Meland says. " It's a very good place to talk with Norwegians, actually. You know, we're not so outgoing. " The Path Ahead There is opportunity in Norway's health and social challenges, supporters of friluftsliv believe. If open-air life is seen not just as something nice to have but something Norway needs to have, they hope it will be easier to protect natural areas from development and to sustain high levels of participation in friluftsliv. A living tradition requires generations of people to take part and pass it along. Anne-Mari Planke manages DNT's friluftsliv activities. In 2018, as the group marked its 150th anniversary, PHOTO ANNE GRAUE / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGEShttp://www.sonsofnorway.com