UNESCO calls for protection zone around naval fortress of Suomenlinna

print this

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is urging that a protection zone be built around the fortress island of Suomenlinna (originally "Sveaborg"), a major monument of military architecture on the islands just off the Helsinki coast.
      The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of the world heritage. In 1991 it was included for the first time in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
     
Systematic restoration and renovation at Suomenlinna began in 1973, when the army left the fortress. A plan for the use of Suomenlinna was drawn up, while the aim was to preserve the former military fortifications intact to future generations as a monument of 18th century military architecture.
      Inside the planned protection zone, no construction and structures would be allowed which could diminish the value of Suomenlinna as a monument.
     
The National Board of Antiquities and the Governing Body of Suomenlinna have already drawn up the borders of the potential protection zone.
      The zone would stretch from the garrison island of Santahamina in the east to the shore of Kaivopuisto in the west. Apart from Suomenlinna, a number of other islands would remain inside the zone, including Kuninkaansaari and Vallisaari, which are currently in the possession of the Defence Forces.
      On Monday, the City of Helsinki refused to give its final decision on the borders of the planned protection zone as yet. According to the City Board, the practical effects of the zone remain unclear. One of the problems is what kind of impact the zone would have on future public transport solutions.
     
At present, the city is contemplating whether a tram tunnel or a bridge should be built over the stretch of water known as Kruunuvuorenselkä. The final aim is to construct a special Metro line to Santahamina via the shore district of Kruunuvuori at some time in the future.
      If the proposed protection zone is approved, what will happen to these plans? Those responsible for urban planning are also worried about the fate of the sea lanes and the Suomenlinna ferries.
     
Moreover, the Defence Forces want to find out whether or not the southern end of Santahamina should remain outside the protection zone.
      Other than that, the proposed protection zone would have no practical significance to the military, commented military expert Kai Heng from the Finnish Defence Forces.
      Nowadays a popular tourist and recreation centre, Suomenlinna also has a permanent population of over 850 and provides about 400 jobs.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Deputy Mayor Korpinen wants more residential development on Helsinki islands (2.5.2007)
  Cable car planned to link Katajanokka and Laajasalo districts (2.11.2006)

Links:
  National Board of Antiquities
  Suomenlinna

Helsingin Sanomat