Cultural Heritage Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States

Transcription

1 Cultural Heritage Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States Report 4 Agreed upon by the Monitoring Group

2 Cultural Heritage Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States Report 4 Agreed upon by the Monitoring Group Edited by Friedrich Lüth Council of the Baltic Sea States Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Archäologisches Landesmuseum Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

3 Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Archäologisches Landesmuseum Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Domhof 4/5, D Schwerin Germany Phone: Fax: Web-site: Cover photos Front cover: Spöttrup, Jutland, Denmark. Photo: Detlef Jantzen Back cover Top: Bengtskär lighthouse, Finland. Photo: Jukka Grönlund Back cover Middle: Helsinki, Finland. Photo: Ilmakuva Vallas Oy Back cover Bottom: Pommern. Photo: Maritime Museum of Finland This report is produced within the mandate given by the Ministers of Culture in the Baltic Sea States, by the Monitoring Group on Cultural Heritage in the Baltic States with its Working Groups, with representation from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation and Sweden. Layout Michael Wagner, Marion Greiser, Jana Nier 2005 Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Archäologisches Landesmuseum Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ISBN Print Druckerei Buck GmbH, Ludwigslust, 2005

4 Table of Content Proposals for Ministerial Decisions 5 I. Executive Summary 7 Achievements of the Cultural Heritage Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States II. Ongoing Co-operation between 2003 and Underwater Heritage 13 Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage 17 Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice 21 Sustainable Historic Towns 25 Black Archaeology 29 Industrial Heritage 33 The Archival Dimension 37 Baltic-Nordic Library Co-operation 39 III. Suggested Programme for the Next Years 47 The Monitoring Group Manor Houses in the Baltic Sea States 47 Parks and Gardens History and Management 49 Cultural Layers in Old Towns 51 Industrial Heritage 53 Preservation of Contemporary Architecture and Design 55 Managing the Ruins 57 Re-use of Fortifications 59 The European Route of Brick Gothic 63 Children and Young People and the Heritage Management 67 Itineraries and Cultural Tourism 69 Black Archaeology 71 Working Groups Underwater Heritage 73 Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage 75 Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice 77 Sustainable Historic Towns 79 IV. Baltic Sea Culture Heritage Forum 81 Gdansk 2003, 1 st Forum 81 Helsinki 2005, 2 nd Forum 83

5 V. Financing Heritage Projects in the Baltic Sea Area 85 The EEA Financial Mechanisms 85 VI. Appendices of this Report 87 Appendix 1: Authors of this Report 87 Appendix 2: Meetings and Participants 88 Appendix 3: Photo and Illustration Credits 90

6 Proposals for Ministerial Decisions To promote and further develop the cooperation concerning our common Baltic Sea Heritage as an integral part of the peaceful Region with a sustainable development, where Common Cultural Heritage with its local diversities is the backbone of the regional identity and mutual understanding of the people and awareness of our common history are integral parts of every day life, the Ministers of Culture are asked to take a stand on the following proposals: The co-operation on Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage shall be further developed under the guidance of a Monitoring Group with the following mandates: Co-ordination of exchange and spread of information on Cultural Heritage through the national bodies into the Baltic Sea States to promote democracy and social welfare Initiating and supporting upcoming networks Identifying new fields of co-operation Being responsible for the WEB Being responsible for reporting to the Ministers about progress on the Cultural Heritage co-operation The Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage FORUM shall be held during the next period of mandate to strengthen the continuous process of contacts and exchange of experience and ideas. It should be developed along the lines of this report. The new fields of co-operation worked out during the last period of mandate and suggested as programme for the next period shall be investigated and the results reported back to the Ministers. Baltic Sea States. 5

7 I. Executive Summary Mandate The cultural heritage co-operation in the Baltic Sea States initiated by the Ministers of Culture has been functioning for eight years. The mandates have been given in the Lubeck Declaration September 1997, in the Declaration of Gdansk September 1999, in the Copenhagen Declaration September 2001 and in the St. Petersburg Declaration 1 3 December Results The general outcome of the work has been a continued networking involving all kinds of heritage experts built on the consolidated co-operation between National Heritage Boards and Museums. The work period has been a period on reflection on the needs for co-operation in new fields in the Baltic Sea Area. Since the Ministerial Meeting in St. Petersburg, the Monitoring Group has worked principally in four different areas: Guiding and following the ongoing work in the four working groups Inventory and reflection on new and urgent areas of co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region Consolidation on the Forum idea by holding the 2 nd Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki, June 2005 Deepening the co-operation with CBSS 1. The Monitoring Group followed and guided the work of the four working groups Underwater Heritage Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice Sustainable Historic Towns through regular meetings with the chairpersons of the four working groups. The outcome of the work of the working group is reported further on in the final report. 2. The inventory of possible new areas of cooperation has been built on the specific needs expressed by the different Baltic Sea States. The validity of new areas has been investigated through expert seminars, held by the invitation of participating countries while other fields need further consideration. Archives and libraries, important institutions for the work of cultural heritage, have an excellent network and ongoing co-operation in our Region, that is stabile enough without support from the Monitoring Group. Industrial Heritage is a theme that is worked on world wide. There is however a need to further look at this part of the heritage on Baltic Sea level with its specific problems. A seminar which is focused on the scene of the Baltic Sea is proposed to lay the ground to decide how and under which theme the situation for the industrial heritage in our region might be improved. Black archaeology meaning illegal excavations on archaeological sites is closely connected with illicit trading on cultural goods. These criminal acts are a huge and growing problem throughout the Baltic Sea Region and elsewhere. On the initiative of the Monitoring Group and funded by the ZEIT Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius foundation a first seminar and a creation of a network was established. In the next future it shall be developed, how the awareness can be raised and proposals shall be prepared to harmonize the legal system and strengthen the handling of this problems in the different States. The European Route of Brick Gothic is already engaging many countries in our Region. The Monitoring Group has had the possibility to inset ideas on heritage conservation in this most important cultural tourism initiative, that now applied for a second phase of Interreg IIIb funding, which was successfully granted in July The re-vitalisation and management of manor-houses, parks and historic gardens, especially their maintenance and the possible new uses, is a field identified as an important theme to work on in the future. Due to the change of the economic system after the fall of the iron curtain espe- 7

8 cially the heritage along the southern and eastern coasts is under pressure. But due to changes in the economic systems and the radical change in the agro-environment some of the well kept estates along the western and northern coasts are coming under pressure as well. Re-use of fortifications, management of ruins and maintenance of contemporary architecture are fields widely discussed in all our countries. The need for trans-national discussions and exchange of ideas and experiences is an important working field in the future. The question on town-planning and preservation of cultural heritage in historic cities in the Baltic Sea area, mandated by the Ministers in St. Petersburg 2003, has been elaborated through the Cultural heritage Forum in Helsinki 9 11 June 2005, with the theme Urban Heritage-Collective Privilege visited by more than 260 participants. The Working Group on Sustainable Historic Towns responsible for the Forum will proceed its work hopefully with support through the Interreg IIIb structural funds. Working with children and young pleople in the management of cultural heritage has led to different activities in the Baltic Sea States. The exchange of good practice and experience shall lead to a better understanding of the Common Heritage of the Baltic Sea States. 3. Consolidation of the Forum idea A first Cultural Heritage Forum was held in Gdansk 3 rd 6 th April The success from Gdansk was repeated in the 2 nd Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki 9 th 11 th June 2005, with the theme Urban Heritage-Collective Privilege visited by more than 260 participants. Pre-forum workshops of specialists, a forum seminar, round table discussions, public sessions and exhibitions together with a market place for activities of NGO s were held. The Monitoring Group will continue with the activity and Lithuania has already expressed its will to host the next Forum in A deeper co-operation with CBSS has started aiming at co-ordinating the information between the Cultural Heritage Co-operation and CBSS as well as a cooperation with other sectors under the CBSS umbrella where cultural heritage can contribute to the work. 8

9 Achievements of the Cultural Heritage Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States Mandate During the ministerial meeting in St. Petersburg the Monitoring Group on Cultural Heritage received a direct mandate from the Ministers: The Ministers stressed the necessity of common efforts of the institutions for the preservation of monuments and municipal authorities in their countries to protect the big cities historical and cultural areas. The Ministers considered worthwhile to continue the dialogue concerning the problems of town-planning and preservation of cultural heritage in historical cities and towns of the Baltic Sea States. The Ministers recommended to prepare proposals for the programme of international co-operation concerning the town-planning and preservation of cultural heritage in historical cities. The Ministers considered archives, libraries and museums as important sources of information, learning and education and work tools for the development of historical cities. The Ministers expressed satisfaction of the Monitoring Group s report and thanked Sweden for charing the Monitoring group over the past six years. The Ministers asked the Monitoring Group to continue, guide and consolidate the ongoing work of the cultural heritage co-operation. The Ministers took note of the importance of the Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage Forum in Gdansk and supported the idea of arranging such forums in future. The Ministers encouraged the Monitoring group to examine the possibilities of cooperation on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea. This mandate was enlarged through the report given to the Ministers, to which the Ministers had expressed their satisfaction in the final declaration of St. Petersburg: The co-operation on Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage shall be further developed under the guidance of a Monitoring Group with the following mandates: Co-ordination of exchange and spread of information on Cultural Heritage through the national bodies into the Baltic Sea States to promote democracy and social welfare Linking national projects into Baltic co-operation projects Initiating and supporting upcoming networks Identifying new fields of cooperation Being the guiding body for the Baltic Sea Cultural heritage Forum Being responsible for the WEB Being responsible for reporting to the Ministers about progress on the cultural heritage co-operation The idea of a Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage FORUM as means for strengthening the continuous process of contacts and exchange of experience and ideas in the years to come should be developed along the lines presented in this report The possibilities of support for cultural heritage also throughout the CBSS structure should be investigated and the upcoming possibilities which lie within the EU Northern Dimension Action Plan should be developed. Organisation of the work A Monitoring Group has been reponsible for the work, with representation from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany (Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The work has been executed through four Working Groups which have covered the fields of Underwater Heritage, led by Denmark and Germany Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage, led by Norway and Poland Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice, led by Sweden and Latvia Sustainable Historic Towns, led by Finland and Estonia The Monitoring Group met on eight occasions in Copenhagen, Oslo, Schwerin, Tallinn, Hamburg, Helsinki and Riga guiding the work of the four working groups. There have been two meetings with the CBSS, the first with Ambassador Hannu 9

10 Hallinen to co-ordinate the exchange of information between the cultural heritage co-operation and the CBSS and a second on possibilities of co-operation with other actors in the cultural sector. Main Achievements of the Cultural Heritage Co-operation Co-ordination of the exchange and spread of information on cultural heritage through the national governmental bodies into the Baltic Sea States to promote democracy and social welfare The Monitoring Group has worked as a guiding body for cultural heritage cooperation. Each Baltic Sea State, except Russia, has nominated 1 or 2 members into the Group, representing central heritage and museums authorities. The Monitoring Group has held 3 4 meetings each year, working online in between. The meetings have been arranged on a rotational basis by each country in its turn. This has made possible a rapid exchange of news and experience in changing political and organizational structures in the Baltic Sea Area especially in the early phase of the work in the 1990s, as well as linking the authorities of the hosting country into the work on a broader basis. The Monitoring Group has been informed on projects carried out by other bodies in the different parts of the Baltic Sea Area through common discussions with invited guests, it has supported the work of the four Working Groups, and evaluated new themes to be taken up either under the umbrella of the Monitoring Group itself or by other actors. The Monitoring Group has created a good working contact with the CBSS in Stockholm and informs the CBSS secretariat continuously of its activities. Chairperson of the Monitoring Group was Christina von Arbin from Sweden, followed in 2003 by Friedrich Lüth from Germany/Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Initiating and supporting existing and upcoming networks The Monitoring Group has initiated four working groups around central topics of Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage: 1. Working Group on Underwater Heritage 2. Working Group on Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage 3. Working Group on Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice 4. Working Group on Sustainable Historic Towns During the Monitoring Group meeting in Tallinn the further co-operation on the European Route of Brick Gothic was discussed. Partners from most of the Baltic Sea States were then gathered to apply for a second phase of Interreg IIIb funding, which was successfully granted in July. The Ministers had considered it worth-while to continue the dialogue concerning the problems of town-planning and the preservation of cultural heritage in historic cities and towns of the Baltic Sea States. They recommended preparing proposals for the programme of international co-operation concerning townplanning and preservation of cultural heritage in historic cities. The Working Group on Sustainable Historic Towns is preparing a proposal for an extension of their project with funding from the Interreg IIIb programme to continue their efforts. The Ministers had taken note of the importance of the Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage Forum in Gdansk and supported the idea of arranging such forums in future. Finland arranged the 2 nd Baltic Sea Heritage Forum. It was held in Helsinki in June 2005 and was a great success. More than 260 participants from all around the Baltic Sea and even from across Europe attended the forum. It was open for a wider public and had lots of attention from the press. The Forum report is under preparation. The Ministers encouraged the Monitoring Group to examine the possibilities of co-operation on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea. Through the Working Group several fields were investigated. Three major topics were detected as important for future work raising awareness, to be achieved through the Rutilus project elaboration of codes of good practice 10

11 especially on wrecks from the last world war considering the wrecks as sea-graves examine the possibilities on how to investigate the exclusive economic zone, where the better preserved parts of underwater heritage are likely to be found A poster exhibition and website (www. cmm.pl/balticlights/index.html) on lighthouses created by the Working Group on Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage was launched in Gdansk in April The exhibition has been presented in over 150 places since all around the Baltic Sea. The publication Common Sea Common Heritage, proceedings of the 1 st Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage Forum has been produced and is sold out. It will reappear on the internet site of CBSS in digital format ready for downloading. The publication Indoor climate in Churches was prepared by the Working Group on Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice. The report will soon be available on the web-site balticheritage.raa.se/groups/building/html The Monitoring Group has also followed, supported and been informed of the work of the Industrial Nordic-Baltic Heritage Platform IHP (financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers) MoSS-project (Monitoring, Safeguarding and Visualizing North- European Shipwreck Sites; financed through the EU-Culture 2000 programme) Can we learn from the heritage lost in fire? (a Nordic project , partly financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers) Rutilus project, funded through the Nordic Council of Ministers Identifying new fields of co-operation The Monitoring Group meeting in Oslo was dedicated to the analysis of the situation of co-operation on the themes of archives and libraries. With reference to page within this report the Monitoring Group can state a good ongoing co-operation that already works on a multilateral basis and is stable enough to continue among libraries as well as among archives without any further guidance. Other fields of co-operation were detected and investigated. Industrial heritage has a co-operation on a European wide scale. Thus a closer look at the Baltic Sea has not yet been done and the actors in the field have a more Europe-wide oriented perspective. Together with specialists working in the field it was agreed to arrange a seminar with the focus on the scene in the Baltic Sea Area and then decide how co-operation in this field could be further strengthened. Black archaeology, which refers to illegal excavations on archaeological sites and monuments and the closely related illegal trade of artefacts accross borders, has been detected as a major and increasing problem that all Baltic Sea States are facing. A seminar was held in Schleswig (Germany) supported by the ZEIT Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius foundation with participants from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. This co-operation will continue and the first grant has been received. The discussion of the European Route of Brick Gothic has consequently led to the discussion on European cultural routes and the implications for cultural heritage arising from initiatives by actors in the field. It was acknowledged that cultural heritage receives raised awareness from promotion through cultural tourism, but at the same time cultural heritage can suffer from uses that do not take its special vulnerability into account. Funding for the repair and maintenance of sites and monuments used in cultural tourism is often lacking. This needs further investigation and alignment with the economy. The revitalisation of historic parks and gardens, especially their maintenance are regarded as a special field that has to be looked into. Re-use of fortifications, the management of ruins and the upcoming question of contemporary architecture and design were detected as fields where further investigation and co-operation is needed. All these fields are already in the focus in the Baltic Sea States and it was acknowledged that due to the resources available in each 11

12 of the Baltic Sea States benefits for the subject could only be achieved by co-operation. Joint action shall be taken by the Monitoring Group to create a basis for crossnational co-operation focusing on how to involve school children into the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage. Being the guiding body for the Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage Forum The main idea of the Cultural Heritage Fora is to create a meeting place where Baltic Sea Heritage issues can be brought to the fore. It is where urgent topics and ongoing work can be discussed in a broad context by professionals and NGO s, and where networks of different kinds can be both established and fostered, whilst information and knowledge can be spread widely. The 1 st Cultural Heritage Forum, Baltic Sea Identity. Common Sea Common Culture? was held successfully in Gdansk, 3 rd 6 th April It collected together a hundred participants from all the Baltic Sea and Belarus. More than 60 scholars and speakers within the cultural heritage field presented their ongoing work and shared their views with an audience of over a hundred. The 2 nd Cultural Heritage Forum, Urban Heritage Collective Privilege was held successfully in Helsinki 9 th 11 th June It collected more than 260 participants from all around the Baltic Sea. Preforum workshops of specialists, a forum seminar, round table discussions, public sessions and exhibitions together with a market-place for activities of NGO s were held. Being responsible for the WEB During the period a WEB site containing reports, a list of events, etc., was established under the umbrella of CBSS. Sweden was responsible for the creation of the WEB. The address of the WEB is also found linked to Being responsible for reporting to the Ministers about progress on cultural heritage co-operation The Monitoring Group has given a report of its work on the occasion of the meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the Baltic Sea States, after each two year mandate period. The 1 st report was given in Gdansk in May It contained an analysis of the current situation within the field of cultural heritage co-operation in the Baltic Sea Area, as well as suggestions for possible actions. The 2 nd report was given in Copenhagen in September It contained a review of the activities of the four Working Groups initiated by the Monitoring Group, defining their aims and goals, and listing their main achievements during the two year period The 3 rd report was given in St. Petersburg in December It could state that the consolidation of co-operation between National Heritage Boards and Museum Authorities had been successfully carried out and had resulted in new possibilities to exchange experience and to create common projects. The four Working Groups had consolidated their work. The first Baltic Sea Heritage Forum had been organized in Gdansk in April

13 II. Ongoing Co-operation between 2003 and 2005 Underwater Heritage Chair: Co-chair: Denmark Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany) and Denmark Mandate At the VI th Conference of the Baltic Sea States Ministers of Culture in Saint-Petersburg the working group on underwater heritage received a direct mandate in the final declaration. It was stated that: The Ministers encouraged the Monitoring group to examine the possibilities of cooperation on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea. Participating countries The working group has members from ten countries Denmark, Estonia, Finland (and the Åland Islands), Germany (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein), Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden. The chair has been handed over from Denmark to Sweden for the next reporting period. Work programme Working group meetings have been held at the following dates and locations: 16 th 18 th April 2004, Roskilde, Denmark 17 th 19 th September 2004, Gdansk, Poland 14 th 15 th January 2005, Stockholm, Sweden 13 th April 2005, Copenhagen, Denmark (databases) 8 th 9 th June 2005, Helsinki, Finland Two seminars were held at the 2 nd Baltic Sea Heritage Forum in Helsinki, where the results of the work have been presented. The work programme consisted of tracing the outline of a code of good practice and the development of a platform for exchange of information. The project Rutilus, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, was launched in August In order to learn more about the needs of co-operation among the Baltic Sea States a joint map was created to show the distribution of knowledge as state of the art. Protection of the Underwater Heritage in the Baltic Sea Due to superb environmental condition as low salinity, stabile temperature over the years, fairly low currents and almost no tide the Baltic Sea offers excellent conditions for the protection of underwater heritage. Even biological threats such as funghi or bacteria that can be major threats in other parts of the world (e.g. Teredo navalis shipworm) do not seem to harm the objects in a way it can be stated in other oceans. The underwater heritage consists of submerged landscapes with remains of settlements ranging back to the periods after the last ice age, settlement-structures including fortresses and harbour constructions from medieval periods onwards, remains of vessels from all periods starting with log-boats from the Mesolithic period onwards until remains of warships from the last world war. The archaeological heritage can be found at any depth on the seabed. They are all under protection through national legislation and mostly registered sites in national recording systems. But they are only a small part of the heritage of the Baltic Sea. A detailed map was put together, showing how the finds are distributed. The map shows significantly the dense distribution along the coasts. It shows clearly an uneven distribution, which can only be seen as the state of the art. In areas with a long tradition in maritime and underwater archaeology the number of sites and monuments is far higher than in those countries, where the development of the subject is more recent. Especially the southern and eastern parts of the Baltic Sea need more investigation and taking into account, that along the east German coast there were only three finds until 1990 the dimension of the subject can me imagined. Test trench, Stensore, South-East Denmark. The submerged Mesolithic sites often produce thick cultural layers with numerous organic finds. Timmendorf, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. A knive made out of a truncated flint blade with a preserved handle made out of a hazel stic and a douple layer of lime bast. 13

14 Baltic Sea with finds along the coasts. All the finds discussed are situated within the territorial waters of the Baltic Sea States. In the adjoining exclusive economic zone the distribution of finds is more or less comparable. The few find-spots clearly indicate the need for co-operation. The development of a platform for exchange of information An initiative has been taken in order to create a database holding basic information on underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea. A one-day seminar between experts was held in Copenhagen in April 2005, where the direction for future work was established, inspired by the model of the Culture 2000-supported ARENAproject, which allows simultaneous search in the cultural heritage management databases of several countries. The initiative is to be seen as a starting point for the creation of an internet-based system ensuring access to and exchange of relevant information about this heritage between researchers and administrators across national borders. Such a system will increase the use of the underwater cultural heritage in research and communication and thus lead to an increased public awareness hereof, and of the common Baltic history that it represents. Co-operation among the Baltic Sea States on the protection of underwater sites and monuments A number of the members of the working group have taken part in the MoSS-project (Monitoring, Safeguarding and Visualizing North-European Shipwreck Sites), a shipwreck project funded by the European 14

15 Early 16 th century wreck of a small coastal vessel, Knudsgrund, South-West Denmark. After recording, the boat was protected in situ with sand bags. Union Culture 2000 Programme. The leading part in this project has been The National Maritime Museum of Finland. The project started at the beginning of July 2001 and ended at the 30 th of June The final report was published in The main goal of the project was to make people aware of the importance of our common underwater cultural heritage. Another aim was to develop good practices in safeguarding, monitoring and visualizing underwater cultural heritage. Good practices help the authorities and professionals to protect, research and take care of the underwater cultural heritage. The UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and the ICOMOS Charter on the Protection and management of the Underwater Cultural Heritage have been important guidelines in creating these practices. Especially the development of a master management plan for the management of shipwreck sites in Northern Europe has a strong impact on the strategies for the preservation of the underwater heritage. The use of this Management plan will in future help to harmonize the methods and the concerns on the subject. Although the MoSS-project as such has ended, the guidelines created during the last years form the platform for future co-operation in Northern Europe. A strong network has been set up, and the working group will support future initiatives of this nature. The development of codes of good practice Discussions concerning difficult wrecks (war graves) in Polish waters urged to take up the theme. 50 years after the end of the last world war the last missing of the German refugee-ships were detected in Polish waters. The environmental conditions and the position some fifty meters deep on the seabed have led to an extraordinary preservation. Vessels like the Arkona, Goya, Steuben and Wilhelm Gustloff were carrying thousands of German refugees each from Eastern Prussia and the surrounding area on their way to homeland Germany when they were mined at the end of the war. Some of the wrecks were detected in the early 1990s. During the following years after the position of the Wilhelm Gustloff was distributed over the internet many divers have visited the wreck and have taken bits and pieces. It is partly dismantled and fairly destroyed. Now since the Goya and the Steuben have been found their protection is under discussion. They are lying within the exclusive economic zone of Poland and should be scheduled monuments. 15

16 Excavation of ship timbers at Amager Strandpark, East Denmark. The intensified use of the coasts for recreational purposes, including the construction of artificial islands and lagunes, strongly influences that part of the sea territory that has the highest density of underwater archaeological sites. Late 16 th century fishing vessel at Amager Strandpark, East Denmark. Found upside down, the forward half of this late descendant of the Viking ships was dug away by contractors before it was realised that it was an archaeological find. Due to the excellent conditions in the Baltic still thousands of skeletons are preserved on the Steuben. The human remains are lying in the order they were when the catastrophe came over the people. Many are carrying their personal belongings with them and a lot of personal cargo in small bags and suit-cases are standing or lying in the different parts of the wreck. There is no doubt that these vessels have to be treated as a war-grave. No diving should be permitted apart from scientific or management of the heritage related occasions. The working group would like to urge on the necessity of a bi- or multilateral agreement concerning the treatment of vessels like the Steuben, Goya and Wilhelm Gustloff. And there are some other vessels and air-crafts lying in the territorial waters and the exclusive economic some to which a comparable treatment should apply to. Accessibility of information to the scientific world and the public at large The working group has been used as a forum where several initiatives have been discussed and developed. An example of such a project this time with the National Maritime Museums of Sweden as lead partner is the RUTILUS-project. The headline of this project is: Strategies and Sustainable Management of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. RUTILUS is a two year project, financed by the members of the project and the Nordic Council of Ministers Neighbourhood programme. The project was launched in August 2004 and it will end in July The overall ambition is to improve awareness and social integration of the underwater cultural heritage. The project will promote and widen trans-national and cross-sectorial co-operation. National cultural heritage management policies and statistics will be exchanged, translated, discussed, commented and published. A future joint strategy and a set of guidelines for the development of underwater cultural heritage management in the Baltic Sea region will be formulated. The general objectives for the project are defined in the following terms: 1. Exchange of data standards of the BSR in terms of legislation, use, content and value of cultural heritage under water. 2. Promote a shared regional identity in the BSR by defining a set of one hundred valuable monuments under water in the Baltic Sea. 3. Define environmental and ethical aspects of wreckdiving, and heritage management under water. The list of one hundred valuable monuments will form the starting point for identifying the cultural values of the underwater cultural heritage, and thus strengthen the arguments for protection and sustainable use of it. 16

17 Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage Chair: Co-chair: Norway Poland Background and main activities The Baltic Sea has throughout history connected the people around it. For these reasons both coastal culture and maritime heritage in our countries still show important similarities, essential for understanding our common identity and history. However, coastal culture and maritime heritage are threatened, not only by the crisis in the traditional coastal and maritime industries, but also by the pressures of recreational activities and urban development. The Working Group on Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage has identified its main tasks as: describing challenges and opportunities within the field of coastal culture and maritime heritage reporting on the status of ongoing activities in each country suggesting, promoting and initiating projects and actions for co-operation. Currently the group has representatives from Poland, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The group s members are connected to museums as well as National Heritage Boards and have used workshops, meetings, seminars and exchange programmes to address their aims. This earlier work culminated in the planning and implementation of the 1 st Cultural Heritage Forum, Common Sea-Common Culture held at the Polish Maritime Museum in Gdansk 3 rd 6 th April During the Forum the group launched Baltic Lights, a poster and internet exhibition presenting a brief history of the development of lighthouses in the Baltic Sea Region. It shows examples of good practice in their preservation and encouraged similar action for sites still under threat. The poster exhibition was produced in sufficient quantities to ena- The Paul Lindenau Shipyard, Klaipeda, Lithuania. The site includes listed buildings and structures and is being re-developed by private investors. 17

18 Bengtskär lighthouse, Finland, built 1906, is now a very popular tourist attraction with a cafe, hotel post office, meeting facilities and museum. ble all member countries to receive up to 50 copies for simultaneous display at numerous locations. These included coastal and maritime museums, schools, libraries, and lighthouses throughout the entire Baltic Sea Region. The group will continue to retain focus on lighthouses and lightships as monuments of maritime heritage Historic Ships and Harbours: cultural heritage monuments for sustainable coastal communities During 2004 the group has discussed the importance of coastal culture for regional development. The significant role of historic harbours and shipyards in the coastal zone was also raised as an important issue. It was agreed that the group will focus on floating coastal heritage and coastal zone installations ashore. Raising public awareness of the issues involved was identified as the main task for the future. This will include highlighting the value of floating coastal heritage, its contribution to the development of coastal culture and its relevance to regional development and tourism. As part of the Helsinki Forum the Working Group held a workshop Historic Ships and Harbours: cultural heritage monuments for sustainable coastal communities. Nowadays harbours have become a battleground of conflicting interests; maritime activities, housing, shopping centres or alternative use of areas. The increasing size of vessels and new technology make new demands on our harbours. The number of working ports is steadily decreasing. The remaining commercial harbours are becoming bigger in terms of size and turn-over, while redundant harbours have enormous potential for new 18

19 Fishing vessels at Orlowo, Poland. A small fishing museum has recently been started here. A fisherman preparing bait at Kuznica on the Hel Peninsula, Poland. 19

20 M/S Haugesund, seen here in the 1950s. From 1947 until 1973 it was used as a daily express boat travelling between Stavanger and Haugesund in Norway, it could carry up to 740 passengers and 22 cars. The hydroplane hangar at Tallinn harbour, Estonia is now being considered for re-development. uses. This is a development full of challenges and the diversity of the topic is enormous. The main objective of the workshop at Helsinki was to raise awareness of the historical value of harbours, so that when developing such areas, city planners can take their value into full consideration. All member countries were invited to present reports on historic harbours. Key areas and questions examined by the speakers included: a statistical overview on the development within commercial ports from 1960 to the present day historical value and preservation what is the current situation in each country what laws, if any, exist for the protection of monuments such as ports in the Baltic Sea Region are historic ships in historic ports an issue in the Baltic Sea Region do changes in the ownership of harbours change attitudes towards them? In addition, case studies of harbours were presented at the workshop to describe the current status of individual harbours in the Baltic region. These included examples that are already undergoing development and change of use in Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia. A study from Denmark, was also presented that illustrated the economic importance of different harbour areas. This study offers a proactive model for analysing the economic impact of harbour activities. It has been used as a tool to examine harbour areas that are in decline and threatened by change. Consequently this model can provide vital information necessary for saving and protecting valuable cultural heritage sites or areas in harbours in the future. 20

21 Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice Chair: Co-chair: Sweden Latvia Background and main objective The built heritage of the Baltic Sea Region is influenced by many sources, but there are also common traditions. Ideas, knowledge, skills and tools have spread with master builders and craftsmen across the sea. Materials as wood, granite, limestone, iron, and the products made of these, have been used and shipped to everywhere within the region. Good management of the built heritage means to manage maintenance and change in such a way that the significant values are passed on to future generations. It is highly depending on the survival of professional knowledge and on the supply of traditional building materials, i.e. on a sustainable market for the trained masons, carpenters, architects, historians, restorers etc. and for the traditional building materials and products. Each of the Baltic Sea countries is small and each national heritage sector consists of only a few people. There is a need for a greater Baltic Sea Region market as support in each individual country and to strengthen the region as a whole. The overall objective of the working group is to enhance good management of the built heritage of the Baltic Sea region; by supporting the demand for professional skills and traditional materials and by establishing common guidelines for preservation and maintenance. Interior of Tervola church, Finland. Traditional materials and skills, Halsingland, Sweden. 21

22 Traditional timber church in Kenozero National Park, Russian Federation. Common guidelines (or policies or codes of ethics ) on Building Preservation will grow out of the co-operation. They are recommendations on methods and tools for good management. By focusing on processes, not on results, they will even become generally applicable. Participating countries The working group has members from eight countries Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden. Denmark was active until the end of Germany is represented by the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Work Programme Working group meetings have been held in Tallinn, April 2004, in Schwerin, September 2004, in Riga, November 2004, and twice in Helsinki, March and June 2005, connected to the 2 nd Baltic Sea Region Forum. Activities have been organized by the participating institutions, the main responsibility circulating among the countries in the region. A revised work programme was agreed upon in Tallinn in April Church Buildings of the Baltic Sea Region were selected as objects of study and reference, i.e. not only churches but also synagogues and other houses of faith. These buildings represent advanced techniques and craftsmanship and structural and maintenance problems are constantly present. Their future function is also an urgent question and thus the adoption to new uses and to modern demands like heating. The institutional framework and the roles of organizations and traditions are different in the different parts of the Baltic Sea Region. So are the training and experiences among professionals. Thorough understanding of the current situation and problems in the region has been regarded as an important baseline for the planning of activities. Results and activities There are two intermediate results in the work programme : a reference library of good practices networks for professional co-operation The reference library will make national documentation available in the region as a whole. It will also link to documentation from seminars and workshops and to supporting institutions. Most national heritage institutions, and many research institutes, have produced manuals on good practices in architectural conservation. These manuals or recommendations are sources to traditions and policies, they can be translated and used in neighbouring countries and they indicate starting positions when the common guidelines are to be formulated. The professional networks will be focusing on specialized fields as interior climate or mural painting. They are tools for creating development and research projects, for organizing seminars and conferences and for mutual invitations to any kind of professional activity. With basic administrative resources and a 22

23 minimum amount of meetings every year they will be sustainable and they will become foundation-stones in the BSR market for e.g. conservation experts, restorers, craftsmen and producers of building materials. The activities in the programme include: seminars and workshops collection and translation of reports and manuals information activities, mainly through the web-site. Seminars and workshops 1. Interior climate of churches problems and solutions A test seminar was held in Riga, November 11 12, 2004, with the title Interior climate of churches problems and solutions. Participants came from eight Baltic Sea countries. Lecturers represented national heritage institutions, universities and consultancy firms. The premises of the Evangelical Lutheran Church were used and the local audience included engineers and architects as well as people from the churches of Latvia. The first day was used for presentations; the second for an excursion, when actual problems were discussed. Results: Current situation and problems identified, network for professional co-operation created, on Interior climate issues, administered by the University of Gotland. The university is now applying for money for a continuation. The seminar report was presented at the 2 nd Baltic Sea Heritage Forum and it is available on the web-site. 2. NGO s as Agents for the Built Heritage in the Baltic Sea Region A Pre-Forum Workshop was organized as part of the 2 nd Baltic Sea Region Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki, June The workshop discussed the roles and possibilities of the NGO s as agents in the Baltic Sea Region. Representatives from selected NGO s were invited and presented the objectives and activities of their organizations. In several countries there are NGO s focusing on the built heritage. They are of different categories and they play different roles. In the Nordic countries they are often organizing activities, which were earlier done by the National Agencies. In the Baltic countries they are only emerging. The situation in Germany is still another, and varying between the states. Presentations were made by Restaurointikilta (Finland), Svenska byggnadsvardsforeningen (Sweden), Stiftung Kulturerbe ländlicher Raum Mecklenburg- Vorpommern (Germany) and by the Saastva Renoveerimise Infokeskus (Estonia) but also Latvia, Norway and Poland took part in the discussion. The agenda was divided in four sessions, concentrating on Traditional Materials and Skills, Information, Training Workshops and Camps and Management in Practice. Results: the workshop raised awareness of the Baltic Sea Region, common regional strategies were discussed and areas St. Nikolai in Stralsund, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. 23

24 St. Georgen in Wismar, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. of possible co-operation were mapped. The conclusions were presented on the Cultural Heritage Forum Know-how session and short abstracts from the presentations will be compiled as a report, available on the web-page. Collection and translation of reports and manuals A commented list of reports, manuals and information sheets, i.e. printed material on the preservation and maintenance of church buildings (for church wardens, architects, builders etc.), has been compiled by the contact in each participating country. A selection will be made for the reference library and for translation. Results will be presented on the web-site. Information activities Common web-site The web-site ( groups/building.html) has been continuously updated by the National Heritage Board in Stockholm, supported by the contacts in the other countries. It is connected to the site of the CBSS (Council of the Baltic Sea States). The objectives of the site are to inform about the working group, to facilitate co-operation and networking and to give access to reports produced within different projects: Objective and aims of the co-operation Contact persons in each country Ongoing projects, seminars, workshops etc. Completed projects with links to reports in pdf-format. Links to the sites of national agencies, information centres etc. Film The English version of the film Kalamaja Possibility of a Wooden Town, produced within the co-operation in during the restoration of a house in Kalamaja and awarded an Europa Nostra prize in 2001, was presented at the Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki in June Concluding remarks The first work period was characterized by training workshops for craftsmen, organized in connection to practical preservation projects in Estonia and Latvia. The present period has concentrated on the investigation of two major fields of co-operation the Interior Climate of Churches and the role of the NGO s in the region. The results from both periods are equally important: current situation, problems and practices have been identified and professional networks have been established; a framework for sustainable regional co-operation has been created. The problem of money has, however, not been solved. So far all activities have been supported by the participating institutions themselves, with certain contributions from the Swedish Baltic Sea Billion during the first period. 24

25 Sustainable Historic Towns Chair: Co-chair: Finland Estonia As Basis for networking the working group Sustainable Historic Towns agreed upon the aims and goals of its present work. The working group promotes preservation and sustainable development of the diversity of historic towns of the Baltic Sea Region by recognising their local identity. Participating countries The working group has members from nine countries Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden. Germany is represented by the State of Mecklenburg- Vorpommern. Main Project during The project Sustainable Historic Towns Urban Heritage as an Asset of Development is supported through the EU structural funds Interreg III B-programme and the national co-funding for the period The project is entering into its conclusive phase. Target of the project is to integrate urban heritage values to the sustainable development and policies of local communities. The project has three working packages. The first package Strategic Guidelines focuses on uniting urban heritage conservation with development plans and regional policies. Activities involve all the members of the working group Sustainable Historic Towns. The second package Professional Tools creates a platform for authorities, researchers and professionals to exchange and compare management experiences. It collects and analyses good methods for integrated conservation and urban sustainable development also including regional and local conservation policies in BSR. The third package Improvement of Management Tools deals with integrating the urban heritage policies with planning and management of urban spatial development as part of regional and local capacity building. WP3 also includes four pilot towns in different types of municipalities in the BSR. They represent different management problems, and will test innovative tools of management. Problems addressed Heritage management in urban environment has changed from conservation of individual buildings to processes of urban sustainable development. Beside historic structures the importance of the intangible local heritage values, such as pleasant living areas and identity of place, genius loci, have been identified. Market economy is increasingly steering the conditions for development of local communities. There is an extensive pressure of change in quickly developing urban centres. Less attractive areas suffer from loss of interests and decaying infrastructure. The planning process and decision-making concerning urban heritage are in the hands of individual municipalities with variable resources. Available planning instruments as for instance conservation plans from 1970ies and 1980ies are too week to steer the sustainable development of the individual towns. The overall problem is the question of integrating maintenance and conservation of urban heritage with development and change. All countries need advanced methods to identify measures of tolerance in the process of change in historic towns, improved processes to anchor neighbourhood qualities in the planning and management processes and heritage indicators to serve the planning processes. Possibilities and results The main challenges for the project are to integrate heritage values in decisionmaking processes, to create professional tools for a better management of historical urban areas, to promote cross-sector co-operation and research activities in practice in the pilot towns. This is carried out by close co-operation and synergy between national, regional and local authorities. The outcome of the project will be general guidelines for professionals on how to manage the preservation of urban 25

26 Pilot town Röros, Norway. Different stages of development, based on historic maps and photographs, presented by means of Photoshop. heritage in historic towns in processes of development. In addition there will be separate information for proper maintenance and cross sector urban management for the pilot towns in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Methods developed in pilot towns The project aims at developing professional tools for better management of urban historic areas. The methods are developed together with universities and research institutes and are tested in pilot towns in Finland (Forssa), Norway (Mosjöen and Röros) and Sweden (Ystad). Due to the priorities and national strategies of urban heritage protection of the States concerned the methods developed differ from one another. In the residential area of Kalliomäki in Forssa the target of the project are analyses of the conservation plan approved in 1980ies. Through the analyses of existing building permissions the information gathered reveal a gap between the targets of the conservation plan and that of the new constructions and the restoration work carried out in the area. The research is carried out under the supervision of the University of Technology in Tampere and the local architects in Forssa. In addition to this the University of Oulu has carried out a enquiry among local inhabitants focusing on emotional attitudes to the place. The result of the work will be guidelines and best practices for building maintenance and an amended conservation plan, which will meet the requirements of the preservation of the local urban environment. In Norway the researches have worked on a matrix to identify the heritage values and vulnerability of an urban environment. This method has been tested in Mosjöen and Röros. In Mosjöen the matrix has been used to identify the characteristics of the urban heritage in central areas of the city. The 26

27 material collected will serve the forthcoming Master Plan and it will be approved by the local community. In Röros the matrix has been tested by local architects for analysing the surrounding areas of the old town (World Heritage Site). The information will serve as a base for discussions on future land use of the area. Additionally local authorities and inhabitants have been trained in renovation processes for sustainable use of renewable building materials and good craftsmanship. Ystad, the pilot town in Sweden, focuses on developing a Building Code for the different parts of the historic core of the city. The work is carried out through inventories of the areas, identification of the historic layers and characteristics. The Code will be supplemented by a Land Use Plan. A questionnaire has been sent to the local inhabitants. The research work is carried out by the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology. The result of the work is to produce information that describes the conditions in Ystad and to offer a method for enquiries connected to a planning process. To increase the general level of public interest, local media has been invited on events and activities connected to the project. Expert seminar in Lithuania 2004 The expert seminar Sustainable Urban Heritage Management Local Community in Time of Change held in Vilnius, Lithuania, provided a Baltic Sea Region opportunity to address integrated urban heritage management topics. Researchers and urban heritage professionals representing both national heritage boards and municipalities discussed methods of different documentation and analyses, strategic approaches on urban heritage management and ways of cross-sector co-operation including local involvement. The seminar was attended by some 50 experts from all around the Baltic Sea Region. The interpretation to Lithuanian language was provided by the Ministry of Culture. 2 nd Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki 9 th 11 th June, 2005 The VI th Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Baltic Sea States in Saint-Petersburg, December 2003, highlighted the questions of town-planning and urban conservation. The theme of the Conference was Protected Areas of Historical Cities and Specific Factors of their Existence in Big Cities. The ministers noted that the preservation of the cultural heritage in historical cities is becoming a common task for the States of the Baltic The medieval Old Town of Tallinn was inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO in

28 Extract from the D.I.V.E analysis of Röros, visualising contexts in space and time as a basis for discussion on the significance and values of urban heritage. Sea Region. The Ministers stressed the necessity of common efforts of the institutions in charge of the preservation of monuments and municipal authorities in their countries to protect the big cities historical and cultural areas and considered worthwhile to continue the dialogue concerning the problems of town-planning and preservation of cultural heritage in historical cities and towns of the Baltic Sea States. They agreed that thus they would help to create conditions for sustainable development of historical cities, for the preservation and restoration of the monuments of architecture and townplanning and recommended to prepare proposals for the programme of international cooperation concerning the townplanning and preservation of cultural heritage in historical towns. The 2 nd Baltic Sea Region Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki enhanced the use and preservation of urban heritage as a central factor for social, economical and cultural development. The theme of the Forum was Urban Heritage Collective Privilege. The presentations focused on actual challenges of pressure of change and how to cultivate urban environment with diversified qualities and multiplied layers for good ways of life. The Forum formed a platform for professional and non-governmental-organisations consolidating cultural heritage co-operation in the region. Events on the market site promoted know-how of cultural heritage sector to the public. The responsible arrangers of the Forum were the National Board of Antiquities of Finland and the thematic working group Sustainable Historic Towns. The National Board of Antiquities is the Lead Partner of the project Sustainable Historic Towns Urban Heritage as an Asset of Development, and the Forum was focused to the thematic of the project. The other arrangers are the Monitoring group of the Cultural Heritage Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States and the thematic working group Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice. The Forum is financed also by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment of Finland. Several networks, such as DOCOMOMO and ICOMOS, and actors on cultural heritage were involved with the Forum exhibition and thematic meetings. 28

29 Black Archaeology Seminar organized by Germany The monitoring group has received a special mandate from the ministers of Culture during their meeting in St. Petersburg in 2003 to establish new fields of co-operation. One of many questions the group has evaluated through the past two years is the question of illicit trafficking of cultural goods, to which archaeological finds have to be counted especially. It is evident, that in every State around the Baltic Sea there is a problem concerning conservation of archaeological heritage in situ, as unlicensed activities of some individuals and groups have led to vast destruction. Some partners even reported, that there is existing a black market, through which archaeological heritage is battered. To find out, whether there is a need for cross-border discussions within the Baltic Sea States (both for those who agreed to the Schengen treaty and those who have not yet agreed to the Schengen treaty) the monitoring group decided to hold a work-shop on this task. The problem Black archaeology means the looting of archaeological sites, being an important part of the local, regional and national history. The problem has increased in a dramatic way since metal detectors have become a common instrument and can be bought easily and legally. The moon disc from Nebra (Germany) is an outstanding example for the looting of sites, and there are very many cases with not so prominent finds. Finds are sold to the (illegal) Art Market, which is regarded to be the third biggest market in the world after weapons and drugs. Museums still buy finds from the black or grey market. To explore the actual situation the German partners Archäologisches Landesamt Schleswig-Holstein and the Landesamt für Bodendenkmalpflege Mecklenburg- Vorpommern organized a two-day-seminar in Schleswig, funded by the ZEIT Ebelin and Gerd Burius Foundation. The meeting was attended by participants from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The State Secretary Dr. Körner from the government of Schleswig-Holstein opened the venue. Metal finds looted from archaeological sites (monuments) in northern Poland. The looters destroyed most of the monuments to get access to the metal objects, which they had traced using a metal detector. 29

30 Looted burial mound in Zarasai District, East Lithuania. Report on a Nordic Project on the results of an investigation on illicit export of cultural goods The Scandinavian states have already established a close co-operation. To collect information on the black market and the legislation, a questionnaire was sent out to museums, antiques dealers, libraries, churches and other institutions and persons. A system of export licenses and export control is established in the Scandinavian states; on the other hand, no import licenses are necessary. It is sometimes hard to control the licenses. A register of stolen goods is kept by Interpol, but it is not defined clearly, which goods are to be registered this way. The co-operation should be expanded on other countries. Status report from the Baltic Sea States Denmark: The danish system of many local museums, each of them supplied with at least two archaeologists, offers excellent possibilities for protection and control of monuments. Use of metal-detectors is possible in co-operation with the local museums. Permission from the land-owner is needed. All finds have to be reported to the state; valuable and scientific important finds are state property. A reward may be given to the finder. Illicit trafficking is recognized as an important problem. A close co-operation exists between the National Museum of Denmark and the customs. Control is quite easy, since international traffic is mostly bound to Kastrup airport. Customs may call experts directly from the national museum, if they find anything suspicious. Denmark is a transit country for objects from Iraq/Afghanistan, and some material has been confiscated. Once a person was detected travelling from the Near East via London and Copenhagen to Frankfurt, using an unusual route. He was carrying about 100 kg of coins and luristan bronzes. The material was first confiscated, but had to be returned to him later, since there was no evidence for an illegal export. The legal situation in Iraq/Afghanistan is unknown, and no contact could be established to heritage authorities. There are seminars for customs staff and soldiers (since Danish soldiers are part of the troops in Iraq), the soldiers are even taught rules for the protection of monuments in Iraq. Museums in Denmark have agreed not to buy objects of insecure origin (according to ICOM standards). There are some problems with material from World War II sites (airplanes, submarines). They are protected as they might contain human remains. A special problem are well preserved US-aircraft remains in Greenland. Although they are regarded as cultural heritage there has not been found a good solution yet. Estonia: 1994, a new heritage legislation was adopted; violations can be punished very strictly. Nevertheless, a substantial black archaeology scene exists (about 200 people); detector users are provided well with information on archaeological sites. The information is distributed by the internet registers are open to the public. Archaeological sites are in addition, marked in the landscape. A special problem is the looting of war graves for name labels, which is quite common. Archaeological finds are generally state property. On the other hand, it may be hard to prove that they have been dug up after There is almost no export control, although export is forbidden. Finland: Punishment of illegal excavators and looters is difficult, since it is hard to find sufficient evidence. Archaeological sites, even shipwrecks, are controlled regularly. Sites from World War II are not protected as archaeological heritage. There is no real knowledge of them. People with- 30

31 metal-detectors are searching for them, and also the War museum is interested. Trade of metal detectors is free. They are also used by volunteers, but there is no intense co-operation like in Denmark, since the state authorities can not offer enough personnel. In addition, the use of metal detectors is in public not recognized as a problem, even the sensibility of some archaeologists is underdeveloped. No private collections exist, not even as a tradition. Field-walking is possible without limitations. Finds are to be reported to the authorities, though. According to Finnish heritage legislation, reward is only paid for finds from new places. To obtain the reward, detector users often create new archaeological sites. Archaeological finds are state property. Grants will only be given to the finder. In order to protect monuments and sites, forest authorities are supplied with geographical data, so forest machines will recognize, if they approach an archaeological site. In order to raise public awareness, information leaflets are provided and spread to public institutions. Germany/Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The use of metal detectors is a serious problem. Concerning the fate of the detector-finds, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is an export country. Looters are mainly looking for medieval metal objects, especially coins. The scene is well organized and communicates through the internet. Finds are sold via ebay; a large number of auctions takes place. Permission systems are quite strict, the use of metal detectors is at the moment only possible in co-operation with the state heritage authority. Nevertheless, metal detectors may be sold without any restrictions. Every find needs to be reported, objects of high scientific value belong to the state. Control is provided by state volunteers; there are about 300 volunteers everywhere in the state, who are responsible for the protection of monuments. The risk of being reported because of illegal activities is quite high. Many investigations and confiscations are carried out by the police, since the criminal code is violated. Objects from World War II are quite attractive to illegal excavators. Even war graves have been looted. There are obvious connections to the far right political scene. Coast guard, police and state attorneys are educated concerning the legal situation. Public awareness is also organized through publications, public lectures and marking of the monuments in the landscape. A lot of information about the scene can be gained from the internet, e.g. about planned meetings and activities. Latvia: The situation is quite similar to that in Estonia. Relics of World War II are not protected, except few technical monuments. There are some striking examples of stupid archaeology, like when a fortification was attacked with a bulldozer to excavate precious metal objects, which were expected to be buried in the soil. Lithuania: A new heritage legislation was adopted in The permission procedures are quite strict, for example, no one will be allowed to carry out an excavation, until he has delivered reports on all earlier excavations. Finds are state property, which may not be exported without permission. Lithuania is a transit country for finds from Russia. Some collections have been confiscated. Finds from Lithuania confiscated in Denmark could be returned by the help of the Lithuanian embassy in Denmark. Finds coming from Russia were confiscated by Lithuanian customs. Lithuania has tried to deliver the finds back, but with no success. Looting of grave mounds in Lithuania is well organized. Metal objects have been Near Sassnitz, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern,Germany, a bronze age grave mound was looted for a large metal object, which must have been traced by means of a professional metal detector. Only some stones, which once formed the basis for an oak coffin, remained at the site. 31

32 Gold coin from destroyed Roman period hoard from northern Poland found by hoard-hunters and sold by Internet. Bronze finds from the roman period (3 rd and 4 th century AD), which could be returned to the Kaliningrad (Königsberg) Museum after having been identified as part of the famous Prussiacollection. detected and excavated in a very large scale. This was stopped through a tight co-operation with police authorities, which have been informed and educated. Nevertheless it is hard to implement a severe punishment. Since 1985, the number of lootings has decreased also due to a close co-operation with investigation authorities against illegal trade of cultural goods. A specialized police department has been established to improve the heritage protection. Remains from World War II are regarded as part of the cultural heritage, but not as archaeological sites. Poland and East Prussia: During the communistic period there has been no problem with black archaeology at all. Since 1993/94, metal detectors enter Poland. Main objects of looting are battle fields starting off from the Swedish wars. Approximately people own a metal detector. In the east almost every farmer has a detector. Treasure hunters are well organized; excavations are carried out very fast and destructive ( speed digging ). World War I and World War II finds are detected in places like Wolfsschanze (East Prussia) and other military places like war graves. There is a specialized literature about these places and finds; name labels are offered in large numbers. Since 1996 a new legislation on accidental finds/discoveries is in form. For field walking with a detector, an agreement with the landowner is required. On the market for precious finds, especially coins are in the focus. For example, a gold find was sold at an auction in Frankfurt/Main for about EUR It has normally not been possible to get these finds back to Poland. In Poland, material coming from Bulgaria and Romania is sold on flea markets and in antique shops. Kaliningrad: Cemeteries and tumuli are subject to illegal excavations, some of them are quite professionally excavated and looted. Parts of the Prussia-collection have been retrieved by looters in the ruins of the building, in which it had been kept in the pre-war period. Some material appeared on the black market in Moscow. Later, the relics of the Prussia-collection have been regularly excavated. They are the basis of the new Kaliningrad museum. Regional officers are responsible for the protection of monuments, but it is almost impossible to control the large areas inhabited by only few people. Russia: Black archaeology is a well organized business. The official archaeology in contrast appears to be slow acting, bad organized and unable to offer an effective control. The positive image of metal detector users is promoted by TV private archaeology appears as a substitute for badly financed official archaeology. These TV-programmes have been reduced, now more programmes on proper archaeological work is broadcasted including programmes on the damage on the sites. Illegal activities on archaeological sites and monuments have been dealt with in the Duma. Legislation is well adjusted, but can hardly be implemented, since it is hard to find sufficient evidence. Black archaeology has been discussed as a serious problem since the end of the 1990s. In co-operation between police and politics changes of legislation have been proposed. Metal detectors can be confiscated, the destruction of archaeological structures is subject to criminal legislation. Nevertheless, there are more than 300 internet homepages on illegal activities. It should therefore be considered to restrict the trade of metal detectors. In addition, it is necessary to find regulations to avoid circulation of goods inside the country. In general, it is necessary to change public opinion, so illegal activities are no longer considered to be a romantic adventure. 32

33 Industrial Heritage Report by Norway and Sweden In report no 3 from the Monitoring group there is in chapter 8 Proposals for the future a statement about Existing and upcoming working groups and networks : The main idea of the Monitoring Group is that those working groups who are topical enough to survive and establish networks should be a part of the structure that the monitoring group should be mandated to foster and enhance. It is also the belief of the Monitoring Group that the scope should be open to those networks which wanted to use the Forum idea as part of their own framework. In regard to this statement on future workgroups there follows an orientation on the central aspects and cooperative tasks associated with the managing of industrial heritage. Work with industrial historic monuments has enjoyed a good network as a result of the Nordic industrial heritage courses at the Royal School of Technology in Stockholm and the 3-year joint project Nordic-Baltic Industrial Heritage Platform. These projects are now terminated and the individuals and institutions involved in industrial heritage feel a need for a more permanent organisational structure to maintain and further develop the Nordic-Baltic networks. Furthermore, it would be beneficial with an apparatus for the organisation and cooperation of work related questions. To start with, there are several actual themes both theoretical and practical: Documentation of Industrial Heritage (course activities) De-industrialisation Reuse and regeneration of industrial buildings Working life museums Regardless of theme, form and extent on which a Nordic-Baltic base chooses to continue working with, it will be natural to plan a conference for the professional discussion, choice and organisation of future joint projects. Documentation of Industrial Heritage Our professional engagement and activity associated with cultural history and the protection of historic monuments should be based on documentary knowledge of the objects. Large sections of our cultural heritage are disappearing due to the rapid reorganisation occurring in industry. It is only possible to preserve a small part of today s industrial plants, complete with their production equipment and existing functions. Even more important then is the task of documentation as a fundament for research, dissemination of data and management so that knowledge of important production plants will, at the least, be secured through archival preservation. In order to carry out this kind of work it is imperative that there exist qualifying courses. The documentation of buildings and factories can be considered an archival form of conservation, and, can be of varying extent, including different techniques and methods. The traditional forms of historic building documentation demand high standards for detail and exactness a standard that will enable an eventual reconstruction. Such a quantity and precision of building technical detail needed for the reconstruction of a site would be too demanding in regards to any large production plant. As a rule it would also be more interesting and relevant with a more detailed account of the production techniques and social aspects associated with these types of buildings and sites. In both historic research and conservation work regarding technical and industrial monuments, there is a need for documentation forms that can be carried out within reasonable limits with regards to economy, time and personnel. Too many industrial plants have been demolished without being documented because the cost was considered too high. In such cases there is a loss of cultural and historic data that could have been of interest for future research or museum activities through learning. 33

34 Liepsna Match Factory, Kaunas, Lithuania. Cutting of logs (billets) into veneer which then are cut to splints. Strasburg, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. The Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway, as the body responsible for the preservation of historic monuments, is interested in adequate, timesaving and cost effective methods and procedures of documentation as a basis for evaluations and decisions. Museums have more general goals for carrying out documentation; as ground material for research and activities within their own fields. In such cases there is a need for a training course for those who will undertake this type of documentation. It is therefore that Norway s Directorate for Cultural Heritage, together with partners in Denmark and Lithuania, organised a pilot course in industrial monument documentation in Kaunas, Lithuania, as part of the Nordic-Baltic joint project Industrial Heritage Platform. In the spring of 2001 a week s field course was held at the Liepsna matchstick factory, with delegates from Denmark, Norway, Finland and Lithuania. The experience was so positive that similar courses should be arranged with participants from all of the Nordic-Baltic countries. Based on the experience from this course, the organisation of the teaching has been further developed in order to take advantage of the possibilities of modern communication technology and its pedagogical potential for a course based on communication and group cooperation over the Internet combined with a field course. De-industrialisation The process of de-industrialization came to the fore of public opinion in the 1970 s. Triggered by various factors, such as Japanese competition, oil crises and destabilized currency regimes, old and mature industries of the Western world suffered stagnation and decline. In an effort to reincarnate the industrial pattern of steady growth of the after war years, abrupt organizational and technological change seemed to be the call of the day. What have been the characteristics of this process? Obvious physical traits are that plants and developed infrastructures have ceased to function. They were either closed down or moved lock, stock and barrel to low-cost regions outside Europe and the United States of America. This development has been severe for a host of both urban and rural communities. Boosted by the spread of the personal automobile and other modes of mass transportation, it has served to further weaken the association between the spheres of residency and occupation. An obvious social result has been the decimation of the traditional industrial working class in Western society. At the very least it has served to alter profoundly what this working class actually does for a living. This process has perhaps been that most visible to the public as legions of workers have faced more or less temporary unemployment dubbed structural unemployment. Loss of occupational security has been a major strain for individuals and communities alike, although al- 34

35 leviated to various degrees by differing ratios of welfare programmes. The social and psychological effects of industrial closures have been the subject of countless novels and films over the last thirty years. Controversial director Michael Moore s debut documentary Roger and me (1989) passionately portrays the social issues involved in the decline of the automobileproducing city of Flint, Michigan. The process of de-industrialization offers a variety of paradoxes. Perhaps the most striking for many industries is the fact that even in the presumably abandoned regions and countries, production has increased rather than decreased. Fewer hands produce more, aided by automation and more energy-intensive modes of production. Production has also moved out from the archetypal factory, to an increasing emphasis on networks of production. This implies transregional and -national component parts and assembly lines. To a large extent transnational and global corporations control these lines. These corporations exert more power over particular lines of production and consumption than any national government may hope to achieve. The increased emphasis on both process and product innovation has shifted economists' attention from Keynesian to Schumpeterian modes of economic growth. To some, even the concept of de-industrialization is an anathema. These economists emphasise processes of re-structuring. In other words, mature industries still depend on the characteristics of labour, capital and energy as they have done in the last hundred or so years. But it is indifferent whether a particular textile mill operates in Lancashire or Thailand; the location is only a question of cost. This does not, however, eradicate the boundaries between advanced and less advanced industrial societies. Industry and consumption in advanced industrial communities has moved on to the stage of knowledge economics, where the growth of computerrelated business and Internet is of particular interest. Another paradox is offered by the state of industrial pollution. A positive side effect of de-industrialisation in the Western world has been the reduction of single point industrial polluters. This has however been accompanied by increased pollution from private consumption and the service sectors. Some would also claim that much of the industrial pollution problems have been shifted to the regions where much of the basic industrial operations have been moved to. De-industrialisation has also provided a new category of cultural heritage; that of the disused industrial buildings and structures. The phenomenon of industrial archaeology dates back to 1950 s Britain, where attention was particularly paid to, already ancient, mills and other such buildings. Both the nature and scale of many of the more complex industrial structures of the 20 th century are a profound challenge to all cultural heritage bodies. Re-use and regeneration of industrial buildings Closely related to the phenomena of deindustrialisation, is the reuse and regeneration of industrial buildings. When industrial structures change, the industrial buildings are more sustainable than their organisations (the companies). When companies close down or move to other loca- Karnin, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. 35

36 Neu Kaliß, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. tions, the buildings are often abandoned to their destiny. They can thus be seen as both a resource and as a possibility for new activities; as well as testimonies of the industrial era. Recent decades have seen many successful examples of the reuse and regeneration of industrial buildings. This should be an important and urgent task for the cultural heritage public sector in the Nordic-Baltic countries as the de-industrialisation and change in industrial structures increases. Working life museums Volunteers, in what in Sweden has been established under the term working life museums, carry out a lot of preservation work concerning the industrial heritage. Today there are at least 1000 of these small museums, preserving and interpreting working life during the industrial era. Most of them have been established on the initiative of local people, and are often situated in the original working site a factory, a workshop, a mine etc. Also steamboats, sailing ships and museum railways etc. are considered to be working life museums. Their common denominator is preserving the industrial working life heritage, running as non-profit associations and being, more or less, open to the public. For the last five years, The Swedish National Heritage Board has the increased its efforts for supporting these small museums in different ways: A survey, with questionnaire and interviews, has been carried out in order to get a better knowledge of the working life museums situation, concerning finance, volunteers, visitors, maintenance problems etc. Guidelines, help to maintenance and development through books, courses and seminars Marketing support, i.e. through guidebooks Subsidies for special development work carried out at the museums Closer co-operation between the governmental authorities, individual museums, and the central association for the working life museums, the steamboat association and the association for museum railways. 36

37 The Archival Dimension Report by Norway The archival trace The report from Baltic Sea Identity. Common Sea Common Culture? from the 1 st Cultural Heritage Forum in Gdansk in April 2003 presents examples of cultural and commercial contacts between the peoples in the Baltic Sea region. People have met, traded and established brief or lasting connections, and these connections have created records. Whether those people were merchants trading goods, craftsmen on their journeymen travels, or refugees seeking a safe place to live, their actions were recorded in account books, guild protocols or immigrant registers. The records were created and kept for immediate administrative and business evidential purposes, but even after they no longer were of administrative use, some records were preserved and transferred to archival institutions. This makes it possible for us to visit the past, listen to voices of our ancestors, share their hopes and despairs and even sometimes experience empathy across time and space. The traces of human contacts between our nations over the centuries therefore constitute a common archival heritage in the region. The common archival heritage in the Baltic Sea region is rich, but rather unexploited. Archivists and researchers in each country may have extensive knowledge of their own archives, but there has been little dissemination of this material across the region. There may be several reasons for this: Language barriers, the political situation in the Cold War era, limited financial resources in the institutions; but considering what has been achieved in the Baltic Sea Heritage project in a rather short time, I believe that lack of coordinated initiative also is one important reason. Archival organisation The archival landscapes in Baltic Sea countries are not similar. In all the countries there are national (or state) archives with the task to collect and keep archives from the public sectors. In most of the countries central national (or state) archives and regional state archives are organised in a state archives system. In the Nordic Countries and Germany, however, the local and regional (municipal) government sector is not transferring their records to the state archives, but keep them in municipal or regional archives. There are no legal regulations on the preservation of private or non-public archives in any of these countries. Private archives are collected by the archival institutions, and by libraries and museums as well. Nordic archival co-operation Archival cooperation in the Nordic Countries has a long tradition on the national level. The National Archivists in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark have regular meetings, and the Nordic Archive Days are held every third year the 20 th in Reykjavik last summer. These congresses are organised by and mainly for the National and State archives in the Nordic countries. The participation from municipal and regional archives has been rather limited. At some of these congresses there have been guests from other countries in the Baltic region, but on a rather small scale. The themes of these congresses have mostly focused on core professional issues such as appraisal and destruction, arrangement and description of archives, co-operation between national and state archives and the state administration, as well as archival legislature. During the last decade issues concerning preservation of electronic records and digitisation have been important. There also has been bi-lateral archival co-operation between countries in the region, but it is difficult to establish a substantial overview of this. The Nordic National and State Archives also have had some programmes for personnel exchange. On the municipal and regional level there has been co-operation on a rather small scale. In the early 1990s there was organised a series of bi-annual Nordic seminars on private archives, but this came to an end for rather obscure reasons in Apart from this, I do not know of any other multi-lateral co-operation except an Vestfold County Archives, Norway. Oslo town archive, Norway. 37

38 Vestfold County Archives, archivist Marit Slyngstad, Norway. archival workshop for city archives from hanseatic towns in Visby in A successful co-operation project, involving archives on the local, regional and state, has been the Nordic Archives Day. This has been an annual event since it began in local and regional archives in Sweden in 1998 and then spread to Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland in the following years. The Archives Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in November, when the archives hold open house with exhibitions, lectures, tours in the repositories and other events. The participating archives cross the boundaries between national archives, city archives, local archives and special archives. The Archives Day thus helps to strengthen cooperation between various types of archives both nationally and within the Nordic countries. The events in the various countries help to focus attention on the archives as a cultural and democratic resource within the public domain. Archives Day has attracted new, curious visitors visitors who do not belong to the traditional segment of archive users. Representatives from each country have met to decide common themes for the events in 2001 ( love of ), 2003 (body and health) and 2004 (communications), and there is set up a common website with information about the events and links to the national websites and several virtual exhibitions ( Possible co-operation areas International archival co-operation has mostly been concentrated on professional issues; the last decades focusing on creating standards and guidelines for archival description and electronic record keeping and preservation. This work is organised by the International Council of Archives (ICA) and its sub-sections. All the countries of the Baltic Sea region take part in the ICA on some level, and I believe that there is little need to initiate regional projects on such professional issues. New archival co-operation in the region therefore should concentrate on more practical issues, on creating networks and projects to harvest the common archival heritage. We need to identify and make accessible the individual documents, and develop tools and methods to disseminate them across national and linguistic borders. Considering the success of the Nordic Archives Day, I believe that a few key factors have been substantial: the simultaneousness of the events, the common themes, as well as the archives wish to attract new user groups through new methods of dissemination. I believe that a common archival project in the Baltic Sea region therefore should build on these experiences. If possible, such co-operation should concentrate on exploring common themes, aiming at dissemination towards a broader public. Maybe an Archives Day-like project with a theme on Baltic connections could be a useful starting point. When started, a common project may build networks that could develop and expand and initiative new areas of co-operation. Of course, such projects could be organised on different levels. One option is to initiate co-operation between the national and central state archives; another to invite one or two institutions on the regional or local level in each country. I believe that the crucial factor for success will be the institutions motivation to take part in such co-operation, and of course the resources that may be made available for projects. 38

39 Baltic-Nordic Library Co-operation Report by Norway Development and co-operation are two main strategies of The Norwegian Archive, Library and Museum Authority (ABMutvikling). In that perspective we consider both the work processes and the results achieved within the framework of Cultural Co-operation in the Baltic Sea States as important. International collaboration is a keyword in developing libraries, archives and museums and I am grateful that all three sectors are explicitly mentioned in the Saint-Petersburg Declaration. This is an important signal in order to acknowledge their role in society. The statement in this declaration is restricted to the development of historical cities. However, in my presentation I have taken the liberty to take a broader perspective. Based on the statement that libraries are important sources of information, learning and education, and here I would like to add culture, I will give you a very brief overview of co-operation initiatives between the library sector in the Baltic Sea States and Norway, and I will emphasize issues, which are not only important to the library sector in these countries but also to the development of the library sector in general. When speaking about the Baltic Sea States I would like clarify that in my presentation this term is mainly restricted to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. This is due to the fact that these are the countries that Norway has had most co-operation with. Background Norwegian-Baltic library co-operation can be divided into to phases. The first one dates back to the nineteen-seventies. In this period Norway entered cultural agreements with several Eastern European countries. Both public and academic libraries were included. An integrated part of these agreements was an exchange programme for librarians. In the nineteeneighties there was barely any co-operation, at least between public libraries. The latter phase started in 1991 when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania directed their interest towards the Nordic countries. Both the Baltic States and the Nordic countries are small countries with small populations and therefore our languages are minor in an international perspective. This has served as a common identity factor throughout the period and is still relevant in an increasingly globalized society. As a main agent in ensuring people access to literature and information, libraries can be considered advocates for a multi-lingual society. On the one hand, ensuring production of and access to literature in a country's own language is a premise to preserve and develop a culture and, just as importantly, to develop and maintain a democracy. On the other hand, access to literature from and about other countries and cultures is necessary to enhance our understanding of those regions. Collaboration at a regional and local level After the liberation in 1991 there was a mutual interest in re-establishing contact and activities and initiatives were taken on several levels. Several counties in Norway established official relations with regions in the Baltic countries with Vestfold as leading star. As early as , Vestfold County entered a twin ship agreement with Kaunas in Lithuania. As Marija Minkeviciene (Kaunas Municipal Vincas Kudirka public library) expressed: It is symbolic that this document was handwritten Lithuanian at that time was in a very difficult situation. When describing the initial contacts, one has to admit that they were characterized more by traditional development aid from one region to another, than actual co-operation. Vestfold county library s policy has been to organize at least one event each year; lectures, study tours, internships and a travelling exhibition. The partnership between Kaunas and Vestfold affirms the need for formalized and officially based agreements in order to succeed. Nordic influence The Nordic public library directors have for decades met annually to discuss common issues and challenges. In 1992 they 39

40 Mobile library in Kvinherad in the western parts of Norway. 40

41 discussed how they could establish contact with the Baltic countries. The following years their Baltic colleagues and professionals were in various ways introduced to a modern and well working library system by participating at meetings, conferences, study tours and Management training programs in the Nordic countries. In order to establish and develop a library system based on high-qualified personnel and collections and services meeting the users requirements, there is a need for national policies, measures and funding. When one looks back at the development in the first part of the nineteen-nineties, the effort by the library communities in the Baltic countries quite rapidly resulted in adoptions of library laws; Estonia (1992), Lithuania (1995) and Latvia (1998). This must be considered an important step towards a modern library system and an acknowledgement of the importance of libraries in a society. Common issues and challenges During recent decades libraries have undergone a process of change. The possibilities offered by the new digital reality are revolutionary. As archives and museums, libraries are in a continuous process of redefining their role in society. People working within the library sector know that libraries are essential contributors when it comes to learning, culture and democracy. However, there is a need to speak out and tell the potential users and partners what libraries can offer. Due to the fact that libraries are at a crossroads between education and culture, there is a wide range of organizations and institutions they can join alliances with. Co-operation must be both the present and future strategy for development. With reference to the new digital reality, I would like to refer to the Saint-Petersburg Declaration, which stressed the importance of creating and reinforcing the cultural infrastructure, in particular the informational infrastructure as a necessity for integration and intercultural communication". National policies The library laws in the Baltic countries may be viewed as a protective mechanism in retaining the library networks and a guarantee for a minimum level of library services. Currently, it is only Lithuania, which has a separate, consultative body at the national level. However, all countries have national strategies and plans for how to improve the library services and special attention is given to which role the library can play in developing the information society. A development, which needs to be based on a transformation to more service and user-oriented institutions. From our perspective, it is interesting to note that the Estonian Ministry has discussed the possibility of establishing a national co-ordinating body for archives, libraries and museums. We may say that the library sectors in the three countries are undergoing a very positive transformation process. A process, which is a result of awareness, hard work, many contributors and contact with partners abroad. In connection with ABM-utvikling s contribution to develop a national library policy we are gathering information from initiatives and projects elsewhere and it may be relevant to look to the Baltic region. One way of demonstrating importance in our modern society, as it also has been in previous times, is by constructing new imposing buildings. We need some impressive libraries, museums and archives, which can act as symbols and models on the one hand and on the other hand, provide the users with high-quality collections and services. In Norway we are looking forward to the re-opening of the National library in August Hopefully, Latvia which has been planning a National library for many years, soon can await the politicians final decision in order to start the building process of their Castle of Light. Education and research A pre-requisite for developing a modern library sector is research-based education. High-quality services depend on competent employees. Priority needs to be given to institutions offering education in library and information sciences (LIS). The courses offered by these schools need to meet the requirements of a knowledgebased society. As a measure to improve 41

42 Tønsberg and Nøtterøy library, Norway. the quality of the education, Nordic and Baltic institutions have initiated several joint projects e.g. Training for trainers ( ), on mobility for teachers and the ongoing Nordic Research School in Library and Information Science. The latter s objective is to increase the quality and efficiency of doctoral education and research by collecting the scattered scientific expertise. Another important initiative is Bobcatss, an annual symposium organized by LIS students from European universities and colleges dating back to Several universities in the Baltic Sea State region have joined the network. It is unique that groups of students plan and carry out both the content and the management of these symposiums as a part of their studies. When they graduate, these students already have a strong professional network and a cultural understanding. Research infrastructure Archives, museums and not least libraries, serve as a very important part of the research infrastructure. Libraries are part of national and international networks in order to provide efficient access to written and electronic information. A solid interlibrary lending system, covering both public and academic libraries, is one of the pillars in a modern library structure and the Baltic countries are all part of this system. Within the academic library sector, there is a long tradition for journal exchange. A vital partnership, worth mentioning, is the co-operation between Baltic and Nordic Medical and Health libraries. The pillars of co-operation are a free photocopy service and various means of developing the Baltic librarian s competencies. Licensed material Today, more and more scientific journals and other documents are only published electronically. The users require easier access to electronic documents, and here the libraries play a key role. In order to buy access to electronic material, licensing agreements are needed. In the Nordic countries national institutions negotiate on behalf of a wide range of libraries and they meet regularly in order to discuss principle issues and assist each other. 42

43 At the last meeting in 2004, the Estonian coordinator participated due to close contact with Finland. As small countries with minority languages we need to join our resources in order to guarantee future publishing in our languages. Furthermore, the overall issue is who is to decide who entitled access to licensed material is. Participation in European fora Participation in European projects has been crucial for Baltic libraries in order to bring in new ideas, build networks and not least enable them to influence policy makers. For the public libraries, PULMAN (Public Libraries Mobilising Advanced Networks) has been very important. The project focused on the importance of partnerships with museum and archives in giving the users access to information and cultural heritage. National workshops were organized in the Baltic countries bringing together representatives from all three sectors. The ongoing project, CALIMERA (Cultural Applications: Local Institutions Mediating Electronic Resource Access), which assists local libraries, museums and archives to apply and develop innovative technologies and strategies for serving their users, build on experiences and results achieved within PULMAN. In January 2005 CALIMERA and NAPLE (National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe) organized the conference A New Kind of Access which gathered national representatives from 29 European countries, including all the Baltic Sea States except Russia. The library sector is small, both at a national and European level. As with our Baltic colleagues we therefore find it important to follow and discuss international strategies influencing the direction of our own national policies within the framework of LIBER (The Ligue des Bibliothèques Européennes de Recherche), the principal association of the major research libraries of Europe and NAPLE. These two organizations are important agents in promoting principles and strategies for library policies in a society where libraries, as well as archives and museums fight for resources and awareness in competition with commercial actors. Each year a number of regional and national conferences on library issues are Tønsberg and Nøtterøy library, Norway. 43

44 Tønsberg and Nøtterøy library, Norway. organized. In May 2005 Riga is the venue for the IV th Nordic-Baltic Library Meeting entitled Research and Innovation: Nordic-Baltic Strategies for Library Development. This is an important opportunity for discussing common issues as education, the digital challenge and co-operation on innovation and research. Exchange programme Several librarians from public and research libraries in the Baltic countries have had the chance to get internships in Nordic libraries. New ideas and knowledge about different systems and ways of organizing services are often the outcome, besides the personal contacts. Based on discussions with representatives from the archive, library and museum sectors we have noted a strong interest in setting up an exchange programme for all three sectors. ABM-utvikling has an ongoing cooperation agreement with the State Authority on Museums in Latvia, which allows representatives from Latvian museums internships in Norwegian museums for shorter periods. As for the librarians their experiences are all positive. Such an exchange programme is an effective way to learn and improve the quality of the work in the participating organizations and countries. Small cultures and languages what unites us? Literature The Nordic Library Week, initiated by the Nordic Council of Ministers can be considered a symbol of a joint interest in Nordic literature. One week each autumn, libraries, schools and other cultural institutions in all Nordic and Baltic countries present Nordic literature in various ways. A theme is selected for each year. This high number of participating Baltic libraries reflects a strong interest in Nordic literature, language and culture. Norway has more than 30 years experience with a purchase programme for literature ensuring distribution of contemporary Norwegian literature to the public libraries. In order to fulfil the needs of Norwegian literature in the Baltic countries, the Norwegian Council of Cultural Affairs entered an exchange agreement with Tartu University Library, the Natio- 44

45 nal Library of Latvia and the National Library of Lithuania in Literature by Baltic authors has been sent to the Multicultural library at Oslo Public Library, which serves users throughout Norway. This literature has been very important for both students and people from the Baltic region living in Norway. This exchange agreement is a basis for a mutually rewarding co-operation. In general, it seems that the interest in Norwegian literature and culture has been stronger than our interest in Baltic literature. One factor, which may explain this, is that very few books in these languages have been translated into Norwegian. This is partly due to lack of translators. However, we are pleased to learn that two Norwegian county libraries, Oppland and Troms, are planning projects together with Valmiera and Ventepils Public library in Latvia. A common denominator for the two projects is a strong focus on literature, and they raise issues such as the link between language and identity. In a long-term perspective, these and other initiatives may have an impact on publishers policies and hopefully result in more Baltic literature translated into Norwegian. Mediation as a combination of web-based content and physical objects and environments An underlying principle for most of the work carried out within the educational and cultural sector is to improve the services towards the users. Information and communication technology, Internet and digitization have an enormous impact on society in promoting social equality of knowledge. The process also makes it easier to define knowledge and culture as common values and improve our ability to share these values. The new technology gives us many possibilities in presenting culture in various ways by combining different media, creating multicultural access etc. Within this field I see many opportunities in cross-sectorial and trans-national projects. However, the Internet cannot replace buildings, monuments, cultural landscapes, music, books etc. It would be interesting to see more projects emerge, which combine these different expressions. Such projects can raise interesting issues on for example common identity and history. There is a growing trend that the public has a strong interest in local history; a term, which is not easy to define in our globalized world where an increasing number of people have two or more homes. Maybe it is time to redefine the term? In May 2004, partners from the Baltic and Nordic countries were gathered at the workshop History across borders in order to discuss a joint project. In such projects, libraries are an asset due to their broad range of collections. Besides, librarians are experts in searching for information and they are trained for presenting information and literature to the users. In order to meet the requirements of the public, there is a strong need for user-involvement in projects on local history/cultural heritage. Conclusions By this brief overview of Nordic-Baltic collaboration within the library sector you hopefully have gained a small understanding of the plurality of content and services, which this sector can offer. As I have tried to point out, libraries, archives and museums face many of the same challenges. In our effort to achieve the overall objective, to make our sectors more visible in society and to continuously improve our services towards a wide range of target groups, cross-sectorial and trans-national co-operation are important strategies. In our effort to contribute to preservation and presentation of a rich Nordic-Baltic cultural heritage it is a great advantage that we can build on existing networks. If the Monitoring Group is interested in further discussions on some of the issues presented in this paper, ABM-utvikling is willing to discuss how we can contribute to any actions initiated by you. In our opinion, working together with professionals from other sectors and countries is one of the best ways to learn and improve the quality of our work. To round off this theme of co-operation I should like to quote from a poem about bridges by the Norwegian writer Lars Saabye Christensen. He claims, whatever we share with others becomes twice as great. 45

46 Oslo University Library for Social Sciences, Norway. Oslo University Library for Social Sciences, Norway. References: ABM-utvikling: CALIMERA (Cultural Applications: Local Institutions Mediating Electronic Resource Access): NAPLE (National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe): LIBER (The Ligue des Bibliothèques Européennes de Recherche): Scandinavian Public Library Quarterly (SPLQ): The Norwegian Library Association, section for Medicine and Health: 46

47 III. Suggested Programme for the Next Years The Monitoring Group Manor Houses in the Baltic Sea States Suggested by Germany (Mecklenburg- Vorpommern) and Poland Manor houses have been built to serve as centre for different means in the area. As a meeting point for the wider family they served as guest-house, where social, political and more-over economic decisions were taken. They also served as centre for science and art, education for the ambitious children of people living in the rural. They were built and re-built during many centuries, often designed by the most famous architects of their time; therefore they can be seen as a mirror of building tradition, innovation and movement. Most of those that have survived nowadays are part of the historic environment and recorded as scheduled monument. Throughout the centuries the owners of many houses have changed. In early postmedieval periods the owners belonged to the nobility, but since the industrial revolution in the 19 th century ownership has moved to wealthy families, not necessary belonging to the nobles. Due to major changes in political and social structures of the societies in the 19 th and 20 th century the ownership and the use of the buildings have undergone major changes. Many of the manor houses especially in the southern and eastern part of the Baltic Sea area have lost private owners Rossewitz, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. 47

48 Manor House in Kings Valley near the historic city centre of Gdansk, Poland. Hohen Luckow, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Paunküla manor in Estonia was converted into a nursing home. This meant that most of the original interior design has been lost, but has ensured the preservation of the building. Manor s large landscape park and front garden are in good order due to regular maintenance. and the public owners from the community up to the state level have entire problems to find proper funding and adequate use in order to maintain the heritage. To share the different experiences in times of changes it is planned to organize a seminar to exchange information on the state of the art. This seminar shall be the basis for a programme to raise awareness inside the area for this important part of the heritage in the rural area. The objective of the programme is to create a network of people and institutions involved in research and managing manor houses in respect of history and building tradition of the Baltic Sea Region. It is also intended to enhance transnational based action-research, common evaluations, exchange of knowledge and good practice. Special attention should be given to: the recognition of monuments situated near the sea coast, the oldest timber manors most threatened with the destruction, the architectural tradition of the 17 th and 18 th century baroque-mansions, the good examples of 19 th century manor houses architecture, the destructions of architectural structures and neglecting faced by some countries during after-war decades. The study and research enclose comparison of architectural forms, the layout of interiors, the architectural decorations and detail. The project proposal also includes attempt to the traditional manner of using of manor houses, the adaptation to contemporary needs, the good practice of integrated conservation of timber construction, elements of the interior decorations, plasters, stucco works, stoves, ceramics, tiles and wall paintings. The good recognition of manor house tradition and architecture issues will be provided by extension of the cooperation of the participants and by collaboration and joint investments into further restoration projects. The purpose could be approached by developing a network of partners, cooperation of the National Heritage Board Authorities, researchers on the university level, local administration staff and the many different owners of manor houses. 48

49 Parks and Gardens History and Management Suggested by Lithuania and Norway garden ponds, their purpose and construction and how to conserve them; another is changes in gardening style through history and how these changes manifested Lithuania. Parks and gardens are of significant historic value and therefore part of the cultural heritage, often forming characteristic features of cities and villages, many nowadays as public leisure grounds. They can also belong to castles and manor houses, where they play a major role in the historic environment, especially in the rural areas. Since the 1980s, when ICOMOS and IFLA s Florence Charter on historic parks and gardens was made, there has been an increasing interest in historic gardens both in the Western countries and in the rest of the world. Through numerous books and articles and a number of international seminars, conferences and university courses on garden history and conservation this part of our cultural history has become much better known. The main questions seem to be 1. what is the history of our gardens, 2. what is left of these gardens and 3. how can we take care of the surviving ones for the future? In the Baltic Sea States the political changes during the 20 th century have led to a different economic basis for many historic parks and gardens, especially in the rural areas. Due to misuse or insufficient management a number of parks and gardens have turned into woodland or have grown wild and are under nature conservation regulations. The restoration and proper management of this part of the cultural heritage requires interaction between the owners and others involved in the field. To be prepared for this task the exchange of knowledge and information between all parties involved is necessary. Consequently, a network of specialists around the Baltic Sea should be established. Within the large field of garden history and garden conservation there are still many areas where new knowledge and experience has been achieved, but not yet presented to a larger audience of specialists, owners and amateurs. One such topic is 49

50 The late 18 th century landscape park at Bogstad Manor outside Oslo, Norway. An attempt to find the remains of three ponds and a cascade through garden archaeology Bogstad Manor Museum Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. themselves in the gardens of the different social classes. A third area could be the introduction and use of garden plants during a specific period, a survey of the remaining historic plant material and how to collect and propagate plants to be used in the restoration of historic gardens. In addition, the discipline of garden archaeology has proved itself very useful in garden restoration projects, and specialists are now emerging also in the Nordic countries. Fundamental similarities between the European countries and their present interrelationship make parallel studies of the same topic in garden history in two or more countries possible, thereby strengthening the basis for international garden conservation principles. It is our intention during the next two years period to arrange a seminar for the purpose of presenting mutual information and finding areas for further co-operation within the field of historic parks and gardens, and eventually to build up a network of specialists around the Baltic Sea States. 50

51 Cultural Layers in Old Towns Suggested by Latvia and Germany (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) Inhabitants of capitals, cities and towns around the Baltic Sea can look back to a long history of their hometown, often reaching as far back as to the early medieval period. The location of these places were chosen due to excellent geographical conditions for living and trading, often connected to a rich agricultural hinterland. In early times the towns grew up layer by layer. In some places like in Sczezcin in Poland these layers could reach up to 12 metres hight, 2 4 metres are the usual size. The layers consist of midden and organic waste, and have turned into turflike soil. High water table and the lack of oxygen have conserved every organic remains. These cultural layers contain remains from the medieval period up to modern times. They function as archives for material culture that is not recorded in any written sources. To learn about life in those early periods can only be achieved through investigation of the cultural layers in old towns and cities. Nutrition and diseases, material culture made of organic material, remains of clothes and even complete building structures both of the rich and the poor people living in these towns and cities can be studied through a very careful scientific study. Greifswald, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. Wooden house with staircase of the 13 th Century. Cultural layers in Pasewalk, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. The town totally burnt down seven times in its history. 51

52 Stone parved cellars from the 15 th Century, excavated in Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Rostock, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. Late medieval house; layers of several phases. Remains of these old towns have been preserved and are under supervision of the local, regional and national heritage management agencies. Since the towns in old days were placed at strategically important places they have never lost attraction throughout the centuries. It is no wonder that economic pressure lies on these old cities and towncentres. If any new construction is planned it has become the habit to excavate the old layers in advance before destruction and there is a system of polluters payment, that has its legal background in art. 6 of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valetta 1992). Nevertheless there are intentions to avoid excavations through polling the foundation by using long concrete poles. Although the important historic layers are buried for a long period and in the first place the idea seems to be the best way to protect the subject for future generations, there are questions, that come up and that are not yet investigated: How do the poles effect the water-table? Is conservation guaranteed? If the water table is touched, what happens to the organic layers and the enclosed finds? Are there ways to keep the water-table stabile? How do the poles press the cultural layers? Is the stratigraphy touched? Does the building press the cultural layers and how does this pressure effect the layers and the finds enclosed? These questions shall be discussed, experience and examples carried together in a seminar on the management of cultural layers in old towns. 52

53 Industrial Heritage Suggested by Estonia, Norway and Sweden Industrial heritage is an important common theme in all the Baltic Sea States. In the past, this field has been dealt with by other forms of co-operation, but currently there is a need to include it under the umbrella of the Baltic Sea Heritage cooperation. In order to achieve more and detailed knowledge about this field of the built environment, that is part of the cultural heritage, the following programme is suggested. Documentation of industrial heritage Based on the experience from a field course held at the Liepsna matchstick factory, the organisation of the teaching has been further developed in order to take advantage of the possibilities of modern communication technology and its pedagogical potential for a course based on communication and group cooperation over the Internet combined with a field course. Industrial monument documentation an Internet based course combined with fieldwork The spread of Internet has created an enormous opportunity for the development of modern home study education. One great advantage with World Wide Web learning is the enormous array of effective and quick information available through search possibilities and hyper links in databases throughout the world. This media is also very time and cost effective in regard to the administration of teaching and communication between student and teacher, as well as between the students themselves. Through a communal net-based project or course address, it is no longer necessary to distribute material via or ordinary post with copies or discs. All material can be archived and organised; tailored for each particular course. This will reduce the amount of paperwork, and participants can work directly from the project address, regardless of time or place. Additionally, participants will experience net-based project cooperation in a real work situation. The course will Liepsna Match Factory, Kaunas, Lithuania. Production of match boxes. As part of the Baltic-Nordic joint project Industrial Heritage Platform Norway s Directorate for Culural Heritage, together with partners in Denmark and Lithuania, organised a pilot course in industrial monument documentation in Kaunas, Lithuania. In the spring of 2001 a week s field course was held at the Liepsna matchstick factory, with delegates from Denmark, Norway, Finland and Lithuania. The exerience was so positive that similar cources have later been arranged in Norway. 53

54 naturally be divided into three parts according to the different elements or modules in practice: Preparation introduction to the theme (Internet) Field work data collection on a chosen site/factory Follow up report (Internet) The course focuses on training in analytical approach, systematic observation and structured organisation of data. A major point in the investigation of industrial sites is the production line. Traditional documentation techniques such as photography, measured drawing and inventories are used. But, these are put into a system or method that is very flexible in relation to time, extent and available resources. This practical way of working makes it possible to carry out documentation of large dimension and in pressed situations (closing down of production, demolition) and thus contributing to the preservation of important cultural and historical material for future generations. An important conclusion to this work is showing the wider relationship between production machinery and work processes, between the production line and building structure, as well the social aspects and the macro-economic framework. Re-use and regeneration of industrial buildings The balance between the functional demands of the new activities, regardless of it being a museum, a company, cultural events or offices, and the preservation of the inherent industrial heritage values is an interesting field to develop. Another question is; which cultural values are regarded as interesting and worthy of preservation relating to the building history, the company or the working conditions? Experience shows that regeneration works best if it is based on broad principles of conservation, building stage by stage on surviving resources in terms of buildings, landscape and people. Success-ful regeneration is not doing everything in one grand-slam scheme, but in a continuous process over several years. A first step for the Nordic-Baltic network would be to discuss and identify important issues and methods regarding reuse and regeneration of industrial buildings. Further work could for instance consist of: Exchange of experience; description and analysis of good reuse and regeneration examples from different countries Taking initiative in development projects where the cultural heritage issue is important The compilation of guidelines, principles etc, based on experience Working life museums Working life museums are often run as independent associations with a combination of financial sources: volunteer work, official funding, entrance fees etc. We need to find a way where professionals and volunteers can work together, and where the professional role is supportive of the volunteer movement. Museums have often played an important role in the making of local identity and development, especially in small villages and industrial areas. They are also important in preserving much industrial heritage where official initiatives and governmental resources are inadequate. Furthermore, the working life museums give possibilities for ordinary people to have a closer relation to cultural heritage and enable them to participate in its preservation and interpretation. The industrial heritage can thus be a force for democracy and the democratic society. The first step for the Nordic-Baltic network would be to discuss and identify the field of working with working life museums for the participating countries. The experiences from Sweden could serve as a good starting point. One aim should be to start an exchange program where working life museums within the same branch of industry in the various countries get the opportunity to visit each other, exchange experiences and create networks. 54

55 Preservation of Contemporary Architecture and Design Suggested by Finland and Latvia There is a strong need for the co-operation in the field of the preservation of modernist architecture. The amount of the buildings and environments built after the second world war is huge in every country around the Baltic Sea. Now the modern architectural museums have a long tradition of co-operation within the fields of drawings collections, research and exhibitions. Their mutual organization ICAM- Nord published in 2002 with the support of the Nordic Council of Museums a publication called Nordic and Baltic Museums and Archives of Architecture presenting their collections and activities to a wider audience. Also two seminars with the same purpose were arranged in With the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers the Scandinavian DOCO- Bio REX is part of the so-called Glass Palace designed by architects Kokko Rewell Riihimäki (1936). The building was built as a temporary bazaartype commercial building and cinema in the very centre of Helsinki. It has long been under threat, but after a long debate about its protection the building was restored in 2000 and re-opened as a media and public centre. built environment is in front of the renovation work. At the same time there is in the international level an interesting discussion going on, whether to demolish or to preserve the individual architectural pieces or larger built environments from the 1960 s or 1970 s. ICCROM (The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property in Rome) together with Finnish and Swedish colleagues has already twice organised an international MARC-course (Conservation of modern architecture) in Finland. The third MARCcourse will be held in Finland, Denmark and Estonia in the beginning of summer There are also other organisations working with the contemporary architecture around the Baltic Sea. Scandinavian MOMO (International working party for documentation and conservation of buildings, sites and neighbourhoods of the modern movement) working groups and museums of architecture will create a network of institutions in the field. The first common session for the networking has been held during the 2 nd Baltic Sea Region Cultural Heritage Forum in Helsinki in June The Museum of Finnish Architecture is willing to undertake the secretarial and editorial work of the project. Both the ICCROM MARC-course and the DOCOMOMO networking together with the cooperation between the architectural museums might give a good basic and know-how about the possibilities to create a new working group of modern architecture around the Baltic Sea Region. 55

56 The Weiling & Göös printing house was built in in Tapiola, Finland. Architect Aarno Ruusuvuori was a master in the minimalist constructivism. Modern materials like conrete, steel and glass are very difficult materials to conserve. The W & G industrial building was restored in the beginning of 2000 for the museums and officies. 56

57 Managing the Ruins Suggested by Germany, Poland and Norway Better known from countries like Greece, Italy, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Jordan and Israel ruins from ancient periods have a fascination ever since to mankind. Ruined building structures from early medieval periods onwards can be found all around the Baltic Sea States. Romantic artists like the famous Casper David Friedrich have used ruins of medieval and later buildings as backgrounds or centre figures for their well known paintings. The management of such ruined sites and monuments raises many more questions than purely technical or financial. Since there is no primary use for such ruins, except for the experience of the ruin in its natural setting for the visitor, the overall question when it comes to conservation plans for the objects is how can the necessary finances be raised to ensure proper maintenance. One of the first steps to be done is a proper documentation, both of the ruin and the damages. In several States new methods have been developed. There seems to be a need on an agreed minimum standard, which could be achieved through exchange of knowledge on new developed methods and techniques. The ideas of the use of such ruins often conflicts with conservation strategies. Depending on the grade of destruction or erosion action has to be taken to keep the ruins as they are. Small signs of the eldest periods like mortar structures or bits and pieces of plaster-remains often are the last indicators from the very early handicrafts. Although not obvious and immediately visible for non-specialists these items remain historically important traces of the past. Negotiations on their maintenance are difficult, their importance often neglected and technically their conservation might even be more expensive than other ways. The ruins of medieval Vastseliina castle on the border of Estonia and Russia before conservation. This romantic view will have to change, although the policy of minimal intervention is applied during conservation works. For example, a wooden roof will cover the walltops. 57

58 The ruins of the Medieval Bishop Castle of Kuusisto, Finland. From Lyse Monastry outside Bergen, Norway. Cistercienser monastry founded 1146 and dissolved at the Reformation in The monitoring group intends to bring the actors in the field from the Baltic Sea States together to exchange experience on ongoing national projects. The topics could be: Management plan for the ruin what elements should it contain? How to conserve the ruin by using old techniques, training of craftsmen The tourist part - information to the visitors How to manage the visits from the public so the ruins won t suffer A register of comparable sites and monuments could be presented on the web with links to national web-sites and a reference library for new developments concerning documentation and restoration techniques and philosophies could be attached to it. Raseborg Castle Ruins, Finland. 58

59 Re-use of Fortifications Suggested by Poland Since pre- and protohistoric periods fortifications have been erected by people using an area. The purpose has always been protection against others who had interest into the same area. Warfare, technologies and building perceptions have changed over the ages. The more recent fortifications have been built, the stronger they were constructed and the more expensive the building became. Whenever a fortification has been re-used in older times it has seldom changed it s main purpose. Until the 19 th century many even old fortifications have been re-used as such. But during the 20 th century, especially in it s second half, the concept of fortification has changed rapidly. The Baltic Sea Area is said to be the most peaceful area in the world. After the end of the cold war and the fall of the iron curtain there is less and less need for strongholds at their usual purpose. Now what to do with all these fortifications? There is no doubt that many, but probably not all of the fortifications have such characteristic elements as part of the built environment, that they have to be regarded as part of the built heritage. Discussions around among specialists have shown, that there is a pressure on some of these buildings. Since they have lost their purpose it becomes more and more a question, how or even why the owner should maintain the subject. Six examples from Poland describe the problem: Wisloujscie Fortress The defence buildings of the Wisloujscie Fortress were erected on the right bank of the Vistula River. The oldest object in the group is the brick gothic-style defence turret, built in This tower also served as a lighthouse until In 1563 the tower/lighthouse was surrounded by the so-called Curb-plate. The consecutive stages of the Wisloujscie Fortress expansion in the second half of the 16 th and 17 th centuries comprised the erection of a fourbastion brick fort with casemates (Fort Carré from 1584 to 1602), which was strengthened with a Dutch-type fivebastion earth entrenchment, and known as the Eastern Entrenchment. On the other side of the Vistula River, opposite Fort Carré, was built the Western Entrenchment (1654). In this way, by 1673, the Wisloujscie Fortress acquired its most complete form. In 1955 the Fortress was excluded from the administration of the Port, to be included in the register of historical monuments in At the same time, Monument Conservation Agencies began protection, cataloguing and design works in order to reconstruct the object. In 1974 Gdansk authorities handed over Fort Carré to the Historical Museum of Gdansk. In 1992 the Wisloujscie Fortress Branch and the Museum joined the international Baltic Association of Castles and Museums. With systematic renovation works, a thorough program of complex archaeological, archive, historical, architectural and conservation research was developed. This program is currently being realized. Westerplatte In 1924, by virtue of the decision of the League of Nations Council, the area of Westerplatte was allocated to Poland to serve as a military materials depot. Poland could hold sentry service on the peninsula. At that time, there were Prussian defences built between 1800 and In 1933 and 1934, Polish authorities built four watchtowers, which had shelters in the basement parts. In the centre of the defence area a garrison was erected. Defence lines were completed with positioning of the outposts Prom and Przystan in the foreground. Today, only watchtower No. 1 and the garrison remains are preserved. The Historical Museum of Gdansk organizes a seasonal historical exposition on the area of the watchtower. There are also plans to combine museum activities in the Wisloujscie Fortress with the nearby National Memorial in Westerplatte. 59

60 A sky view of Wisloujscie, Poland. Napoleon s Forts Major fortification works were carried out under a commission from Napoleon after The 17 th century bastions were modernized, Napoleon s Redoubt was erected in the middle of the Grodzisko fortifications (which can still be seen today on the hill opposite the Main Railway Station) and a number of lunettes. The Prussian Army kept some parts of the fortifications the external parts from the west side ready for military action until the First World War. Partial removal began around 1870 (the areas of the Oliwska, Siedlecka and Orunska gates). The bastions located opposite the Old Town and the Old Suburb have been preserved. At present, protection works are being carried out in this area. The forts area is animated through historical events in the open air. Fortified Region Hel The Fortified Region Hel, which comprises a major part of the peninsula, was created by virtue of the decree of the President of Poland Ignacy Moscicki in In the area, railways were built to meet the needs of military transport, and artillery positions of different types were created. In the fortified region assorted military equipment was collected and located in a welldeveloped network of underground arms and ammunition depots. During Polish defence activities in 1939, during the Second World War, Fortified Region Hel was defended until 2 nd November of the same year. Numerous Polish and German military artefacts have been preserved, with possibly the following as the most interesting: H. Laskowski s battery with four 152 mm Bofors cannons, No. 21 battery with two 75 mm cannons, Schleswig Holstein battery with three firing positions, a shooting control tower and two ammunition stores. Both Polish and German fortifications were listed in the Military Monuments Register in Established in 2001 at the Friends of Hel Association, the Commission for the Protection of Military Monuments is responsible for protecting these objects. The commission publishes books and creates photographic and descriptive documentation which shows the present shape of the preserved objects, some of which are available for viewing. 60

61 Kolobrzeg In 1627, a watchtower was built on the right bank of the Parseta River estuary. After the destruction of the building by a storm, a new entrenchment was erected in Between 1770 and 1774 a round brick fort was erected, with cannons on the top storey. The fortification acquired its final shape between 1832 and In 1873 the fortress was demobilized. At present, the top platform of the fort is the location of Kolobrzeg lighthouse. The remains of the defences and the lighthouse are a commonly frequented tourist attraction. Swinoujscie The first modern defences at the estuary of the Swina River were erected by the Swedes in These were two redoubts standing on both sides of the river estuary. From 1720 Swinoujscie was in Prussian hands, who expanded the defences. On 11 th September 1846, by virtue of a decision by the Prussian government, the town was declared a fortress. On 29 th November 1863, Swinoujscie received the title of Marine Fortress (class III fortress). The most recommendable places to visit include the Western Fort, Fort Gerhard (Eastern), Fort Angel, the York battery (First World War), Goeben Battery (Second World War) and the U-boat Pool. In 2001 Swinoujscie was regranted the title of Marine Fortress, and the Eastern Fort was transformed into the base for the new Commander of the Fortress, for promotional activities. In rooms inside the fort visitors can see Swinoujscie defences, eat the traditional army pea soup and take a photo for keepsake. State-owned Suomenlinna seafortress off Helsinki, Finland, has never ceased to be used and re-used. The first two centuries for military purposes, the following fifty years corresponding to a civil society's needs. A disposition plan since the 70 s is followed. A reuse or conservation project is planned for every 200 building or structure, all classified as historic monument. 61

62 According to the currant restoration philosophy the planning of the usage of a historic monument is as important as the restoration of its walls. The disposition plan also reckons with the needs of the community by providing premises for schools, kindergarden, emploiment, cultural events and services for visitors. There are 900 inhabitants in Suomenlinna, that makes a balanced mix of different occupations, age and social class. What to do next? It seems worthwhile to collect similar or different examples from all around the Baltic Sea States. There are some good examples in a partly converted form as we can see in Suomenlinna Sea Fortress near Helsinki. The next steps will be to collect examples for fortifications that have no primary use select good examples of different types of new uses create a list of criteria for documentation develop management strategies together with the owners, the local and regional communities build up a network of owners or managers of fortification sites. 62

63 The European Route of Brick Gothic Suggested by Estonia and Germany An Interreg IIIb funded project has been successfully run for the past three years. On the background of a common and uniting architectural built environment competition in political, economic and cultural sense can be stated for the last 700 years. From the results of the first phase of the project, we can state from the web-site The basic idea of the project EuRoB European Route of Brick Gothic is the establishment of a thematic route with focus on the built heritage of brick Gothic in cities around the Baltic Sea. Exploiting the positive side effects of this city network, the enhancement of the respective local as well as of the common regional tourism sector is the aim. The impressive brick Gothic heritage is a commonness over all borders of the Baltic Sea States that is to be grabbed and utilized by the project. An aim of the project is to improve the transfer of know-how concerning local measures for marketing and utilization of the cultural heritage of brick Gothic. The main purpose of these measures is to economically enhance the culture and tourism sector in the particular cities. In order to fulfil this objective, intensive exchange of experience and mutual mediation of best practice concerning local marketing strategies and measures will be provided. In the scope of pilot projects, investments will be carried through guided by these best practice results. After the comprehensive survey of relevant brick Gothic monuments in the St. Georgen, Wismar, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. 63

64 St. Georgen, Wismar, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. partner cities, the course of the route will be agreed on. A route catalogue provides the possibility to improve the partly insufficient documentation and classification of the buildings. In the course of the project implementation, the touristic product European Route of Brick Gothic will be developed. The sustainable touristic marketing of the route and its common heritage will occur on the project s comprehensive level. Information and public relation work will be done through a high-quality internet presentation as well as conventional media, brochures and flyers. Touristic packages on offer will be developed by integrating tourism organisations and service providers. The different quality standards in the hotel and tourism sector in the Baltic Sea Region will be addressed with courses for quality management. This coaching is supposed to serve as a preparation for a certification according to ISO 9001: In certain hotels, coaching will be done in order to achieve a standardization of operative processes, of the customer service, of marketing techniques as well as for the preparation of a certification. Welcome to the fascinating world of brick Gothic! For three hundred years, the Hanseatic League dominated trade and life on the Baltic coast. This was the heart of European trade in the Middle Ages. The witnesses to the prosperity and power of this era are still existent: convents, monasteries and city halls, city gates, ramparts and impressive churches and cathedrals. These monuments are historical symbols of the spiritual and secular strength of the Middle Ages. The brick is the characteristic feature of the buildings and cities along the Baltic coast. Get to know the history of the Baltic Sea and its cities! Each and every one of these typical red bricks has been made and laid by hand. Each and every building is unique and has 64

65 Town-hall and St. Nikolai, Stralsund, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. its very own history. The heavily ornamented, impressive facades and tall towers are striking landmarks in the cities. The unique atmosphere of these gothic brick stone masterpieces offers a direct insight into history and culture. Many of them are still used for their original purpose, whilst others have become homes to museums and concert halls. The past and present often become one in these buildings. Experience Europe s diversity The European Route of Brick Gothic creates a new alliance of these remaining witnesses to Hanseatic times. From Scandinavia to the Baltic, seven European countries have aligned with each others: Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will be your hosts. Get to know the historical and cultural facets of these countries and cities and all that they have in common as reflected in brick Gothic architecture and the Hanseatic League. Re-discover the Baltic Sea The European Route of Brick Gothic is not only the key to the remains of past times and powers. It also provides an insight into modern life in these seven countries and the possibility to get to know different people and cultures. Each city has been shaped in its own way by its history, its diverse culture and the different landscapes of the Baltic Sea region. You can look forward to a dynamic region that has a lot to offer not just along its shores During a second phase the project will include new partners and new goals. From the application we can state: In EuRoB I, network structures were created that will be strengthened, extended, and institutionalized in order to achieve economic implementation and recognition by the public, politics, further institutions and the free market. EuRoB I raised awareness for brick Gothic heritage in the public. Yet, knowledge needs to be increased that brick Gothic is a transnationally persistent heritage offering attractive opportunities to experience. Also to partners in the Route standards for rendering it attractive to tourists and thus to tourism industry need to be conveyed. 65

66 EuRoB I managed to provide the preconditions for an institutionalization of the Route. EuRoB II has the overall objective to create an organisational structure capable to manage EuRoB in the long run, keep the Route up-to-date and upgrade it. It coordinates transnational marketing and partners performance, ensures permanent exchange. It is accountable to tourism industry, keeps all databases, co-ordinates its activities with the partners. EuRoB II will concentrate on economic Route implementation by tourism industry and local partners. The database is updated/upgraded and focuses on direct use for marketing means. It will be easily accessible and provide relevant data for composition of travel packages/offers adapted to current tourism demand. Partnership is extended, E-BSR partners increasingly involved. In co-operation among partners including products from EuRoB I (e.g. marketing guideline), a marketing concept/implementation Plan is elaborated including marketing elements and subproducts. Integration of tourism industry to design Route offers on actual demand, EuRoB subproducts, strategies to implement even in local scope, co-ordinate coherent transnational performance, adjustments in marketing elements etc. Investments and external marketing examples serve as bestpractice for partners to implement on their sites. Attendance on frequented fairs, conferences, events etc. is planned to achieve strong links to relevant tourism industry. Preservation and activation of brick Gothic not only for the sake of the monuments but to stress their importance and historic uniqueness for the public and to actively market heritage is another objective. External know-how and several investments are to emphasize the objects potentials and to serve the transfer of possibilities to combine monument preservation and marketing. By the end of EuRoB II, the Route is well-accepted and known, marketed by professional tourism industry and the partners, it contributes to a sustainable cultural tourism in the BSR, links together the common heritage, provides long-term co-operation across existing borders with the institution and provides a Route Manual for knowledge transfer on building up a Cultural Route. Some objectives in focus: Sustainable development/promotion of brick Gothic heritage; improve local economies by tourism; improve identification of local population with its heritage; achieve permanent co-operation in terms of tourism, marketing/heritage activation. Related to the aspects not solved yet within EuRoB, the following objectives are in focus: With large participation of all partners establish a EuRoB management/institution independent from current project management, assured financing, longterm perspective, organisational structure, assignment of management tasks/responsibilities to foster/develop EuRoB, assure long-term co-operation among partners; provide a best practice Cultural Route Manual. Improve insufficient existing database and direct it towards applicability by tourism industry, add 10 new partners, add data relevant for efficient marketing, transform it to electronic/easily editable database, make it accessible to guarantee implementation of EuRoB by relevant actors. Agreement on common long-term marketing strategy to apply based on prework/increased exchange of experts from all partner countries. In detail, marketing components are defined, developed and implemented adapted to current marketing needs. Tourism industry, businesses, multipliers etc. are addressed and integrated in realising the coherent strategy commonly with partners/management. Investments as examples to render heritage attractive and market it in a sustainable way. Link adequate measures for preservation/activation of brick Gothic heritage with marketing. Investments and a bestpractice collection on heritage activation show innovative methods to market and develop the historic assets. Examples give impulses to be applied/further developed on other sites The Route increases the awareness of the Heritage. 66

67 Children and Young People and the Heritage Manegement Suggested by Finland and Norway Whenever we speak about investment into the future concerning culture the education of children and young people is in the frontline. Remains of the historic environment have to be explained and the integration of the natural and cultural heritage into education plans should be included as early as possible. There are some national projects already running. As an example from the Nordic countries the Norwegian initiative under the name of Den kulturelle skolesekken (the cultural school) can be mentioned. Den kulturelle skolesekken (DKS) A National Initiative for Professional Art and Culture in Education in Norway DKS is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Research. The secretariat for the Initiative is the Norwegian Archive, Library and Museum Authority (ABM-utvikling). The Secretariat cooperates with the Norwegian Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education. The county authorities cultural sections are responsible for coordinating the work carried out under the Initiative in their own regions. DKS is a national, cultural policy initiative. The objectives of DKS are: to help to ensure that pupils in the primary and lower secondary school are offered a professional arts and culture programme to make it easier for primary and lower secondary school pupils to gain access to, make themselves familiar with and have a positive approach to art and cultural expression of all kinds to contribute to an overall incorporation of artistic and cultural expression in the realization of the school s learning objectives. The principles on which the Initiative is based are laid down in two White Papers: Report No. 38 ( ) and Report No. 39 ( ) to the Storting. Funding DKS is funded mainly by profits from Norsk Tipping A/S (Norway s State-owned gaming company). NOK 120 million will be spent on DKS in the academic year From onwards, DKS will receive NOK million annually. Ask public library, Norway. 67

68 Tønsberg and Nøtterøy library, Norway. In , 30% of the funds will be allocated to central initiatives in the field of music (NOK 19 million), films (NOK 3 million), performing arts (NOK 6 million) and visual arts (NOK 5 million), and 70% will be distributed by the regional and local authorities. Science Centres will receive NOK 6 million and regional and local authorities NOK 78 million. Twenty regional museums have received funds earmarked in the national budget for work relating to DKS. Furthermore, the great majority of cultural institutions and many other institutions are involved in providing art and culture for schools. These institutions, the regional authorities and many local authorities invest substantial sums in this work from their own budgets. Specific goals for the success of DKS: DKS will be a permanent element of basic education in Norway. DKS will apply throughout the primary and lower secondary school (age group 6 16). DKS will have its basis in the national curriculum for primary and lower secondary school levels (L97). DKS will provide high-quality cultural opportunities for all pupils. DKS will be characterized by cultural diversity. DKS will offer cultural opportunities on a regular basis. These will represent a breadth of cultural expression, such as the performing arts, visual arts (including films), music, literature and cultural heritage. DKS will be a joint venture between the educational and cultural sectors at all levels. The local authorities will be responsible for the practical implementation of DKS. Everyone should feel that they have a share in DKS. For more information, go to (Norwegian only). A second initiative can be reported from Germany, where the German Heritage Foundation (Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz), supported by the German National Committee for Heritage (Deutsches Nationalkommitte für Denkmalschutz) and under the umbrella of the German UNESCO Commission has brought out an initiative. denkmal aktiv Kulturerbe macht Schule The initiative wants to involve school children into heritage projects on the local level. The initiative can be reached through (Schule; only in german) or directly through (only german). Schools are supported through teaching-material, that can easily be transferred into a local perspective by integrating local heritage objects. There is financial support for groups of schools working together. Future activities The monitoring group intends to collect and redistribute material available from all national initiatives. The aim is to inform the different actors in the field on ongoing projects. At a later stage a seminar shall be organized to bring the actors in the field together and discuss about joint activities especially in a Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage context. 68

69 Itineraries and Cultural Tourism Suggested by Finland and Lithuania Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries of today, and within the tourism industry, cultural tourism is one of the growing sectors. An increasing number of people are actively seeking contact with the history of either their own country or more distant places, in stead of being content with spending their holidays on the sunny beaches of the south. Even international organizations, such as The Council of Europe, have given this kind of activity their support, and actively promoted cultural tourism. This has among other things led to the establishment of Schwerin, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. 69

70 Redefin, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. Major cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, with for example the Vikings or the Hanseatic cities as a theme. Ongoing cooperation is also in existence under the heading of The European Route of Brick Gothic (see chapter III in this report). All of these themes take the common history of the Baltic Sea states as their starting point. The European Institute of Cultural Routes ( is even marketing the Baltic area on their home page as an other cradle of Europe. It is evident that there lies a great potential for development within this field in the Baltic Sea countries, but with a new or intensified use of the cultural heritage also arise new challenges and threaths. Tourism organizations have not been slow in realizing the potential of cultural monuments as targets of visits and sources of income. Cultural tourism is already an essential part of many national and regional economies and can be an important factor in development, when managed successfully. The achievement of an interaction between the potentially conflicting expectations and aspirations of visitors and heritage protectors is, however, not unproblematic. As the International Council of Museums has stated, excessive or poorly managed tourism and tourism related development can threaten the physical nature, integrity and significant characteristics of cultural heritage. ICOMOS has therefore published an International Cultural Tourism Charter, which lays down the basic principles of a healthy development within this field. Among the objectives of the Charter are To facilitate and encourage the tourism industry to promote and manage tourism in ways that respect and enhance the heritage and living cultures of host communities. To facilitate and encourage a dialogue between conservation interests and the tourism industry about the importance and fragile nature of heritage places, collections and living cultures including the need to achieve a sustainable future for them. To encourage those formulating plans and policies to develop detailed, measurable goals and strategies relating to the presentation and interpretation of heritage places and cultural activities, in the context of their preservation and conservation. All these objectives are relevant also within the Baltic Sea area. The Monitoring group strongly feels that the Baltic Sea States with their common history have all the reason to work out a common guide line related to these questions. Lithuania has already taken up Cultural Heritage and Tourism as the theme of the next Cultural Heritage Forum, planned for 2007, and the Monitoring Group is prepared to take action to support Lithuania in this work. 70

71 Black Archaeology Suggested by Denmark, Finland and Germany (Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) On the outcome of a Seminar held in Schleswig early in 2005 the participants agreed to continue the discussions on the theme. It seemed necessary to start to raise the awareness by creating a small exhibition on lost heritage. The Nordic council of Ministers has funded the project, that runs under the lead of Finland and Denmark. The problem Archaeological sites in the Baltic area are part of the common cultural heritage. They are legally based to be protected against disturbance, destruction and looting, even if they have not been recognized and scheduled yet. It is necessary to create a corresponding level of protection in all participating countries and states. The integrity of archaeological sites is particularly threatened by illegal excavations. These are carried out in order to gain precious objects, either for sale on the antiquities market or to keep them in private collections. In every case, the finds are removed from their original context without an adequate documentation; information, which is an essential part of the cultural heritage, gets lost and can never be replaced. Metal detectors are providing almost unlimited possibilities for tracing archaeological objects. They have become the most effective tools, widely used by more or less well organized persons and groups to loot archaeological sites. In order to prevent illicit excavations and illicit trafficking of archaeological finds, it is necessary to establish a network of cooperating institutions in all participating countries. The aims are to raise awareness of the cultural values, represented by archaeological sites and monuments, to detect illegal excavations and illicit trade immediately, to prevent illegal activities by demonstrating presence. Institutions will be aware of illicit trafficking and give information to each In 2005, about 80 kg of antique silver coins from illegal excavations in Afghanistan were found by the customs at Copenhagen airport. The courier used a UNICEF bag, which once might have contained emergency help, to transport the looted coins. 71

72 A closer look at some coins which belong to a very large hoard find, looted from an archaeological site in Afghanistan. other about cases and suspects as fast as possible. Each country or state will name an institution, which is responsible for cross border exchange of information. The problems to be discussed in further cooperation may be resumed under three main topics: I. Scientific problems: What do we do with the material from detector-archaeology? Can we use it in science? How can we use it and what is the remaining scientific value? II. Legal questions on import/export or bartering / metal detector sale and use It is necessary to exchange national export regulations concerning cultural objects. The monitoring group will call for papers in English, which shall be distributed to the participants. The monitoring group will also collect and distribute information about where to deliver information, if illegal imports/finds are discovered at the border. Education of police/customs and related authorities needs to be improved by the individual countries/states. Due to the Schengen-treaty and the problems caused by it (free exchange of goods within a large area, no border controls within the EU), the monitoring group needs to collect further information about Import/export of material in the Baltic Sea Region, Sales places and Methods of trade. It should be taken into consideration to restrict the sale of metal detectors. III. Awareness/Information/education It was considered, that a lot of violence against archaeological heritage is caused due to lack of information. This lacking information could be omitted into the different regions of the world by informing soldiers and other nationals from Baltic Sea States abroad, peace-keepers in the world, soldiers on duty in foreign countries about the heritage values. As a next step, an exhibition will be considered (Nordic exhibition of the year, funding through the Nordic Council of Ministers) to demonstrate the loss of information and local identity, if archaeological sites are destroyed and looted. The exhibition should take place in one of the Baltic States, f. ex. Lithuania, or in Denmark, depending on where the maximum effect can be reached in order to raise public attention. 72

73 Working Groups Underwater Heritage The Baltic Sea in its deep hides a tremendous wealth of history. It consists of sunken ships and of many other physical remains of human activity, and it is under threat. Wrecks are torn apart and submerged Stone Age settlements ploughed away by the heavy equipment of industrial fishing. Giant ferries and freighters are causing massive erosion of the seabed along the sea-lanes leading to the region s urban centres. Large-scale development projects are removing hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of the cultural layers in the medieval harbours near the same towns. Sport divers are finding and exploiting wrecks down to 200 m depth, often taking with them souvenirs and thus depriving the wrecks of their cultural and tourist value. Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage is a legal question but it is also a question of the mindset of the people using the seas. One of the most efficient means of control is to increase the public awareness and appreciation of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. Sharing information The maritime museums around the Baltic hold in their archives and databases information on thousands of Underwater Cultural Heritage sites, dating from Mesolithic times till today. These data, being the basis for antiquarian assessment of development projects, can also be proactively used to raise the public awareness. An obstacle to this is national borders. Ships in the past sailed between countries, the sports divers and fishermen of today do likewise. But archives and very often also research and dissemination are national in perspective. The Working Group on Underwater Heritage suggests that between the Baltic Sea States, international cooperation on research and communication to the public is enhanced via two initiatives: one is a website, 100 Sunken Treasures in the Baltic, which is oriented towards the public with the aim of showing how fascinating and important the Underwater Cultural Heritage is, the other is an improved exchange of information on the Underwater Cultural Heritage between the relevant institutions. The motive behind this suggestion is to stimulate research on a Baltic regional scale into the Underwater Cultural Heritage, in due course resulting in the dissemination to the public of a Baltic perspective on the region s history. Rutilus The website can be based on information that is being collected within the framework of the RUTILUS project, a co-operation between maritime cultural heritage institutions around the Baltic. The project receives funding from the Council of Nordic Ministers and will, among other things, collect standardized information on wreck sites and seascapes from most of the Baltic Sea States. The management plans for shipwrecks developed by the EU-supported MoSS project and applicable for World Heritage Sites, will form the basis for this data collection. It can be This picture from 1966 is showing the mean-of-war Rikswasa, Sweden, partly salvaged. 73

74 Darßer Cog, Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Germany. used for developing classification systems to facilitate the exchange of information as well. Code of good practice In the Baltic, thousands of human skeletons are preserved under water, not least on vessels from the end of World War 2: e.g. Goya, Wilhelm Gustloff and Steuben. In many cases, personal belongings lie close to the dead, but objects and remains are found in different parts of the wrecks. Today, these vessels are within reach for divers. Other vessels and air-crafts are lying in the territorial waters and the exclusive economical zone in the Baltic Sea. In order to arrange for discussions on a bi- or multilateral agreement the monitoring group is prepared to analyse the situation of the heritage and report to the ministers. The working group on Underwater Cultural Heritage wishes to continue the development of cooperative networks and codes of good practice between the Baltic Sea States. Some initiatives have been taken and should be promoted, and new areas of possible future cooperation have been identified. Future activities Discussions in the group continue and ideas from other parties are welcomed. At this point the following themes can be listed: Monitoring and advising the RUTILUS-project. Using the one hundred concept (a list of one hundred valuable monuments) to enhance global engagement for the UCH in the BSR. Exchange of data standards and information on underwater cultural heritage between the Baltic Sea States. The ethics of managing difficult wrecks. The furthering of regional cooperation to achieve a better protection on wrecks in the economical zone. These wrecks are not covered by any suitable cultural legislation. Underwater tourism raising awareness concerning underwater cultural heritage through tourism. A survey of who is able to do what. List of vessels, technical equipment, conservation facilities etc. 74

75 Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage Chair: Co-chair: Norway Poland In the coming years the working group will continue to increase cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region through several projects. This will not only involve group members, but also extend to actors in related fields to establish a more elaborate network. Exhibition The reports, survey and case studies from the pre-forum workshop in Helsinki will be used to produce a new exhibition and publication on Historic Harbours and Ships. The exhibition will be based on the same format as the former Baltic Lights and be made available for distribution throughout the Baltic Sea Region. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the plight of historic ships and harbours in the Baltic Sea Region, whilst at the same time offering some general attainable solutions. Ship Survey In addition, the Working Group is preparing a survey on the status of historic ships and the challenges of Baltic co-operation. In this context it is primarily the bigger ships the group will focus on. Ships linked to passenger lines and cargo transport, deep-sea fishing vessels and vessels related to offshore activities represent huge challenges for protection and preservation. Preservation of big ships is financially very demanding, and each country will not have the necessary resources to preserve a representative selection of steel ships connected to their own maritime activities. It is not only the ships themselves that require preservation, but also the facilities supporting them such as slipways, workshops, tools and skilled craftsmen. Co-operation between countries in the Baltic Sea Region would allow the burden of such work to be shared both in relation to research, documentation and also the preservation of objects with important cultural and historic value. Future Challenge The Working Group has also identified a need to monitor the challenges posed by technical developments and the subsequent implications for the disposal and dispersal of related archives, artefacts and printed materials of historical value produced and used by state maritime authorities. A relevant example could be the Hydrographic Services. Traditional methods and skills for mapping the sea are no longer relevant. They are gradually being phased out and replaced by digital technology. Suur Tõll an icebreaker built in 1914 and the Lembit submarine launched 1936, now owned by the Estonian Maritime Museum. 75

76 Pommern, a four-masted steel barque built in 1903, is now a museum ship in the care of the Åland Maritime Museum. The consequences of this development could include the dividing up of the current collection of archives, equipment and printed materials to different responsible institutions, i.e. an archive, museum and library. It is not only the dispersal of the collections which is a problem, but also the loss of our intangible heritage, the skills connected to their use and understanding. This is a difficulty, which all nations will be facing as old technology is eventually replaced, and a topic for international concern and cooperation. It is an opportunity for the Working Group on Coastal Culture and Maritime Heritage to be ahead of such change and to develop possible solutions. A possible solution might include an international cooperation to convert the archives to a digital format. This would ensure both the original materials long term preservation and accessibility for the public to the information they contain. The equipment and instruments are used internationally and therefore it would be advantageous to share resources and perhaps select limited examples from each nation, reducing the need for every nation to preserve all the same objects. The Working Group is willing to be responsible for and continue with this work, if its continuation is accepted at the next meeting of Ministers of Culture in Bergen. 76

77 Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice Chair: Co-chair: Sweden Latvia Five years of common activities have created a basis for a continuous co-operation between institutions and experts a- round the Baltic Sea. Sustainability will be supported by the contacts in the participating countries, by the common web-site and by newly created professional networks. The main objective should remain the same: to enhance good management of the built heritage, by supporting the demand for professional skills and traditional materials and by establishing common guidelines on methods and tools in preservation and maintenance. Seminars and workshops and a reference library on good practices are important means to reach the aims. So far each activity has been organized by one of the participating institutions the main responsibility has been circulating. This model has worked out well and should continue. Among the future activities and results are the following: Completion of the Reference Library on good practices, with translated manuals and reports, made available for users in the whole region and with links to supporting institutions. Completion of the survey on the traditional building materials in the region, as a basis for common actions for threatened materials, for research networks and for commercial projects. Continuation of the series of seminars in selected professional fields as interior climate, restoration of brick structures, timber work and carpentry (Pomerania), investigation and conservation of plaster (Saaremaa) etc. Continuation of the series of workshops on traditional building crafts, for craftsmen and other experts, documented through video films and including a programme for young apprentices to travel and participate in restoration works and workshops: church buildings, manor houses etc. Remaining since the last report: A Baltic Sea Region Manual on Building Preservation, based on seminars and workshops and illustrated with examples from common projects. A Baltic Sea Region Association of restoration firms, based on Swedish and European experiences from Fibor (the Swedish association of enterprises working with building preservation) and A.E.E.R.P.A (Association Européenne des Enterprises de Restauration du Patrimoine Architectural). Hitherto all activities have been financed by the organizing and participating institutions, by special Baltic Sea funds (i.e. the Swedish Baltic Sea Billion ) and by the Swedish Institute (travel costs). For the coming period there is an urgent need for (1) base money for a secretariat, as well as for (2) money for separate projects, organized within the new professional networks. Heritage values remain in the original substance, Ramava Manor, Latvia. 77

78 Ramava Manor is situated just outside Riga, Latvia. It was restored within a Latvian-Swedish co-operation project. 78

79 Sustainable Historic Towns Chair: Co-chair: Finland Estland Project continuation The working-group initiated project Sustainable Historic Towns Urban Heritage as an Asset of Development (SuHiTo), which was approved as an Interreg III B part-financed project for the years SuHiTo-project has focused on improving systematic professional tools for urban heritage analyses and evaluation. During developed methods of the SuHiTo-project are DIVE a concept for analysing urban heritage (Norway) Describe Interpret Valuate Enable. Systematic framework of urban heritage analyses for different scales to be used in various levels of planning and decisionmaking. Local involvement is integrated with the process. Involved partners are the Directorate for Cultural Heritage, the Norwegian Institute of Cultural Heritage Research, the Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, municipality of Vefsn and municipality of Røros. Municipal Building Code (Sweden) Overall, coherent guidelines for urban heritage management in municipalities, with connection to planning, decisionmaking and involvement of inhabitants. Approved politically, conclusive, addressed to inhabitants, user-friendly. Involved partners are the National Heritage Board, Lund institute of Technology, Gothenburg University, The Royal Institute of Technology, Municipality of Ystad. Building instruction (Finland) Analyses of the principles and realised impacts of previous generation s protective plans as the base for revised approach to integrate protection with planning. Rethinking fragmented, multilayered urban heritage, including both environmental and heritage values as well as local knowledge in different scales into planning. Implementing results into the Building Instructions as a tool for interactive planning and management. Involved partners are the National Board of Antiquities, Tampere University of Technology, University of Oulu and municipality of Forssa. The city of Kaunas in Lithuania includes both the medieval Old Town and the New Town, built between the two world wars, when the city was the capital of Lithuania. Planned projects of developers, such us shopping centre and skyscraper, have impact on street level, on skyscape and on functional diversity of the historic surroundings. To make the changes prospective, they should be well appraised and managed. 79

80 The historic wooden buildings can be described as heritage at risk. We need improved management tools to maintain and enhance the diversity and viability of the urban heritage. On the photo Kalamaja, one of the 19 th century wooden suburbs of Tallinn, Estonia. All these methods are discusses and evaluated within the working-group. Through further testing, these methods could be modelled to tools to be integrated in planning and decision processes. Although the working-group has already collected a database concerning legislation and management policies of urban heritage in the BSR, we need to analyse the processes of decision making on urban heritage management systematically on transnational bases. At the same time we need to cross-check the relevance of decision-aid concerning identifying the characteristics heritage and evaluation. Through ongoing pilot activities, the project is generating synergy between researchers, authorities on national, regional and local levels as well as in local communities. The planned Phare-projects in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, in connection with the SuHiTo-project, didn t come true. At the same time, the pressure of investments on one hand, and lack of proper maintenance and even management on the other hand, are consuming and wasting the diversity of urban heritage in these countries. Transnational approaches could support and give international visibility to efforts to construct sustain balance between impacts of globalisation and maintaining local resources and identity in the urban environment. Urban change should be considered together with the reasoning of sustain continuation, maintaining social, cultural and environmental values. The gained expertise profits all the countries and enables to develop joint strategies. Under the topic Sustainable Historic Towns Integrated Management of Urban Heritage, we are initiating projects for that shall apply for the financing from different sources. The projects focus on enhancing durable economical and social revitalization of historical towns in the Baltic Sea region by proper management, utilization and awareness of the urban heritage. The target of the project activities is to anchor the gained experiences and improved methods and systematize decisionaid to the processes of municipal and regional planning and decision making. Thus the project will enhance persistency of the management of the urban heritage. The working group will promote and contribute on arranging the 3 rd BSR- Cultural Heritage Forum in Lithuania The planned over all results of the project co-operation; increased awareness and visibility of the issue, exchange of expertise and experiences, dissemination of the project target, activities and results establishing and enhancing international and trans-sectored networking on urban heritage, developing strategic guidelines, build-up of competency on integrated urban heritage management in different levels and sectors, gained experience on international cooperation, on project working, on different cultures of governance and on economic efficiency. 80

81 IV. Baltic Sea Culture Heritage Forum During the last years and throughout the working process it seemed more and more necessary, to create a platform and meeting place where the actors in the field of heritage management could meet and discuss topics cross border of any specialists meeting. This led to the idea of creating a kind of market place, a forum to exchange knowledge and ideas and to get in contact among those actors in the field, who normally do not necessary come across each other. Gdansk 2003, 1 st Forum On the kind invitation by the Polish Minister of Culture a 1 st forum was held in Gdansk in April The forum was well attended and more than 60 speakers shared their experience with an audience of around 100 coming from all around the Baltic Sea. A lively discussion cross and many ideas and themes were discussed and the outcome of the forum was finally published in a volume which has been sold out immediately after it appeared. The need of such a publication became evident and the Council of Baltic Sea States has offered to present a digital version of the volume under its internet address. It could already be stated in the 3 rd report of the monitoring group how Cultural heritage and its management has been brought onto discussions on the Nordic Dimension within the EU-structure by the CBSS as well as by the Baltic Sea States. The four working groups: Underwater Cultural Heritage; Maritime Heritage and Coastal Culture; Sustainable Historic Towns; Building Preservation and Maintenance in Practice: have achieved a great deal and still have many issues to address within their fields. In addition the Forum has brought everyone together giving the opportunity for discussion and further ideas for future co-operation. Common sea diverse culture common heritage Although the cultures along the shores of the Baltic Sea are clearly defined there are three major language groups as well as nine different nations (including Norway). These areas have experienced widely different histories in ancient, medieval and modern times, but there are also important periods of shared heritage. The Hanseatic League is an example where many of these areas were brought together under a common interest. There were also other periods in history where there were attempts to impose a common administration or common identity on this area. These attempts have left their marks on the material culture from the past. The castles built by Erik of Pomerania for example are found all over the Baltic. In this sense there may be a common cultural inheritance that we share as residents of the Baltic region, although we may not agree that we share the same culture. Common sea common problems In a positive sense we have been presented with so many good solutions at the Forum. The problems tend to be the same and in many ways the solutions are the same. This is one of the strengths of Baltic co-operation. At the beginning the expression common culture and the richness of common culture was suggested as a starting point. Perhaps next we need to look at the inherent differences, maybe something for a 2 nd Forum? Floating cultural heritage Here there are common problems. Norway is a good example of how to deal with this issue and perhaps something similar could be set up in the Baltic. This would mean that not every country has to specialise in both wooden and steel ships thereby creating a Baltic solution to these problems. Military cultural heritage There are problems being encountered as fortifications become obsolete and surplus to requirements e.g. problems concerning a naval base in Sweden are in the process of being addressed. These sites are part of the cultural heritage of the Baltic. 81

82 In the Nordic and Scandinavian countries there is already a network of experts responsible for the conservation of fortifications, their restoration and maintenance. A bilateral project between Russia and Finland is in the process of formulating ideas for future projects, to include perhaps a cultural tourist route and networks. Replica, copy, regionality It is important to be aware of these definitions when discussing common cultural heritage eg Warsaw is a member of the World Heritage List although the city has been largely reconstructed. Strategic physical planning Moving towards sustainable development is important for all the Baltic Sea Region countries in the future. It should form the overriding principle for future work, and other conservation and maintenance projects. It is important to create a working group for this topic in the future. Public interest This needs needs to be awoken, perhaps in the form of an exhibition on Baltic archaeology or the Mare Balticum. Engage the public's interest to obtain ministerial interest and support. Earlier plans for an exhibition travelling around the Baltic by ship had to be postponed for financial reasons. However it would be relatively straightforward to bring it together again. The main requirement is a sponsor. It would be feasible to prepare such an exhibition for the Second Cultural Heritage Forum. Highlighting shipwrecks In the international waters of the Baltic, technical diving is increasingly becoming more common place and increasing potential dangers to wrecks. A video taken by Swedes shows an almost intact wreck which still has paint on the figurehead, the rigging and much more. This needs protection. Perhaps it could be considered by the BUCH project? Manor houses, parks and gardens There are few things that engage the public s interest more than these topics. Another subject for consideration may be churches in rural areas. Educational co-operation In particular, cultural heritage concerning young people through for eg exchange students and the exchange of research within cultural heritage needs to be considered. Closing remarks The number of future suggestions and ideas certainly points to a need for a 2 nd forum. Perhaps the Monitoring Group, instead of being an overseeing body, could become a type of clearing house for combining and coordinating actions between different ideas and activities. With regard to identity, common culture, common sea, authenticity, ethics etc; whether we work with boats, underwater archaeology, or buildings; it all has to do with remembering the past. How we introduce it, how we explain it and how we pass it on for future generations. The Minister s original statement recognised every individual s right to have access to their heritage and history. In fact this is what we have been discussing. Not only how we work with this as professionals but how we can be more inclusive of people in general at a grass roots level. From the Minister s point of view the public s awareness of cultural heritage is essential for the development of democracy. If we do not know what history has given us, we will not be able to fight for a democratic society in the future. This is a responsibility that we have to take on. There are different ways of looking at our heritage and our common or diverse identity. Of course there is a common culture in this part of Europe, but it also depends from where you are looking at it. So whilst diverse cultures do exist within the Baltic Sea region, there is at the same time, a common heritage. An important purpose for this 1 th forum meeting is that there is a possible area here that is big enough to be a diverse cultural area, but importantly is also small enough to grasp and develop as part of a widening Europe. 82

83 Helsinki 2005, 2 nd Forum Urban Heritage Collective Privilege was held in Helsinki on 9 th 11 th June The main question of the Forum was how can we further the use and protection of cultural heritage as a part of cultural, social and economic developments. Around 260 cultural heritage professionals from the Baltic Sea region took part in the Forum. Alongside the Seminar and meetings for professionals the programme also included public sessions and exhibitions. There is growing pressure for change in the urban environment on both the northern and southern sides of the Baltic Sea. Historical environments are being exploited economically in terms of development but at the same time regional cultural values are in danger. In other locales whole abandoned areas that are left without use and professional treatment will go to ruin. The historical urban regions of the new EU countries that have recently entered the international economic arena are especially under threat. Buildings and regions cannot be isolated from other development in terms of protection. In developing ways of controlled change and use of cultural heritage extensive co-operation between professionals of different disciplines is needed. The Baltic Sea Cultural Heritage Forum 2005 presented several international lecturers, professionals of urban protection in the Baltic Sea region, researchers and urban planners. Among them were Art History Professor at the University of Helsinki Riitta Nikula who s topic was the common footsteps of history in the urban environment, ICOMOS s Herb Stovel from Canada who took up current threats to urban cultural heritage and Janis Asaris, Deputy Director of the Board of Antiquities in Latvia, who lectured on economic development and the values of historical city centres. Topics taken up included also historic harbours in city development as well as several examples of developing improved management practises. The forum ended with a panel discussion on Who Defines Public Interest. Several of the Baltic Sea region thematic seminars on Thursday 9 th June were open to the public. A poster exhibition in the National Museum of Finland presented the Baltic Sea region cultural heritage network, projects and people. Children s cultural heritage- and architectural pedagogy projects from Norway and Finland were presented in the Jan-Erik Enestam, Minister of Environment in Finland, opening the 2 nd Baltic Sea Heritage Forum in Helsinki. 83

84 Helsinki main Post Office building. An exhibition entitled Citizens City by students of the Pekka Halonen Academy was seen in Sanoma house media market hall, organised in cooperation with the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. On Saturday 11 th June there was also an open Market Site on the subject of traditional building and maintenance in the yard of the National Museum of Finland with craftsmen displaying their skills on building heritage, materials and methods. The main organisers of the Cultural Heritage Forum 2005 were the National Board of Antiquities and the thematic group Historical Towns of Sustainable Development. The Forum was co-funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Environment. 84

85 V. Financing Heritage Projects in the Baltic Sea Area The EEA Financial Mechanisms Under the European Economic Area Enlargement Agreement, two financial mechanisms will provide a total of EUR 1167 billion to 13 EU member states during the period 1 st May th April 2009: The EEA Financial Mechanism (donors: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism (donor: Norway). Most of the countries have both agreements, but some countries like Portugal, has only one agreement. This means that countries with two mechanisms must make two agreements. The purpose is to contribute to the reduction of social and economic disparities in Europe, and to support the new EU member states in their efforts to participate fully in the enlarged internal market. The new financial mechanisms are complimentary to other EU funds, for instance EU Structural Fund and EU Cohesion fund. In addition it is thought that this will contribute to the bilateral cooperation between in this case Poland and the donor countries. A wide range of public authorities and institutions, organisations and businesses in the beneficiary state are eligble for for funds for development and investments projects. Priority sectors include: Protection of the environment Promotion of sustainable development Conservation of the European Cultural Heritage Human resource development Health and child cvare Regional policy and crossborder activities Academic research Each country has put up focal points which will co-ordinate and prioritize the appliances and present the appliances to the EEA-secretariat in Brussels. By May 2005 almost every country have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. It is interesting to note that all countries have put up conservation of cultural heritage on a high priority. The mechanisms are administered by the Financial Mechanisms Office in Brussels. More information at Below a table is showing the breakdown of allocations and the diagram shows the same. As an example we show the priorities done by Poland, who will get the larger share of all grants. Workshop on linseed oil paint, former synagogue in Sabile, Latvia. 85

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