The Untamala project focuses on sustainable management of cultural landscapes.
One of the main goals is to develop methods of communication between researchers,
planners and public. The reactive measurements of protection - like raising
the public awareness especially in young people - will be in central aspect.
The area for this pilot project is a little village called Untamala situated
in the Vakka-Suomi district, on the south western coast of Finland. Vakka-Suomi
is a distinctive cultural area where cultivation and grazing have been practiced
for about two thousand years. Open landscape, wooden buildings and diverse natural
features are typical of the area.
To develop management strategies for Untamala village and the whole Vakka-Suomi
district it is important to understand how the cultural landscape has evolved,
the changes it has undergone and which monuments require special protection.
Studies on Untamala´s cultural environment and careful analysis of the
landscape and its history are vital. When this knowledge is collected and analysed,
the National Board of Antiquities will produce a touring exhibition for local
schools and libraries. Also a booklet describing the development of the cultural
landscape in Vakka-Suomi district will be published for the use in schools and
for local habitants. A seminar or series of lectures on cultural heritage and
its management will be given for landowners, landusers and planners. It is also
important to provide information about ancient monuments and their accessibility
for school-children, students and cultural oriented tourists. Flyers, marked
paths between signposted monuments, maps and other informative media are planned
to serve this purpose. Some of the monuments also need regular maintenance.
Research
A sound basis for environmental analyses is available in the rich source material
of early maps made for cadastre. Beside historical maps, we can evaluate the
changes in landscape and environment by analysing modern topographical maps.
The information of ancient monuments and elements of human activity have already
been collected and the observations will be entered to a database. The base
maps and contour lines are needed for the GIS analysis.
Communication
Both physical and conceptual access to an area are necessary if one wants
to protect cultural landscapes. It is much easier when people are interested
in their environment and its history. To archive this, people must be given
information and hands-on experience. Conceptual paths like books, exhibitions
and web pages are used when someone needs more knowledge. Physical paths - e.g.
like a network of signposted and well-maintained monuments - are used when exciting
firsthand experiences are needed.
The National Board of Antiquities wants to develop Untamala village as a demonstration
area of reactive protection and sustainable management. To succeed in this we
have to provide information about what exists in the area and guidelines for
using the land and its management to the local inhabitants and authorities.
Visit our Pathway!
Project team: National Board of Antiquities
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