Eighth World Heritage Site Strengthens Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Family
Photo: Säynätsalo Town Hall. Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation
The Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland congratulates the Aalto Works series on its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The new World Heritage Site strengthens the international visibility of Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage and increases interest in all eight of Finland’s World Heritage properties.
The last addition to Finland’s World Heritage portfolio was made in 2006, when the Kvarken Archipelago was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
“Finland’s World Heritage Sites warmly welcome the Aalto Works sites to Finland’s World Heritage family. Finland now has eight unique World Heritage properties that together tell the story of humanity’s shared cultural and natural heritage,” says Ulla Mikkanen, Chair of The Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland.
“The new World Heritage Site enhances the recognition and visibility of Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage as a whole. Every Finnish UNESCO World Heritage Site also highlights the others and encourages people to explore Finland’s diverse World Heritage. Finland’s sites are of outstanding universal value and represent irreplaceable heritage whose preservation is our shared responsibility,” Mikkanen adds.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites cooperate closely both within Finland and internationally. The Association is also looking forward to collaboration with the Aalto Works sites.
“The Association, which brings together members of Finland’s World Heritage family, is an important resource for site management organizations, custodians, and experts. We share knowledge, experiences, and resources for the benefit of all sites, stakeholders, and visitors. Aalto Works enriches this cooperation with a new perspective and further strengthens the entire network,” Mikkanen notes.
In addition to the Aalto Works series, Finland’s seven other UNESCO World Heritage Sites are Suomenlinna Fortress, Old Rauma, Petäjävesi Old Church, Verla Groundwood and Board Mill, the Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki, the Struve Geodetic Arc, and the Kvarken Archipelago.
UNESCO World Heritage Supports Vitality and Sustainability
UNESCO World Heritage Sites contribute to local economies, tourism, education, and regional vitality. According to visitor surveys commissioned by The Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland, World Heritage Sites generate significant local economic impacts. The location of a site and the services available influence both visitors’ length of stay and their spending in the area.
The UNESCO World Heritage Convention is one of the world’s most successful international cooperation agreements. It has been ratified by 196 States Parties, and Finland became a State Party to the Convention in 1987.
Further Information
Ulla Mikkanen
Chair
The Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland
ulla.mikkanen(at)maanmittauslaitos.fi
Tel. +358 40 801 1261
The Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland is a cooperation and expert network for Finland’s World Heritage properties. It promotes the protection, visibility, sustainable use, and joint development of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Association serves as a platform for collaboration among all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland at both the national and international levels.
Read more: maailmanperinto.fi
