BSR heritage - a common resource

The Baltic Sea water basin composes one cultural region, where we share similar coastal traditions and maritime heritage – now subject to rapid transformations. 

As a result of this continuous sailing activity, numerous shipwrecks scatter the seabed of the Baltic Sea, covering the entire period from pre-historic times to tmodern times. During the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic times, parts of the Baltic Sea were dry land and inhabited. Parts of these habitations are preserved in the sediments of the seabed in the south western part of the Baltic Sea. Even these are unique in an international context, and require a safe Baltic Sea for underwater heritage.

Archaeological findings of small-scale settlements, burial sites and fortifications built of earth, wood and stones; of sacred places with long-lived beliefs and traditions; of remnants of hunting, fishing, farming and trade tell stories of the BSR before early Middle Ages, about the region, which remained outside the limits of the Roman Empire. The use of local building material has continued ever since. 

When the state formation started in the BSR around AD 1000, it was based on the control of water routes. Colonisations and Christianisation; religious denominations and past Empires have left urban heritage which enrich the urban milieus of today. Proper maintenance of the diversity and attractiveness of the BSR urban heritage is a common responsibility. 

The maps of the region were reshaped after the  First and Second World Wars. The BSR was divided in two parts for 50 years. In the European context, it is noteworthy that the unification processes of the region have been peaceful. They are characterized by mutual assistance and cooperation in order to strenghten democracy and regional development. Thereby, BSR built heritage of the 20th century can pass on both the lessons learned and valuable experiences to future generations.