Estonia’s Chairmanship Brought Experts from Eight Countries to Discover North-East Estonia
From 6–8 May, cultural heritage experts from the Baltic Sea region gathered in Narva and its surroundings to discuss complex and sometimes controversial heritage issues. The seminar was organised by the National Heritage Board of Estonia in cooperation with the Baltic Region Heritage Committee (BRHC), bringing together specialists from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Poland.
According to Marilin Mihkelson, Director General of the National Heritage Board of Estonia, international seminars like this were crucial, as they provided a platform for countries to share experiences and reflect on important cultural heritage topics. “Protecting and valuing heritage is a challenging task at every level, particularly in areas where historical and environmental values often collide. The experience of experts from the Baltic Sea region helped us find new solutions and strengthen cooperation,” Mihkelson said.
“North-East Estonia is not just a border region, but a cultural treasure rich in layered history—where the beauty of the Ontika limestone cliffs, the industrial legacy of Kreenholm, and the classical avenues of Sillamäe intertwine. The presence of BRHC experts helped to highlight the area’s unique complexity, which deserves to be preserved today and for future generations,” said Maili Roio, Chair of the Baltic Region Heritage Committee.
The seminar focused on three timely and relevant cultural heritage themes in the Baltic Sea region. A dedicated discussion took place on 7 May at the Narva Town Hall, covering the following topics:
- Cultural hydropower structures and environmental protection – a discussion on the conflict of values between heritage and nature conservation, using the Kunda hydropower plant as a case study to illustrate how such challenges could be understood and addressed.
- Soviet/socialist symbols in public space – an exploration of how countries in the Baltic Sea region approached ideologically charged heritage and its relevance in shaping contemporary identity.
- The future of industrial heritage – with a focus on the Kreenholm Manufacturing Complex as an industrial monument. Experts discussed best practices for revitalising industrial heritage in smaller cities, including in Ida-Virumaa.
Throughout the event, participants exchanged knowledge and sought a balance between different values while also exploring the unique industrial and cultural landscape of Ida-Virumaa. Seminar participants visited the Kunda dam, Sillamäe, the Kreenholm manufacturing complex, the Joala district, “Narva Venice,” and the Aidu quarry to demonstrate how the region’s history and heritage were interconnected.
