On Wednesday, September 23rd, The Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland , celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cake party on the southern tip of Öland in glorious sunshine. This year it is 20 years since the Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The guests were the students from Alunskolan ( Alun school) in Southern Öland. During their visit they got to see the World Heritage film and DUNC-exhibition at the Visitors’ Centre Naturum, climb up the highest lighthouse in Sweden, Långe Jan, and watch birds and seals with the staff from the Naturum Ottenby.
In 2019, the “Mini Guides in the World Heritage List” was started as a collaboration between Naturum Ottenby and Mörbylånga municipality within the framework of DUNC. The students at Alunskolan were trained as guides and conducted guided tours about seals and the Baltic Sea, birds and migration, the lighthouse Långe Jan and the surrounding area, Ottenby bird station and Naturum centre as well as the world heritage. The students have learnt that it is the story of the work of farmers for many generations that is the basis of the World Heritage designation and that the world heritage site includes the villages, fields, the area Stora alvaret and the coastland. It is thanks to farmers that the farming landscape can be experienced by new generations. The situation with the new corona virus, covid-19, meant that the Mini Guide project in 2020 was adapted to follow the current restrictions and recommendations.
The mini guides enjoyed their cake and said how important it is to look after our natural surroundings and to not leave litter behind after a visit.
“It’s a different anniversary year this year but it feels really good to celebrate together with students and teachers at A-school. The Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland is a living cultural landscape and the people who live and work here are the foundation of our fantastic landscape,” says Emma, World Heritage Coordinator at Mörbylånga Municipality.
“Thanks to all the fantastic Mini guides and teachers from Alunskolan, Emma at Mörbylånga municipality , Ida at naturum Ottenby for an inspiring day on the incredibly beautiful southern cape. You spread knowledge and pride about your World Heritage site through your dedication and efforts.” says Sarah Project Manager of the International World Heritage Project DUNC, who was present during the day.