Fjords and glaciers in the Svalbard archipelago in the High Arctic have been included in the list of geological landmarks of great importance for understanding Earth's history. The nature restoration of Svea mine and surrounding areas did the trick.
Inner parts of the Van Mijen Fjord. The Paula Glacier separates the lagune from the fjord. In the foreground, Svea mine. Photo credit: Ove Haugen 2023.
- This proves that large nature restoration projects are important in order to safeguard and conserve our world heritage, says Dagmar Hagen, Senior Researcher at The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA.
It is the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) that is now presenting "The Second 100". The first 100 geological sites of global geological importance was chosen two years ago by 700 experts from 80 countries.
Large scale nature restoration lifts our world heritage
The Svea coal mines permanently closed for operation in 2015, after 100 years of mining. At the same time landscape restoration of the mining settlement and infrastructure, stretching more than 20 km from the sea up to 700 meters above sea level, was initiated to re-establish the natural processes in the area.
As of 2024, the restoration is complete, and to date, it is the largest nature restoration project ever carried out in Norway. Read more here.
- It is inspiring to see that the restoration has enhanced the overall quality of the area, and indeed has lifted it to world heritage status, says Hagen.
The mining company Store Norske was heading the project on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. NINA contributed with our experts on nature restoration, landscape and natural processes.
Contact:
Lars Erikstad
Dagmar Hagen