UNESCO

Today, we started a joint project with the University’s Knowledge Environment for Sustainable Tourism (KEST) with A Round Table on Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism (led by my colleague Marianna Strzelecka).

Some 20 participants from many regional organisations (Mörbylånga kommun, Region Kalmar län, Destination Kalmar, Länsstyrelsen Kalmar län, Kalmar läns museum, Ölands museum, Ölands turistbyrå, Karlskrona kommun och Linnéuniversitetet) discussed challenges under three headings:

1. Co-creating the Southern Öland landscape: How farmers, local communities, tourism actors, and other stakeholders can collaborate to sustain and benefit from the World Heritage landscape.

2. Mobilities to and within Öland: Exploring sustainable transportation options for visitors, residents, and goods while respecting the island’s unique cultural and natural values.

3. Managing local natural resources under pressure: Addressing challenges such as water availability and climate change impacts.

There was also one cross-cutting theme: Agricultural landscapes as pathways to peace and dialogue. How the Southern Öland heritage landscape can foster understanding, cooperation, and peaceful relations through shared stewardship of land and traditions.

The project will continue this autumn with student fieldwork and a joint futures workshop at the end. Exciting with local and regional collaborations!