If you climb up to the Mustaviiri observation tower during "arktika," the spring migration of arctic birds, you will have arrived at the scene of exceptional achievements. The Struve Geodetic Arc point located at the base of the tower is evidence of man's persistent efforts to map out the world by means of triangulation. The birds flying overhead navigate their way back home guided by an internal map.
The UNESCO World Heritage List is a worldwide network of treasures shared by all of mankind. You can start getting to know these unique sites in areas managed by Metsähallitus: the Kvarken Archipelago formed by land uplift and the points along the Struve Geodetic Arc.
The Kvarken Archipelago is Finland's first natural heritage site included in the World Heritage List, forming the High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage site together with the Swedish High Coast area. In the Kvarken Archipelago, you can witness a unique natural process of change. Due to land uplift, the biotypes as well as the flora and fauna of the archipelago are constantly changing. Keeping up with the changes would require mammoth patience, though – the land previously weighed down under a glacier rises from the sea at a rate of 8 mm per year. For solid ground, however, this is a feat worthy of recognition in the World Heritage List!
The Struve Geodetic Arc is an item in the World Heritage List that spans several countries and represents the achievements of science and art. The triangulation points of Tarvantovaara, Aavasaksa and Mustaviiri are located in areas maintained by Metsähallitus.
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