Do you want to know why the Cultural Landscape of Kenozero Lake was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2024 and what makes it so appealing? This guide briefly explains the geographic location, natural environment, and historical background of Lake Kenozero, as well as the background to its inscription as a World Heritage Site. It will help you understand the cultural value of Lake Kenozero and the importance of its protection.
What is Lake Kenozero?
Geographic location of Lake Kenozero
Lake Kenozero is located in the Kenozero National Park in the Arkhangelsk region, in the northwest of the Russian Federation. The area is located in the northern part of European Russia, on a glacial plain along the water distribution line that separates the White Sea from the Baltic Sea, and the Arctic Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean. The area around Lake Kenozero is a scenic area with many lakes, rivers, forests, and vast wetlands, and due to its geographical isolation, traditional rural landscapes have been well preserved.
Natural environment and landscape
The natural environment of Lake Kenozero is a beautiful area where diverse landscape elements are in harmony. The lake and rivers, combined with the surrounding forests, form a rich ecosystem, dotted with wetlands and grasslands. These natural elements create landscapes that change with the seasons, providing visitors with seasonal beauty. In particular, in autumn, the spectacle of the autumn leaves reflected on the lake's surface is a must-see. In winter, the lake freezes over, allowing visitors to enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
The ecosystem of Lake Kenozero is rich in wetlands, forests, and lakes, and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Many bird species, including rare species, can be observed here, and it is an important habitat for migratory birds in particular. In addition, the lakes and rivers are home to a wide variety of fish, making it a well-known fishing spot. Unique plant groups are widespread in the wetlands, and these ecosystems play an important role in supporting the biodiversity of the region.
Attractions and Activities
There are many tourist attractions around Lake Kenozero. There are walking trails and observation decks where you can enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery, and hiking and bird watching are popular activities. Historic wooden churches and chapels are also worth seeing, many of which were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and feature beautiful painted ceilings. Outdoor activities such as boat tours and fishing in the summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter are also available. Festivals and events that allow you to experience local culture and traditions are also held regularly, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the fusion of rich nature and culture.
History of Lake Kenozero
Prehistoric Lake Kenozero
The area around Lake Kenozero shows signs of human habitation as far back as the 1st century BC. The area was first inhabited by the Protosámi, an ancient Finno-Ugric people. Archaeological finds reveal the life and culture of these early people. The Protosámi people lived here for thousands of years, mainly hunting, fishing and gathering, until the Slavs arrived in the area.
Medieval development and Slavification
In the 12th century, merchants and farmers from the Novgorod Republic began to settle around Lake Kenozero, and Slavization progressed. This led to the development of agriculture, which had a major impact on the culture and landscape of the region. As the Slavs settled around Lake Kenozero, many villages were formed and cooperative agriculture and natural resource management systems developed. Wooden churches and chapels were also built, which became the spiritual centers of the local communities. These buildings, with their unique architectural techniques and decoration, remain important cultural heritage of the region to this day.
Soviet influence
In the early 20th century, the Lake Kenozero region underwent major changes due to the Russian Revolution and the subsequent formation of the Soviet Union. Under Soviet rule, collective farms (kolkhoz) and state-run farms (sovkhoz) were established, significantly changing traditional agricultural practices. Furthermore, state-led resettlement policies led to the abandonment of many villages and the relocation of inhabitants to new settlements. During this period, many historical and religious buildings were destroyed, significantly affecting the cultural landscape of the region.
Modern conservation and preservation efforts
In 1991, Kenozero National Park was established, strengthening the protection of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region. This led to a full-scale effort to preserve the historical buildings and landscapes around Lake Kenozero. With the cooperation of local and international research institutions, heritage surveys, restoration, and conservation are being carried out. Particular emphasis has been placed on the restoration of traditional wooden buildings and the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, and efforts are continuing to pass on the history and culture of the region to future generations. A sustainable development plan has also been drawn up to balance tourism development and nature conservation, and efforts are being made to ensure that the development of the local economy and the protection of heritage go hand in hand.
Why was the Lake Kenozero Cultural Landscape inscribed on the World Heritage List?
Traditional wooden architecture at Lake Kenozero
There are many traditional wooden buildings around Lake Kenozero. These buildings were built between the 12th and 19th centuries, especially wooden churches and chapels from the 18th and 19th centuries. These buildings reflect the unique architectural techniques and design of the Russian North and are characterized by their log-house-like structures. Many of the buildings have beautifully decorated window frames, balconies, and carved facades, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship in the region. The interiors of the churches and chapels also feature ceiling paintings called "heavenly" ceilings, which have become religious and cultural symbols of the region.
Rural settlement patterns and land use
The Lake Kenozero Cultural Landscape was formed as a result of traditional rural settlement patterns and land use. Since the Middle Ages, many villages have been established around the lake with the migration of Slavic peoples. These villages were planned and laid out according to the natural topography, and they practiced communal agriculture and forest management. Farmland was spread across areas surrounded by lakes, rivers and forests, and seasonal crops were grown, fished and hunted. These land use patterns provided the basis for a sustainable livelihood in harmony with the local natural environment.
Intangible Cultural Heritage and Folklore
Throughout its long history, the local community of Lake Kenozero has cultivated many intangible cultural heritages, including traditional crafts, folk music, dance and storytelling. In particular, local traditional crafts are highly valued, such as woodcarving, weaving and pottery. The community also has many legends and folk tales, which have been passed down orally for generations. These cultural elements are part of the identity of the local people and are deeply connected to their daily lives.
Conservation and management efforts
The conservation and management of the Lake Kenozero Cultural Landscape began with the establishment of Kenozero National Park in 1991. This led to increased protection of the area's natural and cultural heritage, and the restoration and preservation of many historic structures. Detailed survey and restoration plans have been developed in collaboration with local and international research institutions to ensure sustainable management. Programs have also been implemented to support the transmission of traditional knowledge and techniques in collaboration with local communities. A sustainable development plan has also been introduced to balance tourism development with heritage protection, striving to ensure that the region's economic development is compatible with the protection of its cultural heritage.
The significance and impact of World Heritage registration
The inscription of the Lake Kenozero Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage Site has great significance for the region and the international community. Firstly, it has internationally recognized the historical and cultural value of the region, emphasizing the importance of its preservation and protection. This has increased the pride and awareness of local residents, further stimulating efforts to protect local cultural heritage. The inscription has also contributed to the promotion of tourism, which has led to the revitalization of the local economy. The increase in tourists has increased the demand for local traditional crafts and agricultural products, diversifying the local economy. Furthermore, the increased international interest has strengthened support for research and preservation activities, and helped the site serve as a model case for sustainable development.
summary
The Lake Kenozero Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2024 in recognition of its rich history, traditional wooden architecture, unique rural lifestyle, and the region's intangible cultural heritage. This will provide international recognition of the importance and value of the region and further promote conservation efforts. Lake Kenozero, with its beautiful landscapes where nature and culture coexist in harmony, is a valuable heritage that should be passed on to future generations.
English 
日本語