Background information

In 2020, Rome-based Instead Heritage was commissioned to investigate the boundary between aquaculture and the World Heritage values of Vegaøyan World Heritage Site. This was based on objections from the National Heritage Board and the State Governor of Nordland to the Helgeland Coastal Plan, which they believed did not adequately safeguard the World Heritage values. Already in the document inscribing Vegaøyan on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004, the World Heritage Committee expressed concern about 'the interface between protection and sustainable development in connection with aquaculture' in the cultural landscape, and asked the Norwegian state party to consider the matter in future planning. However, this was not done under government auspices.

Advising against industrial farming

The supplementary report commissioned by Vega municipality and published in September does not recommend industrial aquaculture in the World Heritage Site: "As no deterioration of the outstanding universal values is acceptable, the two proposed aquaculture facilities should not be approved."

The report goes on to say: "In view of the current degraded conditions, the existing aquaculture facilities within or in the vicinity of the World Heritage Site, including in neighboring municipalities, should also be reassessed."

Must meet obligations

Instead Heritage believes that with such a decision, a great responsibility will fall on the state party to secure Vega as a viable local community: "The outstanding universal values that characterize this World Heritage Site depend on the presence of a vibrant local community as much as it depends on healthy ecosystems. Norway has long been an active member of the World Heritage community and has encouraged other State Parties to fulfill their obligations and continuously improve management practices. In this context, Vegaøyan can be an opportunity for Norway to show leadership in implementing new approaches to World Heritage to meet the challenges of the 21st century."

Must safeguard the local community

The report further points out: "The priorities will be research and monitoring that can contribute to understanding how Vegaøyan can be managed as a social-ecological system, identifying and actively supporting ways of living and using the landscape, seascape and marine resources that safeguard the livelihoods and lifestyles of local people, while maintaining healthy ecosystems."

On October 20, 2022, Vega municipality considered the Helgeland Coastal Plan for the 4th time and chose not to follow the advice in the additional report.

Read Instead Heritage's additional report with attachments: