Evaluation of National World Heritage Strategy: successful implementation, impact needs to grow

The evaluation of Finland’s National World Heritage Strategy (2015–2025) finds that implementation has been broad‑based and substantive. The strategy has reinforced Finland’s standing as a responsible steward of world heritage and deepened cooperation between world heritage sites. The findings and the role of the strategy were discussed at the World Heritage Forum in Vaasa.

The evaluation examined how the strategy and its implementation plan have been carried out, their impact on national world heritage policy, and Finland’s implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The strategy is based on the 5Cs, strategic objectives of the Convention: Credibility, Conservation, Capacity‑building, Communication and Communities.

Tentative list, nominations and cooperation identified as strengths

The evaluation highlights the tentative list process, the preparation of nomination dossiers and closer cooperation between world heritage sites as particularly successful. Finland has met its obligations under the World Heritage Convention and consolidated its international role.

The strategy has provided a clear framework for cooperation and for structuring practical action. As a result, world heritage work in Finland has matured, with positive effects on local economies, tourism and education.

Legislation, communications and community engagement need further development

While all groups of measures delivered results, progress remained limited in some areas, in particular legislative development, communications and the integration of communities.

According to the evaluation, impact has depended largely on a small, committed group of people, in many cases operating at the limits of existing structures. Limited funding and reliance on projects make sustained development difficult.

Looking ahead

Enhancing and extending the measures already under way will reinforce continued progress towards the world heritage policy objectives. At the same time, changes in the operating environment, including climate change, a shifting security landscape and wider societal change, underscore the need to articulate more clearly the societal value of world heritage, especially in terms of sustainable development and regional vitality.

The evaluation notes that the need for strategic guidance does not end with the current strategy period. Without a shared strategy, activities risk becoming fragmented and losing momentum.

World Heritage Forum brings experts together in Vaasa

The World Heritage Forum brings together professionals working in world heritage and others with an interest in the field to discuss current issues. The event will be opened by State Secretary Kristiina Kokko and hosted by Hippi Hovi.

The forum focuses on the evaluation of the national world heritage strategy and its role going forward. The programme includes presentations of the findings, a panel discussion on the significance of the strategy and an overview of future development needs.

The afternoon programme will mark the 20th anniversary of the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site, Finland’s only natural site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The event will also celebrate ten years of work by the Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland.

The World Heritage Forum is organised by the Association of World Heritage Sites in Finland in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of the Environment commissioned the evaluation, which was carried out by the consultancy MDI. The evaluation examined the implementation and impact of the strategy and issued recommendations for the future development of world heritage policy. The National World Heritage Strategy (2015–2025) has guided Finland’s implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, with the aim of ensuring well‑managed sites, sustainable tourism and an inclusive approach to world heritage management.

World heritage in a changing world: Evaluation of National World Heritage Strategy

World Heritage Forum 2026 programme (in Finnish)

Inquiries:

Ministry of Education and Culture: Mirva Mattila, Senior Ministerial Adviser, [email protected], tel. +358 295 330 269

Ministry of the Environment: Ilona Latsa, Senior Specialist, [email protected], tel. +358 295 250 388

MDI: Kirsi Siltanen, Specialist, [email protected] +358 40 667 4678