The collection provides an overview of ancient shrines plundering.
The collection is non-exhaustive.
The collection includes some 80 characteristic examples of the condition of heritage and shrines under nature protection by the State, also examples of cultural heritage and cross-trees map publicised shrines.
The Collections objective is to give an objective opinion of our landscapes and peoples culture characteristics and to help protect their condition.
UNPROTECTED PLACES
Some up to 4000 natural shrines places have not been registered. In causal effect the protection of them is not possible to warrant. Many of the shrines are known and used.
http://hiis.ee/files/ryystatud_pyhapaigad_2018.pdf
As example –
Põlva parish Taevaskoja (“Heaven-Chambers”) shrine
Landscape Reserve of the Valley of the Ahja River (KLO1000452),
Place of Heritage Culture Taevaskoda 619: HII: 006
Põlva v., Taevaskoja k, Kiidjärve forest district 82 c. (lot: 61901: 001: 0124).
2011-2012 At RMK’s (Estonian National Forest Centre) request, old and new tourist infrastructure (stairs, railings, roads) was renovated in Taevaskoja, which significantly altered and damaged the environment and sanctuary.
The stairs and borders of post-guard were recessed and grounded with a soil drill, and it was also made right next to the Mother Fountain Cave (Emalätte koobas). At the same time, RMK was aware of the risk of collapse of the cave because it has placed an informative sign of “collapse warning” directly on the cave. For the construction of sidewalks, 1900 tons of crushed stone were transported on heavy machines. “The Guardians” of the Sanctuary were essentially not included in the the planning and execution of the works.
During the works, the site of 1st Category Protected plants was damaged. “Directly for reconditioning responsible Aigar Kallas, Chairman of the Management Board of RMK, and the Environmental Board Director General Andres Onemar approved the construction project, and later acknowledged that “what happened was a painful lesson, that will require to make conclusions to prevent such things in the future. ”(EPL 30.11.12)
When the Cave of Mother Fountain collapsed 2013, RMK denied causal effect with the works conducted. Rein Einasto, Professor of Geology, having viewed the site considered the main cause of the collapse the construction works beside the cave. He also considered such extensive construction of stairs and handrails in the nature reserve and a sacred place a useless and regrettable violation of nature.
The cost of the construction project in Taevaskoja was 227,387 euros.
RMK organizes lawn mowing every summer in Taevaskoja, notwithstanding that it reduces species diversity, pollutes the environment with sound and air pollution, and disturbs the peace of the sanctuary.
Owner: State of Estonia – RMK (National Forest Centre)
Read articles: – Builders hammered up Taevaskoja’s protected area: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
