Sustainable revitalisation of the Solovetsky archipelago in the White Sea

The Solovetsky archipelago is a region of vast cultural, historic and religious values. It has been an important part of the history of Russia including prosperous periods in the 19th century during the reign of Alexander III, who heavily contributed to the archipelago's rapid development, preserving its religious prosperity and peace. However, after the foundation of the Soviet Union in the 20th century the archipelago was invaded by the Red Army and the Solovetsky monastery was confiscated and religion was banned. This period has been most destructive in the history of the Solovetsky archipelago. It was violently converted into forced labour camps (GULAG), which were the destination for political prisoners who actively opposed the Soviet regime. During Soviet era the islands had several different militaristic functions each destroying the essence of the values that the islands used to possess as an untouched natural landscape and a religious hideout. After the collapse of the Soviet Union religious activity on the archipelago was restored but the rebuilding of the island was a slow process. In one hand, this was the result of the terrible events in the recent history- the Solovetsky archipelago was carrying a bad reputation and was therefore an unpopular destination. The remote location of the islands made any kind of transportation and connection difficult and therefore unattractive. On the other hand, the reasons for the moderate development was caused by the conflict between the church and the government. The islands had always been managed by the monastery, which wanted the archipelago to be a religious territory and to be only visited by pilgrims but after the disappearance of the Soviet Union the power over the islands was divided by the church and the government. They found it difficult to agree on different decisions that needed to be implemented on the islands and that is what made the development of the islands nearly impossible. After a 2-decade long rally of discussions the church and the government have succeeded in reaching an understanding between one another and as a result the municipality of the Arkhangelsk region has decided to allocate funds for the development of major infrastructural issues on the archipelago. It is commonly understood that in order to enhance the vitality of the territory, certain improvements have to be carried out which in return will provide better living standards to the local people and also increase the public attention and travels to the islands. The cultural and historic importance of the Solovetsky archipelago has been acknowledged by different professionals and institutions all over the world. It has been enlisted in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1992 and it is proudly portrayed on the back side of the Bank of Russia's 100-ruble note. Solovetsky complex is an outstanding monument representing the apogee of the Russian Orthodox fortitude and courage; outstanding example of a monastic settlement in the harsh conditions of Northern Europe, is a perfect example of faith, determination and courage to the religious communities of the late Middle Ages 1. Despite the controversial history of the archipelago, it is still widely recognised as a unique destination where both religious and non-religious people can embark on a spiritual journey among the picturesque scenery of the untouched Solovetsky nature. The Solovetsky islands are primarily associated with spirituality and religion. A lot of monks went to the Solovetsky monastery because the archipelago is considered to be a holy land. Religious people believe that a lot of miracles took place on the island and therefore for them it is a sacred place. Religion is a special part of the islands on a daily basis which defines the archipelago as a spiritual destination. Full preservation of the religious quality is an objective in out thesis project. We desire to enable people to experience the ambience of the religious presence at the islands. The islands have a wide variety of traits which can be exposed to a wide-ranging audiences that can have an important influence on the economic improvement of the archipelago. We believe that given the right strategy and tools, the archipelago's popularity can be improved with a series of small interventions which will increase the quality of stay for the visitors of the islands. We want to discover and emphasise on the islands' distinctive qualities which in the long run will increase the income, the mood and the quality of life of the community. In our thesis project we will set out to investigate the current cultural, economic and social status of the Solovetsky archipelago. We will explore for possible answers to how to sustainably improve the islands. Different natural, religious and cultural qualities of the island have a great potential to boost the local quality of life. Our goal is to build up a strategic plan of development to reverse the on-going decaying process and bring the archipelago to an improving state.