Due to new navigation and automation technology many lighthouses today are unmanned. Because of harsh weather conditions and lack of daily inspection and regular maintenance the buildings decay rapidly. Many lighthouses are at risk, and a vital part of coastal cultural history is in danger of disappearing. 

The Baltic Sea Heritage Cooperation
The Ministers of Culture of Finland, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway set up the Baltic Sea Heritage Cooperation in the late 1990s. The aim is to focus on and safeguard cultural heritage around the Baltic Sea. The work is organized in four working groups that deal with coastal culture, sustainable historic towns, marine archeology and building materials. Norway participates in all groups and leads the work of the coastal culture group, in which the conservation of lighthouses is an important task.

Through this cooperation important networks are established between the Nordic and the Baltic countries.

Photo: Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Danckert Monrad-Krohn