Shore conservation

The purpose of shore conservation is to keep the most high-value Finnish shorelines undeveloped and in their natural state. The sites are selected based on their representativeness, diversity, endangerment and rarity, the natural state or scenic value of the area, or scientific criteria. In addition, efforts have been made to establish conservation areas in the active nesting areas of the white-tailed eagle and the Saimaa ringed seal.

In Kitee, there are two shore conservation areas: the archipelago of Orivesi-Pyhäselkä and the archipelago of Lake Pyhäjärvi.

Orivesi-Pyhäselkä archipelago

An open archipelago area in Orivesi and Pyhäselkä, with a surface area of 15,938 hectares. The area has particular conservation value, as it is a breeding and living habitat of the Saimaa ringed seal.

Pyhäjärvi archipelago

An esker ridge area with significant scenic value, located in the north-eastern part of Lake Pyhäjärvi and covering a surface area of around 250 hectares. The fish stock in the area is valuable for the fish industry.