Narva Jõesuu Town

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Area	11.03 km2 (4.26 sq mi)
Place	Narva-Jõesuu
Country	Estonia
Topics	Coastal Line study of Narva-Jõesuu
Author(s)	Annedith Rousseau Camacho, Erki Hasi & Rajendra Bastola
Evening view of Narva-Jõesuu Beach

Rationale

Narva-Jõesuu is a city with the longest sand beach in Estonia. It is located on the border with Russia and also close to Finland, being the closest touristic coast for tourist. Beautiful nature and landscape give the city a high potential but it is also challenging with depopulation and some pollution from the river.

Location and scope

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A Landscape System Analysis

A.1 Landscape layers and their system context

Geomorphology, landscape units and coastal typology

Narva-Jõesuu is a town in Ida-Viru County, in northeastern Estonia. It is located on the country's northern Baltic coast and the Gulf of Finland. The town's name in Estonian and Russian means "Mouth of the Narva", the river which forms the border with Russia. Narva-Jõesuu beach, covered with fine sand and lined with a pine forest, is well-known for its unique natural environment and is the longest one in Estonia; running 7.5 km on the south shore of the Gulf of Finland. There is 2.5 km wide foredune plain over the south which consists of fine sandy deposits forming approximately 80 parallel ridges built by wave action and of sinuous irregular ridges formed by a combination of wave and aeolian processes. Likewise, the coastline is been modified by floating peat islands from the river that are washed to the shore by the water currents and wind movements. This phenomenon is caused by the construction of Narva hydroelectric station in 1950, which in order to be built a big swamp was flooded.

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  Geomorphology of Narva-Jõesuu

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  Narva-Joesuu in Summer

Land use

The settlement arose around the 14th century, It was the site of an outer harbor of the City of Narva from the 16th century, containing several timber stockyards, sawmills, and a small shipbuilding industry. Narva is a melting pot of Estonian and Russian cultures and a great place to stop and relax when traveling to and from St. Petersburg. The first spa in Narva-Jõesuu was opened in the 19th century, beginning a fine and well-established tradition. Once a prime example of Baroque architecture in Europe, the town was heavily damaged in the Second war and almost entirely rebuilt. In the last few years its resort facilities have been renovated and thanks to its eight-kilometer-long white sand beach lined with pine trees, Narva-Jõesuu has become a popular summer destination. With the rising tourism and interest, the area could develop into popular holiday destination and an important boating area with a new port and breakwater.

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  Map of land use development

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  Hele Park also known as "Light Park" with a small pond in the centre

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  Pime Park also known as "Dark Park"

Green/blue infrastructure

A green infrastructure approach to coastal improvement—a "living shoreline"—can be created using plants, reefs, sand, and natural barriers to reduce erosion and flooding. It also can lessen the associated impacts on human health and property. A strategically planned and managed network of natural lands, working landscapes, and other open spaces that conserve ecosystem values and functions and provides associated benefits to human populations. Green infrastructure preserves “coastal character”. Green infrastructure creates natural buffers for people during hazards events. And also strengthened the connection between people and environment and people and place. A well functioning blue infrastructure requires an integrated approach to create a network that prevents floods, droughts and has a good water quality. Clearwater is important for contribution to an attractive urban environment for physical exercise and mental health effects of the presence of surface water. Natural infrastructure and combinations of natural and built infrastructure can provide important storm protection and other benefits to coastal communities, thus more research and investment in, and application of, natural and hybrid approaches need to be included in coastal resilience planning and decision-making at all levels.

The green infrastructure of Narva-Jõesuu consists of pine forests on the coastline and in the mainland. There are also lots of greenery inside the town. Most of the private houses have luscious gardens, there are two parks, graveyard and small forested areas. Blue infrastructure is the coastline with a long sandy beach and riverside area. The riverside is not in high use and could use some development and renovation.

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  Map showing green and blue infrastructure

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  Pine forest along along the coast

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  Narva Bay

Actors and stakeholders

The changes in the landscape are driven by both Estonian and Russian governments. Building on the coastline is regulated with spatial planning. The breakwater near the river mouth is collapsing and should be rebuilt. Also, the Russian hydroelectric station on the river is causing pollution and the ineffective breakwater is failing to keep it away from the beach. Sandy coast and beautiful nature support tourism development, which attracts stakeholders and businesses. There are currently many businesses gone bankrupt and the city is struggling with emigration.

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  Power Map Beach of Narva-Jõesuu has a high potential with high power. Controlled by the government and regulated with water laws. The beach is affected by the natural forces from the sea and river. There is a decaying breakwater that is ruining the beauty and not stopping the pollution from the river. There are external factors like the hydroelectric power plant on Narva river that are highly affecting the water quality. The factory belongs to Russia and is a high power in the area. Tourism is the highest economical powers of Narva-Jõesuu but is still not affecting the area much. Environmentally it is a good thing.

Sacred spaces and heritage

Sacred spaces and heritage are places holding religious or spiritual importance to followers of those religions and practices. In Coastal areas like Narva-Jõesuu, which is the border between two nations and where heritage is viewed as a keeper of biological diversity and sources of information about the activities of our ancestors. It has a cultural value from the 19th century which is rich in seafaring related heritage; sheds for nets and boats, lighthouse, rescue stations, and military defense structures. These places are of historical importance in both nation’s political and social context. Russian and Estonian natives consider these coastal heritages to be an integral part of their identity. Also, they provide unique features for tourism of those coastal areas, tourist can feel that they are traveling back in time and truly immerse in the local experience by visiting this coastal heritage. They give authenticity and uniqueness to the place and with the rise of the internet and global-nomadic lifestyle of the young generation, they are keen to visit lighthouses, historical harbors, resorts, world heritage sites, local urban and rural architecture as well as archaeological sites.

Some of the sacred spaces around the Narva-Jõesuu: 1) Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God- The distinguished wooden church has been constructed in 1893 in Meriküla. It was placed to its present location after it was completely destroyed in World War II. 2) The memorial stone of the landing troops of Meriküla - This was the place where the Soviet landing troops of more than 500 men landed on February 14, 1944. The landing troops were caught by the Nazi fire and most men were killed. So, to honor and respect those troops, the memorial stone was built. 3) Pine of Meriküla - Meriküla pine is a nature conservation native tree in Ida-Viru county, Narva-Jõesuu. The pine is a multifloral tree that is an unusual shrub-like owl. The painter Ivan Šiškin, who was resting between Narva-Jõesuu and Udri, loved to sit and paint under this tree.

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  The memorial stone of the landing troops of Meriküla

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  Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

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  Pine of Meriküla

Visual appearance and landscape narrative

Essential elements of the landscape character are the fine sand covered beach lined with pine forest, river mouth, and the sea. The landscapes in Narva-Jõesuu have not been painted very much but there are a few paintings and postcards exhibiting the sandy beach, sea and pine forests. On the city border grows a big pine tree with spreading branches under which famous Russian painter Ivan Šiškin loved to sit and paint. Šiškin has a few paintings of the pine and the surroundings exhibited in Saint Petersburg’s museum. There is a legend about Meriküla pine that couples who kiss under it will stay together forever.

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  Pine forest along the coast

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  Postcard from 1960.

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  Bathing machines at the beginning of 20th century

A.2 Summary of you landscape system analysis and your development Targets

It was a major focal trade point and tourism hub in the 1900s, people used to go there for summer vacation. The main problem here is the emigration and pollution from the old hydroelectric powerhouse. Actors responsible for this city’s preservation and restoration are Estonian and Russian government, should firstly make an effort to control pollution in the river. Spatial planning should be done such that the infrastructure is planned without hampering the coastal area and the green/blue infrastructure. They should try to highlight the coastal areas for tourism by collaborating green and blue infrastructure, even adventure activities like parasailing, jet-ski or jungle hiking trails could be a pulling factor for tourists. As this area also carries a lot of history with itself, the pre-war lighthouses and other sacred spaces , if government could find a way to incorporate these historical sites to museums or even a memorial place for the war victims, and build the landscape around such sites to incorporate with the green/blue infrastructure, tourism can flourish. Aesthetically pleasing sites along with historical importance have been proven to be the major tourist attraction. Sustainable development goals at risk are: 1 No poverty; 2 Zero hunger; 8 Decent work and economic growth; 9 Industry, innovation, and infrastructure; 11 Sustainable cities and communities; 12 Responsible consumption and production; 14 Life below water; 15 Life on land; 16 Peace, justice, and strong institution; 17 Partnerships for the goals. Our hypothesis for the landscape of coastal areas are based on the better collaboration of its natural landscape and entwining of heritages with the landscape. This coastal area has been pictured as a summer destination. If local people and local government work towards preserving the landscape and making infrastructures for tourism, then, this place could be bustling with people, trade and energy all year long

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  Spider diagram

A.3 Theory reflection

• Reflect on at least three international policy documents in relation to their local landscape case
• choose one international, one European and one national document
• You can choose references from our reading list
• Scope: 250 words

Sustainable Development Policy

TEXT

EU Coastal and Marine Policy

TEXT

Estonian Water Act

TEXT

A.4 References

Google Maps

Visit Estonia

Delfi Forte

Narva-Jõesuu Newspaper

Wikipedia - Narva-Jõesuu

Wikipedia - Meriküla Pine

Estonian Water Act

EU Coast and Marine Policy

Sustainable Development Goals

Narva-Jõesuu municipality

Phase B: Landscape Evaluation and Assessment

B.1 Assessment Strategy

Based on the Landscape System Analysis of Narva-Jõesuu, there is insufficient information about this place as a holiday destination, decaying breakwater near the river mouth, pollution from the hydroelectricity project near the border, lack of financial and human resources, abandoned houses and factories, poor connection with border nations, inadequate transport connection and infrastructure and unmanaged coastal area are the main problems around Narva-Jõesuu which are hampering to flourish tourism and development of this area.

Goals referring to these problems:

• Preserve the cultural heritage along with the landscape around it
• Improve the relationships between both nations
• Promote and improve tourism and holiday destination as it used to be before world war II
• Improve economy by reopening the fishing port
• Add more walking trails, boardwalks, and establishing camping site for the overnight stay
• providing a system that enables linking the quality of the environment to its management

As this place has very old history, preserving its cultural heritage along with the landscape around it is the main strategy of our assessment. Improving the beach image and adding some elements and adventurous activities around the beach, pine forests and through the whole city, creates a beautiful nature vacation targeting all types of tourist. More co-operation between Estonia and Russia is needed to boost the flow of resources in the area. Reopening the fishing dock with new functions and services provides jobs and more activities for both visitors and locals. Helping to achieve these goals, three different studies are used. SWOT helps to understand its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Another one is ecosystem services which will contribute to the ecosystem structure and human-well being. And the last one is Blue Health Environmental Assessment(BEAT) method which helps to find the links between environment, climate and health.

B.2 Mapping

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  Cultural Landscape Map On this map there are different natural character areas which make the place unique and give it character. There are also recreational areas like parks and beach. Location points with numbers are showing different cultural elements like the lighthouse, resort hall, museum, Orthodox Russian church, breakwater which are representative of the place or what locals and tourists can relate the history to.

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  Roads and Settlement Map. This map shows all the roads connection in the town as well as road connection to the beach and the settlements around the Narva-Joesuu Town. Town holds 2,600 inhabitants, most of them are Russian speaking aging people. In this map we divided the settlement into two area, one with brown color shows the houses where people are still living and surrounding environment is maintained well whereas settlement with black color shows the abandoned houses. But somehow people are still using the garden of this abandoned area for crops and vegetables. There is a main road with red color which connects directly to another big city Narva and different secondary roads are connected with it around the town which we can see in the orange color. Some of the roads are directly connected to the beachside where some parking is also available and some roads are only used as a pedestrian that leads to the beach.

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  Business and Services Map The purpose of this map is to help analyze where business and services are concentrated in Narva-Jõesuu. It shows where the different hotels, smaller accommodations businesses, SPAs, restaurants, cafes, and grocery shops are located. It became clear that the area next to the beach is most favorable in both Hotels, SPAs, and restaurants while grocery shops were more in the center. Smaller businesses are located all around the town. This information shows the preferences and hotspots of the businesses plus helps to take into consideration the possible new touristic areas.

B.3 Problem definition and priority setting

Problems:

Being the best holiday destination during 19th century, it’s lacking its importance and value these days. Information about this destination is insufficient, even Estonian people are unknown about this place. Lack of financial and Human Resources is the major drawbacks which is constantly pulling back this place from development. Pollution from the river and pollution from the hydropower is degrading the water quality of the river, which is the major reason to stop the fish factories to run ahead. These place also lacks proper transport connection. And the people living here speaks mostly Russian and informations provided are also not available in multiple languages it’s hard for tourist or visitors to communicate.

Priorities setting:

The main priority is creating and developing strong destinations for visitors. Trying to bring back the identity and feeling from the 19th century by preserving its cultural heritage or somehow restoring them in other way like by building museum. Creating the missing infrastructure like proper transport facility which directly connects Tallinn to Narva-Joesuu or from St. Petersburg, educate entrepreneurs and involve local community. Developing water tourism like small ports and harbors, swimming, developing beachside tourism infrastructure. Developing or renovating different theme park in more broader way. Adding more walking trails, boardwalks and establishing camping site for overnight stay in the pine forest could be the best use of the forest available near the coastal area.

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  Risk and Potential Map

B.4 Theory reflection

1) Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the contributions of ecosystem structure and functions to human well-being. This implies that mankind is strongly dependent on well-functioning ecosystem and natural capital that are the basis for a constant flow of ecosystem services from nature to the society. Coastal ecosystem of Narva-Joesuu such as huge pine forests, gardens, parks, Narva river, provide a number of supporting and cultural ecosystem services to both the local communities as well as the wider population who benefit from them.

i) Narva River - fishing, hydropower production (provision) - border between two nations, mouth of Narva (value) - pollution from the hydropower, abounded fish factories, pollution (problems)

ii) Beach: - summer destination, recreation (provision) - longest sand beach in Estonia, Historical Background (value)

- whole 7km sand beach is not used properly and not well maintained (problems)

iii) Pine Forest - trails and boardwalk, collecting berries and mushroom, wood used for construction (provision) - whole the coastal area is covered by pine forest (value) - not managed properly (problem)

iv) Parks and garden - food from the garden, intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits (value) - parks show the meaning of light and dark and garden shows the traditional way of cultivation (value) - parks are small and provide limited services for children (problems)

2) SWOT Analysis

Strenghts

• Location near the beach and river, the border of EU and Russia
• Existing SPA's and vacation elements
• Natural resources
• Longest sand beach in Estonia
• Rich history and heritage

Weaknesses

• Peripheral location in the country
• Economic situation
• Poor infrastructure
• Seasonality
• Abandoned and broken buildings
• Poor image and reputation
• Language problems
• Emigration
• Aging population

Opportunities

• Economic growth
• Developing to a vacation destination
• Potential for sailing and fishing
• Continuous protection of and use of nature and living environment
• Business opportunities between EU and Russia
• Economic cooperation

Threats

• Continuing economic problems
• Decreasing tourism
• Continuing emigration
• Threat from Russia
• environmental degradation

3) Blue Health Environmental Assessment (BEAT) The BEAT, formed by fusing several existing assessment tools, helps to evaluate the social, physical and ecological characteristics of a space. Also, identify and understand the factors that can maximize the health and wellbeing benefits of blue spaces. It is clearly seen that the beach area of Narva-Jõesuu provides many possibilities and opportunities for recreation and tourism. There is a need for the functioning breakwater, beach and riverside structures and elements, and a port.

B.5 References

BlueHealth and BEAT

Narva-Jõesuu Development Plan 2011-2025

Phase C – Strategy and Master Plan

C.1 Goal Setting

Slogan - “Enjoy your holidays in the longest sand beach of Estonia” - Narva Joesuu

Goal - “ Make Narva-Jõesuu a great travel destination with the development of economy, transport, tourism, and by restoring the image of 19th century.”

Through the evaluation findings and analysis, the goals and strategic planning objectives for Narva-Jõesuu and its coastal development were set. There are three main goals. The first one is to make Narva-Jõesuu a great travel destination and improve tourism. Second, to restore the curort town image from the 19th century and develop its economy, transport, culture, and nature. For that, it is important to fix the infrastructure, create and attract businesses, preserve the cultural heritage and landscape, create more places and opportunities for recreation and improve the connection and relations with Russia.

1 No poverty - improve the economy and create jobs

2 Zero hunger - start fishing economy and grow local food

8 Decent work and economic growth - attract businesses and services, increase tourism

9 Industry, innovation, and infrastructure - create new multifunctional industries, improve infrastructure

11 Sustainable cities and communities - Use sustainable systems and create the sense of community

12 Responsible consumption and production - laws and regulations, education

14 Life below water - fishing, research and dealing with the pollution

15 Life on land - green infrastructure, recreation possibilities, heritage

16 Peace, justice, and strong institutions - good diplomatic relations and co-work between EU and Russia

17 Partnerships for the goals - teamwork with other countries and with local government

C.2 Spatial Strategy and Transect

• translate your strategic goals into a vision
• develop a spatial translation of your vision
• exemplify your vision in the form of a transect with concrete interventions
• add map(s) and visualizations

In the vision, Narva-Jõesuu will become sustainable, cultural, natural holiday destination with nations bonding tourism. The whole coastline and riverside would be developed and well-functioning. It would mean a better connection with transport and infrastructure. Plus the addition of beach promenade and different activities there. There must be better protection and management of heritage objects like the lighthouse, resort hall, and church. Improving the economy is also important. Existing hotels and SPAs can use some better spatial solutions and business models. Fishing and small port need developing. Also management of the breakwater, parks, forest, and gardens.

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  Strategic Planning

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  Transect 1

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  Access Map

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  A visual showing multiple function of breakwater

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  A visual showing board walk along the beach

C.3 From Theory of Change to Implementation

• For implementing your vision: Which partnerships are needed? Which governance model is required?
• Who needs to act and how? Draw and explain a change/process model/timeline
• Which resources are needed? On which assets can you build?
• add 150 words text and visuals

To make Narva-Joesuu one of the best touristic destination in Estonia, it is important to develop physical infrastructure within the city, preserving the cultural heritage and addition of different activities around the coast line. Today it is complex to be addressed all the work individually or by organisation working alone, only with collaboration of local municipality along with local people and by the help of government and multiple stakeholders with a strategic planning is needed to achieve any goals for the development of the city.

As the narva-Joesuu is the border between two nations, top most things is to maintain peace, harmony and good relations among bordering nations from government level. The Narva river which plays important role in separating both the nation should be properly managed such as pollution from hydroelectric station, broken breakwater and abandoned fish factories. Also the area holds the very strong old heritages, preserving and promoting such heritage would be another important part of municipality in order to attract more tourists. Addition of extra beach activities along with new hotels and spas will attract more private investors. The major challenge of the municipality is to set short and long term development plans which would directly stop the emigrants. Good transport facility with better roads, job opportunity for the local people, promotion of Narva-Joesuu in nation wide way and maintaining pine forests are the major challenges of the municipality for development of Narva-Joesuu. Adding more walking trails, boardwalks and establishing camping site for overnight stay in the pine forest could be the best use of the forest available near the coastal area.

The city master plan serves as a guide for public and private decision makers regarding the future physical development of the city. The plan will provide a framework for preserving the city’s unique character, ensuring its coastal development, preserving its culture and promoting desired change. The planning process should be divided into different phases, first would be setting the goal or objectives and its detailed examination. After that financial planning is necessary along with proper plan to execute. A proper supervision from the government level and implementation of those design is the another phase of the master plan. The process would last 10-20 years depending on the time limit of the master plan.

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  Governance and Partnership model

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  Process timeline that highlights the assumed planning stages, estimating 20 years for its complete achievement

C.4 References

• give a full list of the references you have used for this section

D. Process Reflection

Over the past years coastal landscape has been important outdoor living for many people. A holiday by the sea is a time to reassess your life. Coastline are the major tourist attraction around the world during summer. And this project helped us to know more about coastline area and its important to the nearest surrounding. This project also gave us opportunity to learn in detailed about the problems near the coastline and better ways to solve those problems with better development in physical, social and cultural aspects. This course has been a bit of challenging as well because all the seminar were given through online session which was different from everyday class. Working in group is always fun and we enjoyed each other’s company because everyone had architecture background which helped to us bond together and keep on motivated. Although we had some limitation during this course;

• Lack of skills and knowledge in some fields
• Language problems when interviewing (Russian)
• Accessibility problems (lighthouse, factory, abandoned houses)
• Lack of data and information
• Need more site visits

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