European Maritime Day 2024

The South Funen Archipelago is the jewel in the UNESCO Global Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago and is a remarkable and scenic area that contains a rich history and unique characteristics.

The world's largest flooded glacial landscape:

The South Fyn Archipelago was formed during the Stone Age, when the landscape gradually drowned.

It consists of 55 islands and islets. Some are bridged like Tåsinge and Thurø and others, including Skarø, Drejø and Hjortø, have ferry connections to the "mainland".

The islands have a rich history, ranging from ancient times to our days, where fishing, agriculture and shipping have been central industries on the islands throughout the ages.

 The archipelago is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, including rare birds, harbour porpoises and seals.

 But unfortunately, the South Funen archipelago has many major challenges that we need to find solutions to.

 Oxygen depletion – biodiversity crisis – rising sea levels – extreme weather – fewer and older islanders – fewer small businesses (fishing, agriculture, shopping and dining)

 We must do our utmost to counter this!

We have a vision of an archipelago where it is attractive to settle on the islands. Where there is traffic equality with the "mainland". A future where the islands, together with their inhabitants, create attractive settings for a sustainable life. I dream of a healthy archipelago that is bursting with life and can form the basis for sustainable production of local food and appears attractive to tourists seeking authentic and sustainable destinations.

There are many places to start, but in my round table workshop, I invite you to give me input on the following three main topics I perceive as the cornerstones of realizing my dream:

Restoring the marine environment and biodiversity

I consider ecosystem health for a prerequisite for the South Funen archipelago to maintain its attractiveness for both residents and tourists. I want input on what we can do locally and what I can pass on to legislators in Denmark and the EU.

For whom and how do we make the islands attractive for settlement

If the small ferry operated islands are not to gradually become uninhabited, I am convinced that it must be made more attractive to settle on the islands. Do you have experience from similar areas I can bring into play? Is there a particular population group that might be interested in a life on a smaller island? What prerequisites must be in place?

The possibilities of creating a supporting transport infrastructure

Of course, the infrastructure must be fossil-free, but what else is needed to achieve an attractive infrastructure? We know that short travelling time, high flexibility and both low ticket prices and low operating costs are important. Are the same things important to both the islanders and the tourists? Do you know about solutions and obstacles to the perfect infrastructure?