Vanhankaupunginlahti, Laajalahti

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Vanhankaupunginlahti, Laajalahti

  • Country: 
    Finland
  • Site number: 
    9
  • Area: 
    508 ha
  • Designation date: 
    28-05-1974
  • Coordinates: 
    60°12'N 24°56'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Vanhankaupunginlahti, Laajalahti. 28/05/74; Southern Finland; 508 ha; 60°12'N 024°54'E. Natura 2000 SPA, SCI, WHCP. Two separate bay areas in metropolitan surroundings of Helsinki and Espoo forming a wetland complex comprising shallow estuarine waters with marshlands and small ponds. Vegetation includes growths of Common Reed, coastal meadows, submerged vegetation and a few forested swamps. The site represents an important staging area during migration periods for ducks and waders. The main adverse factors are heavy pressure for building along the margins and wastewater discharge. Expansion of a ring road beside Laajalahti increases noise pollution and reduces meadows and forests in western parts. One third of the reed area and Black Alder swamps has been destroyed by land filling in Laajalahti since the 1950s. Management plans were established to stop the eutrophication process, and planning of restoration, research and education was carried out under an EU Life project in 1997-2001. Both areas are of great importance for outdoor recreation and birdwatching, and a nature information centre, several birdwatching towers, nature trails and a hide have been constructed. Ramsar site no. 9. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Administrative region: 
Southern Finland

  • National legal designation: 
    • Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Programme
    • protected area
  • Regional (international) legal designations: 
    • EU Natura 2000
  • Last publication date: 
    01-01-2005

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)