Evaluation of oil shale mining heritage in Estonia

Restoration of oil shale mining landscapes can successfully integrate industrial heritage with ecological and recreational functions, as demonstrated by case studies from Estonia, France, and Germany. The study highlights the potential for repurposing mining sites through innovative landscape design, blending natural and industrial elements to create multifunctional spaces. By analyzing Estonian oil shale mining restoration efforts alongside European examples—such as the Nord-Pas de Calais coal region in France and the Fürst-Pückler-Land exhibition in Germany—the research identifies key strategies for sustainable redevelopment. These include ecological landscape techniques and creative reuse, offering a model for revitalizing post-industrial sites while preserving heritage.

Metsaots, K., Sepp, K., & Roose, K. A. (2011). Evaluation of oil shale mining heritage in Estonia. Sustainable Development and Planning V, 1, 453–467. https://doi.org/10.2495/sdp110381