Curonian Spit

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The Curonian Spit: A Natural Barrier and Cultural Treasure

The Curonian Spit, officially known as the Courish Split, is a remarkable 98-kilometer-long, narrow, curved sand dune peninsula situated along the southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea. This unique geographical feature stretches between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, forming a natural barrier that separates these two bodies of water. Shared by Lithuania and Russia, the Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich history, cultural significance, and delicate ecosystem.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Human habitation of this elongated sand dune peninsula, 98 km long and 0.4-4 km wide, dates back to prehistoric times. Throughout this period it has been threatened by the natural forces of wind and waves. Its survival to the present day has been made possible only as a result of ceaseless human efforts to combat the erosion of the Spit, dramatically illustrated by continuing stabilisation and reforestation projects.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion (v): The Curonian Spit is an outstanding example of a landscape of sand dunes that is under constant threat from natural forces (wind and tide). After disastrous human interventions that menaced its survival the Spit was reclaimed by massive protection and stabilization works begun in the 19th century and still continuing to the present day.

Encyclopedia Record: Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit, sometimes called Courish Split, is a 98-kilometre (61 mi) long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Lithuania and Russia. Its southern portion lies within Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia, and its northern within southwestern Klaipėda County of Lithuania.

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