maanantai 18. lokakuuta 2021

The DAN sustainability tour at Suomenlinna 01.10.2021

Sabina Kraatz,

Archaeology student and intern at the Finnish Heritage Agency

Acting sustainable and developing methods and attitudes towards a common goal can occur in different ways. Climate change prevails a critical topic to be discussed and understood in our society and changes seem demanding to reach. Making a visible difference, however, requires cooperation and creative thinking between people with different knowledge. The initiatives we take towards progressing sustainably can occur in the smaller visible actions we do, such as spreading awareness of changes, research and using and developing technology to adapt to our current situation. All parties must cooperate and share information openly to progress in the climate question. The End of Glory Days project combined forces with DAN, the Divers Alert Network, as a way to show cooperation between sciences and people and spreading awareness.

On a misty Friday I got the possibility to spend my first day as an intern at the Finnish Heritage Agency. The day illustrated both the relation between cultural heritage sites and climate change, also how maritime archaeologists and divers are involved in ocean sustainability. The day began with technical preparations and instructing the five persons who would be diving to the wreck Hilma. Additionally, we had the chance to learn to know the representatives of DAN; Alana Alvarez and Manuel Bustelo and discuss their journey across Europe. The tour, carried out in an electric vehicle, promotes a more open mindset about our environment and taking responsibility of our underwater cultural heritage and ecosystems. Listening to their experiences about various diving locations and opinions on climate change not only made me review my own opinions, but made me more curious about the multitude of the underwater world and being open to explore a range of new sustainability solutions.

As the divers and filming equipment were prepared, the remotely operated underwater vehicle ROV was submerged. Powered by a human motor, Ekku Pinola, the theme of the day was yet again credited by sustainable actions. Minna Koivikko, a maritime archaeologist at the Finnish Heritage Agency, introduced the event and people to the livestream public (see the link below). In the meantime, I had the chance to familiarize myself with the diving equipment as well as the radio connection to divers, kindly instructed by Päivi Pihlanjärvi, a colleague of Minna. As much as I wanted to communicate with Ekku by the radio, I could only hear muffled sounds and breathing through the line as he asked if more divers were coming in along the wire. Communication using the radio is something I will keep on practicing and later assist with other field tasks as well.

Video-material was received from the ROV of the wreck Hilma and information about the diving visibility, wreck condition and depth was communicated through the radio. Touchable approaches to the wreck site, such as diving and watching a direct video of the location aid in understanding why archaeology matters in the climate question. I had no expectations for the day, however, I was positively surprised by the cooperation between people of different backgrounds and how new information and opinions were shared interdisciplinarily. Members of DAN, the Finnish Maritime Archeological Society, Sukeltajat Ry, guests and the Finnish Heritage Agency had the possibility to share valuable information of their tasks and interests during the day. A combining factor between all these people was their capability to co-operate and their interest in the main question of the day, the sustainability and health of our waters.

It is necessary to act transparently in the light of current issues surrounding us and work as a team with people with different knowledge. My experience of being a part of such a group of experts, divers and volunteers was enlightening and provided new nuances in thinking green. Because the subject of a climate crisis is challenging, the sense of belonging in a knowledgeable group and working towards common goals creates an open-minded attitude and motivation to be innovative. I recommend people with the will to act on and work with sustainability to search for these types of groups to join in spreading facts and awareness. Sites, such as the wreck Hilma, prove acts of sustainability are not only affecting the lives and nature far beyond, but also the environment just beside us. 

Several informative interviews were held during the streaming of the event. Minna Koivikko interviewing Sofia Sokolowski and Anne Räisänen-Sokolowski. Sharing opinions, expectations and experiences shapes people and improves the understanding of challenging topics. Photo: Krista Paasi.

Diver Ekku Pinola guides the ROV to the wreck, assisted by Panu Hänninen. The filming allowed us to stream the content live from underwater. Photo: Krista Paasi.

Diving experiences can vary widely. The temperature and visibility in the water might pose a challenge. All divers benefit from new experiences and challenges are strengthening. Whether you are a scientist or diving for recreational reasons, visiting a heritage site feels impressive. Diver Alana Alvarez. Photo: Krista Paasi.

Anne Räisänen-Sokolowski, Manuel Bustelo, Sofia Sokolowski, Alana Alvarez, Minna Koivikko, Eero Karevuo, Kari Hyttinen, Jaska Virkkala, Georg Ahti, Panu Hänninen, Päivi Pihlanjärvi, Sabina Kraatz and Anna Lantee. In the background the electric vehicle taking sustainability all over Europe. Photo: Krista Paasi.
 

Livestream by Georg Ahti, OVO/MAS

The End of Glory Days- project: