Cultural
Isthme de Courlande
Located in Lithuania on the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, this narrow strip of land extends approximately 98 kilometres along the coast, separating the Curonian Lagoon from the open sea. The isthmus represents a distinctive geographical formation shaped by complex processes of sediment accumulation and coastal dynamics over millennia. The site is characterised by its unique ecosystem, featuring extensive dune systems, pine forests, and wetland areas that support diverse flora and fauna adapted to this transitional environment. The isthmus has sustained human settlement and cultural activity for centuries, with archaeological evidence and traditional communities reflecting long-standing patterns of interaction with this challenging landscape. The designation recognises the isthmus as a significant example of cultural and natural heritage, demonstrating how human societies have adapted to and shaped their environment within this particular geographical setting.