The Russian government has adopted a plan of development of Solovetsky Archipelago. The plan developed by the Government of Arkhangelsk Oblast jointly with the federal agencies and the Russian Orthodox Church. This was reported to REGNUM IA by the press service of the Government of Arkhangelsk Oblast.

      The Deputy Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast for the development of Solovetsky Archipelago Roman Balashov said: “The event that we have been waiting for has taken place. The Russian government has made a decision on the package of measures for the development of Solovetsky Archipelago. The list of activities and the sources of funding are determined at the highest level”. The adopted plan allows for the conservation of cultural objects and protection of the unique nature of Solovki, the creation of objects of communal, transport and social infrastructure.

      The control over the implementation of the plans of the archipelago development is the responsibility of the regional government.

      Solovetsky archipelago is located in the northern part of the Onega Bay of the White Sea, and consists of more than 100 islands. Municipal district “Rural settlement Solovetskoye” is located on 8 islands of the White Sea. The total area is 28 829 hectares (including 347 hectares – settlement land, 27 602 hectares – forest resources land, 880 hectares – reserve lands), the border area is set in accordance with the administrative-territorial division of the Arkhangelsk region.

      Solovki is famous for its history and unique nature. Until the 15th century the islands were not inhabited, and were only visited occasionally by the tribes who lived on the shores of the White Sea. This is evidenced by archaeological remains of the northern Neolithic era (the end of II – beginning of I millennium BC) discovered here. The reserve museum includes about 800 archaeological sites and 189 historical, architectural, urban planning and hydraulic monuments of XVI-XX centuries. Among the most famous are the Neolithic sanctuaries, the sites of ancient fishermen and hunters, Saami medieval tombs, 33 labyrinths, a famous Solovetsky Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery, founded in 1429.

      In 1967 a branch of the Arkhangelsk regional museum was created here, and 7 years later the branch was reorganized into the Solovki State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve. By decision of the General Session of UNESCO № 632s of December 14, 1992 Solovki historical and cultural complex (monuments belonging to the Museum-Reserve) is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. By presidential Decree № 1219 of December 6, 1995 Solovki State Museum-Reserve is included in the State list of the most valuable objects of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation.