The Biosphere Programme Area Focuses on Raising Awareness
​The biosphere topic, which sometimes feels distant or difficult to grasp, is, simply put, about observing and understanding how humans and the environment can coexist and thrive together.
Raul Vinni
On March 27, we mark 35 years since the West Estonian Archipelago was recognized as part of UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere” programme. Although the programme has had more and less active periods over the years, momentum was regained in March 2023 when then-Minister of the Environment Madis Kallas confirmed the advisory board for the West Estonian Islands Biosphere Programme Area, along with operational centers on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The designated biosphere area does not only include Estonia’s two largest islands but also encompasses Muhu, Vormsi, and Ruhnu.
“The ups and downs have followed Estonia’s general political direction and how sustainable development topics have been perceived,” said Toomas Kokovkin, coordinator of the Hiiumaa operational center of the West Estonian Islands Biosphere Programme Area. He was also involved in introducing the programme to Estonia, which was still under a different political regime when the UNESCO initiative—launched in 1971—was seen as a window to the world.
In earlier times, the programme was often perceived as a nature protection initiative because of its name, leading many to believe it was an organization mainly focused on restrictions. Kokovkin noted that in the early days, when governmental responsibilities in Estonia were not clearly defined, the programme—which was run by just a few dozen people—was also tasked with some environmental protection roles.
Being designated a biosphere programme area is a type of nomination. There are around 800 such areas worldwide, found in various ecological settings: savannas, deserts, islands, mountains, even cities and riverbanks. Besides natural conditions, economic and cultural aspects are equally important to the programme. Kokovkin gave an example of a recent book published in Hiiumaa about ice roads, which brings all these elements together to form a comprehensive picture.
​
The Biosphere Programme can be compared to other UNESCO programmes, such as those for preserving cultural and architectural heritage. However, the biosphere initiative focuses less on emphasizing the past and more on the future—on exploring models for how we can sustainably live moving forward.
Environmental topics are especially relevant today, and as such, the activities within the biosphere programme area have also grown.
“Whereas in the past humans fought against nature to survive, now the opposite is true—essentially, nature has become subordinated to humans. This has been the state of affairs for roughly half a century, leading us into a critical situation,” explained Kokovkin.
Today, one of the key roles of the biosphere programme is to raise public awareness about the need for a sustainable relationship between human activity and the environment. According to Liina Tabri, coordinator of the Saaremaa operational center, being part of the programme helps keep focus on sustainable tourism, eco-friendly agriculture, and local entrepreneurship, while also supporting the preservation of the islands' unique natural environment and cultural heritage. It also opens up opportunities for development projects that aim to balance economic activity with environmental stewardship.
“Being part of the biosphere programme area gives people an additional voice in shaping how their home regions are developed, ensuring they remain livable for future generations,” Tabri emphasized. On Saaremaa, information days and workshops are organized for people of all ages, biosphere topics are introduced in schools, and exciting biodiversity-focused and sustainability-oriented projects are implemented. For example, starting on March 27, a year-long nature movement and observation challenge called “Discover the Biodiversity of the West Estonian Islands” kicks off, offering a great way to explore and become aware of the region’s diverse ecosystems.
Tabri noted that although the area has operated as a biosphere programme for 35 years, its goals are still not fully reflected in all relevant development documents. Being part of a UNESCO-recognized biosphere area is an important argument in local planning and in cross-national projects (such as the Estonia-Latvia 4th electricity connection). In addition to international cooperation projects, the biosphere programme centers work closely with local governments, their sub-units, businesses, and active community members to achieve the programme’s goals.
“Caring for our shared living environment should not be a duty that needs constant reminders—it should be a natural way of life. Every small action counts!” Tabri stressed.
