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Stay informed about our efforts to conserve intact ecosystems, contribute to sustainable development, and create a vibrant cultural space for our communities. Join us as we share stories of awareness and visibility, education and science integration, sustainable solutions, and the collaborative network and governance that drives our mission forward. Explore the latest updates and inspiring achievements that showcase our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
A clearer picture of biodiversity is emerging across the West Estonian islands
The West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve marked two important milestones on 27 March 2025: the 35th anniversary of UNESCO recognition and the start of the second season of nature observations. During 2025, local residents submitted a total of 2,556 nature observations across the islands. Observers ranged in age from 22 to 72, showing that interest in nature and biodiversity spans generations. The largest number of observations came from Saaremaa Municipality with 1,330 records, followed by Hiiumaa Municipality with 1,123. A further 94 observations were made in Muhu Municipality and 9 in Vormsi Municipality, while no new observations were recorded from Ruhnu this time. The most active period was spring, when biodiversity becomes more noticeable after the long winter. A particularly valuable part of the dataset comes from the mapping of protected species. In total, 858 observations concerned protected species, including 9 records of Category I species, 164 of Category II species, and 685 of Category III species. These data provide important input for conservation work, helping experts understand where species occur and which areas may require greater attention. Among the most frequently recorded species in 2025 was the red wood ant, observed 137 times. It was followed by the common toad with 64 observations and the common crane with 50. Other commonly recorded species included moose (45), red fox (43), grass snake and roe deer (34 each), common adder and European mantis (27 each), and globeflower (24). This kind of citizen science contribution is highly valuable: every observation helps improve our understanding of species distribution and biodiversity on the islands. The organisers extend their sincere thanks to everyone who took part. Prizes raffled among all 2025 participants will soon be delivered to the winners. The new observation season is already underway. In 2026, nature enthusiasts are once again invited to join the challenge “Discover the Biodiversity of the West Estonian Islands 2026”, which runs from spring until the end of the year. This year, special attention will be given to observations of the hedgehog, Estonia’s animal of the year; the brown bird’s-nest orchid, the orchid of the year; magpie and rook nests; and nesting sites of the common swift, this year’s bird of the year, as well as swallows. In spring, participants are also encouraged to record locations of primroses. Observations can be submitted using the Nature Observations mobile app, which allows users to record both common and rare species, as well as animal tracks, calls and other signs of activity. More information is available on the citizen science projects page of the Nature Web section of Estonia’s Environmental Portal. The challenge is organised by the activity centres of the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve in cooperation with the Estonian Environment Agency. Thematic prizes will once again be raffled among all participants. Now entering its third year, the challenge is producing increasingly valuable results. While individual observations show where species are found, data collected over several years also reveal broader patterns: when species arrive, how their distribution changes over time, and which places are becoming richer or poorer in species. This continuity is what makes citizen science especially important. Each new observation is no longer just a single record, but part of a larger story about the nature of the West Estonian islands. The challenge aims to raise awareness of the islands’ natural values and encourage more people to spend time in nature and notice the biodiversity around them. Every observation — whether of a common toad on a road, a primrose on a ditch bank, or a grass snake among stones — adds another piece to the shared picture of local nature. Time spent in nature allows us to notice more than we first expect. Sometimes a single observation can help us better understand something much larger. Biodiversity is not only important for conservation — it also directly supports human well-being by providing an environment that promotes rest, health and quality of life. In the new season, everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Follow updates via the Facebook page of the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve.
The Saaremaa Islands' Joint Tourism Magazine "Mo Saared" Wins Marketing Award
To promote Saaremaa, the Saaremaa Municipal Government and Visit Saaremaa have been publishing the "Mo Saaremaa" magazine for three years. However, at the beginning of this summer, the people of Saaremaa looked beyond their home island. The goal was to promote the island lifestyle to both domestic and international tourists more broadly. Stories, faces, and achievements from Saaremaa, Muhu, Vilsandi, Abruka, Hiiumaa, and Ruhnu were gathered for the "Mo Saared" magazine. Read more: https://saartehaal.postimees.ee/7860561/turismikonverents-ajakiri-mo-saared-tunnistati-aasta-turundusteoks
The restoration work of Koigi bog helps to mitigate climate change
Since the beginning of August, the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) has been carrying out restoration work on Koigi bog, through which the people of Saaremaa are contributing to, among other things, mitigating the effects of climate change. During the bog restoration work, approximately a hundred-year-old drainage ditches, which were originally dug to drain the bog and extract peat, are being closed. The ditch closure work is being carried out only on state-owned lands within the landscape protection area, said Bert Holm, a nature conservation specialist from RMK's Nature Conservation Department. Read more: https://saartehaal.postimees.ee/7846358/koigi-raba-taastamistood-aitavad-vahendada-kliimamuutusi
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 (Hiiu Leht) 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.
The Vilsandi community is pushing for the legalization of a historical recreation area
The Vilsandi Village Association has requested Saaremaa municipality to initiate the acquisition of Laasi Pitkani with the aim of transforming it into a community harbor. We're excited about the future of this area! Read more: https://saartehaal.postimees.ee/7863090/vilsandlased-soovivad-seadustada-ajaloolise-puhkeala
Estonian naturalists encountered the rare hermit beetle on Abruka Island.
Protected hermit beetle inhabits only old deciduous forests, meadows, and parks. In late July this year, Estonian naturalists discovered a specimen of the species on Abruka Island. This finding provides new knowledge on how to better protect old meadows. During this summer, within the WoodmeadowLife project, we searched for the rare hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita) in Estonian meadows and oak groves. The presence of this beetle can be checked using pheromone traps that mimic the pheromone emitted by the male beetle. When setting up and checking the traps, we enlisted the help of local biologists from different regions of Estonia, writes Triin Reitalu, a restoration ecology researcher at the University of Tartu. In late July, the efforts bore fruit, and Gerta Nurk, a biology teacher from Saaremaa, found the hermit beetle on Abruka Island. Previous findings in Estonia, however, come from the southern part of the country, from the meadows along the Koiva River, where the population of hermit beetles is connected with the Latvian population on the other side of the Koiva River. The hermit beetle can hopefully be found in old sunlit deciduous forests, meadows, and parks. The beetle larvae develop in cavities of old living oaks in semi-rotten wood. Sometimes they have also been found on other deciduous trees. "Osoon": Threat from abroad endangers island trees weakened by fungal disease The hermit beetle is a large dark brown beetle with bronze reflections. Male hermit beetles emit a characteristic-scented pheromone that can even be sensed by the human nose: it resembles the scent of prunes or apricots. This is one of the largest beetle species in Estonia, with adults growing three to four centimeters in length. The hermit beetle is classified as a species under protection category II in Estonia. Throughout Europe, it is also protected, being listed in Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. The habitats of the hermit beetle, old partially open groves with deciduous trees, or meadows and pastures, have evolved in Estonia due to centuries-long moderate mowing or grazing. When the management of these areas ceases and they become overgrown, the habitats of the hermit beetle and many other characteristic insects, fungi, plants, and birds of partially open deciduous groves disappear. Our ongoing WoodmeadowLife project focuses precisely on the restoration of these meadows to preserve these characteristic heritage ecosystems of Estonia.
The decision to establish the Hiiumaa National Park, is currently in the hands of the Ministry of Climate, but it is highly likely that it will not receive approval.
Instead of a national park, one potential option for the future is to utilize sustainable forestry practices, specifically selective logging, in the Kärdla region. The creation of the national park, which would encompass nearly 19,000 hectares, does not have the support of the local community, according to Mayor Hergo Tasuja. "The claim is based on the feedback I have received from people," he told Hiiu Leht, adding that the idea of a national park was not proposed by the people of Hiiumaa, and its scale significantly affects a substantial part of the island. Currently, the Environmental Board, at the request of the Ministry of Climate, is preparing an assessment of whether and to what extent it is necessary to consider the establishment of a nationally protected area in the areas proposed by the Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF). According to Taimo Aasma, the head of the Ministry's Nature Conservation Department, at this stage, they believe that the goals outlined in the proposal can be achieved through means other than creating a national park, such as separate agreements among stakeholders or regulations and guidelines established through municipal comprehensive planning. Read more: https://hiiuleht.ee/hiiumaa-rahvuspargi-idee-kipub-sahtlisse-libisema/
In the establishment of the European Lighthouse Network, Hiiumaa represents Estonia
On September 7th, at the establishment of the European Maritime Countries Association 'European Route of Lighthouses' in Brussels, Hiiumaa Development Center represents Estonia. Kristel Üksvärav, leader of the Hiiumaa tourism cluster, will give a presentation during the founding meeting about the historical role of Kõpu Lighthouse in shaping the image of Hiiumaa as a tourist destination and Estonia's experiences in integrating lighthouses into tourism activities. "Lighthouses along Europe's coastlines represent exceptional maritime heritage. International cultural cooperation in preserving, documenting, storytelling, and utilizing lighthouses as tourist destinations is entirely justified and sustainable. There have been discussions about developing a new cultural route, the European Lighthouses Route, and applying for the corresponding European Council cultural route certification. While we've agreed on general objectives, the detailed action plans for the newly formed association will be discussed this week in Brussels," explained Üksvärav. She added that Estonia has 11 open lighthouses for visitors, and the experiences gained from opening these lighthouses to visitors have piqued the interest of lighthouse keepers and tourism promoters from other countries. Read more:
The Environmental Board is closing the Viidumäe Nature Reserve Center
The Environmental Board has signed an agreement to terminate the lease with the State Real Estate Ltd (RKAS), and the lease will end on December 31st of this year. "This means that the Environmental Board will move out of the two buildings that have been in operation at Viidumäe, thus ending the 66-year-long nature conservation activity at Viidumäe," wrote Tiina Talvi, who has worked at Viidumäe Nature Reserve for a long time, on social media. "Apparently, RKAS (State Real Estate Ltd) intends to put the buildings up for sale, thus ending the status of buildings being in state ownership for 119 years," added Talvi. According to him, local biologists and enthusiasts are looking for possibilities to ensure that the center's buildings continue to serve the purposes of nature conservation, nature research, and environmental education. At the heart of the Viidumäe Nature Reserve lies two important buildings: the main house, also known as the former infirmary, which was constructed around 1904 and houses staff rooms and an exhibition hall. Adjacent is the biology station, converted from an old sauna building, serving as a base for fieldwork and accommodation for natural scientists, as well as a classroom for students. Read more: https://saartehaal.postimees.ee/7824011/keskkonnaamet-sulgeb-viidumae-looduskaitseala-keskuse
Saaremaa: Embracing Sustainability and Nature's Beauty - Your Ultimate Green Destination!
In the year 2022, the International Organization for Sustainable Tourism Development, Green Destinations, provided an evaluation of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa as green destinations. These two largest islands have progressed from a silver level rating achieved the previous year to a gold level rating this time. The notable strengths of these major islands as tourist destinations lie in their environmentally and culturally conscious approach to providing tourism services, as well as their strategic management of tourism activities. Additionally, a significant strength is their commitment to promoting sustainability within businesses, endorsing local services, and offering support to entrepreneurs. This recognition signifies the significant efforts and initiatives undertaken by Hiiumaa and Saaremaa to ensure that their tourism practices align with sustainable principles. Their elevation to the gold level reflects the enhanced harmony between tourism activities and the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage. Both islands have demonstrated commendable dedication to not only showcasing their exquisite landscapes and historical richness but also to engaging in responsible tourism development. The success in achieving a gold level rating can be attributed to their proactive approach in implementing sustainable practices across the entire spectrum of tourism-related operations. This includes careful resource management, thoughtful design of tourist services to minimize negative impacts on the environment and local culture, and a visionary approach to managing the influx of visitors. Moreover, the islands' commitment to supporting local businesses and services stands out as a crucial aspect of their sustainable tourism strategy. By promoting local products, services, and experiences, Hiiumaa and Saaremaa contribute to the economic well-being of their communities while fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the authentic essence of the islands. In conclusion, the recognition granted by the Green Destinations organization through the upgraded rating of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa to the gold level for sustainable tourism underscores their dedication to preserving their unique natural and cultural assets. This achievement celebrates not only the success of these islands as premier tourist destinations but also highlights their leadership in responsible and sustainable tourism practices, setting an inspiring example for others in the industry to follow.
The balance between climate neutrality and diversity.
The extent of the environmental impact associated with many wind parks is still unclear. This is not only true in the context of Estonia and Liivi Bay but also globally. The widespread adoption of renewable energy is a time-critical activity. However, it must be done without increasing the risks to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Ecosystems in the Baltic Sea, in particular, are highly vulnerable. Based on the Pärnu sea area plan established in 2017, Eesti Energia in cooperation with the Danish company Ørsted has chosen a location for the Liivi Bay wind park, which has sparked discontent among the local community. The ongoing Estonian sea area plan, to be released in May, designates other suitable locations for wind parks. Nevertheless, the Hiiu and Pärnu sea area plans remain valid and will continue to be so even after the nationwide sea area plan is implemented. The national sea area plan does not cover these areas as both the Hiiu and Pärnu plans were sufficiently up-to-date when the preparation of the nationwide plan began. It can also be seen on the national planning map that the potential area for the construction of wind parks in the Pärnu sea area plan intersects with a bird migration corridor. In Kihnu's "backyard," there are shallow areas with fish spawning grounds. Moreover, ornithologist Leho Luigujõe confirms that bird migration radar measurements have been conducted in these shallow areas behind Kihnu. These shallow marine areas are favored places for bird flights. Unfortunately, the construction of wind parks in these shallow areas behind Kihnu would be like creating a meat grinder for birds. The national planning map also shows that the area designated for wind parks in the Pärnu sea area plan intersects with a bird migration corridor. Although this corridor does not directly fall within the planned area for Eesti Energia and Ørsted's wind park, its proximity means that birds will move around in the surrounding areas. Considering this aspect is also essential for future park developments. According to Eleri Kautlenbach, an advisor in the Ministry of Finance's planning department, it is essential for the government to consider such potential conflicts, and a planning designation does not necessarily mean that the entire area has to be built upon. To start construction activities, the company must obtain a building permit. This permit can only be granted if environmental impact assessments and necessary analyses have been conducted, and the planning has taken into account possible problem areas. In terms of bird traffic, this could mean leaving certain areas untouched by wind turbines, maintaining larger gaps between turbines, or stopping their operation during bird migrations. Rasmus Errboe, the head of Ørsted's Continental Europe region, asserts that they are not overlooking the possible negative environmental impacts of constructing and operating wind parks. Sustainability is a priority for the company concerning greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and local communities. "Great success comes with great responsibility," he explains. Noise Generated by Wind Turbines Wind turbines generate various types of noise in a broad frequency range, including very low frequencies, which is transmitted through the water environment. While the noise from wind turbines may not be as intense as that of ships, it is prolonged. Last year, the Fisheries Information Centre commissioned a study from the University of Tartu's Marine Institute on the potential effects of offshore wind parks on Baltic Sea fish. Based on a summary of international literature, the study concludes that it is challenging to assess the impact of noise and electromagnetic fields from wind parks on fish, primarily due to a lack of sufficient basic knowledge on whether and how different fish species perceive them. The study also observes the concentration of several predatory fish in North Sea wind parks, suggesting that the noise and electromagnetic fields from the turbines have not been a decisive factor in the fishes' choice of habitat. However, it is still impossible to assess the cumulative impact of noise and electromagnetic fields on species that undergo long migration journeys during their lifetimes. Read the full article: https://arvamus.postimees.ee/7242648/ak-mariliis-kolk-marek-strandberg-tuuleparkide-merelahingu-hong-on-ohus