Latest news

Watch video here

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 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

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.

Following the review, UNESCO confirmed that the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve continues to meet the criteria of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and can therefore maintain its UNESCO status. What is the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve? The West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve was established in 1990 and is located in the central-eastern Baltic Sea. It is part of Estonia and includes five municipalities: Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi and Ruhnu. Around 44,500 people lived in the biosphere reserve in 2025. The area includes diverse terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, such as forests, alvars, wetlands, coastal meadows, shallow marine waters and characteristic island landscapes, resulting in a high level of biodiversity. Its main approach is to combine biodiversity conservation and green innovation with sustainable living and regional development. Ten years of change: What the periodic review shows The regional action centres on Hiiumaa and Saaremaa have written a report reviewing the past ten years. This is the third periodic review of the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. This periodic review, which every biosphere reserve has to complete every ten years, describes the development of the reserve and assesses whether the goals and criteria of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves are being met. These criteria define how a biosphere reserve should be managed and how it should function. The successful completion of the review ensures that the reserve remains part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The detailed document reports on the changes, challenges and achievements that the biosphere reserve has experienced over the past decade. One major change took place in 2023, when responsibilities were transferred from the national level to the regional level by establishing two regional action centres: one at the Hiiumaa Development Centre and one at TalTech Kuressaare College. The aim is to shift the focus towards regional issues and to involve the local community more closely. UNESCO particularly highlighted this successful institutional reform towards a more community-based governance model, stronger local ownership and the increased involvement of regional stakeholders. UNESCO also recognised the continued integration of nature conservation and sustainable development. Building a sustainable and recognisable island region Regional branding has also become increasingly important. The biosphere reserve should help the region gain international recognition for its pioneering role as an economically growing region that preserves and values its nature, culture and heritage. In addition, the region aims to establish itself as a sustainable tourist destination. This can be seen in the new record of 204,432 people spending their holidays in Saaremaa or Hiiumaa in 2024. This represents an increase of 21,672 people compared with the previous period and shows that tourism has recovered strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNESCO branding of the region should help increase its visibility and establish it as a well-known destination. Progress made – but challenges remain However, there are still some challenges to overcome, and UNESCO's assessment also emphasises that further development is necessary. It is difficult to maintain effective cooperation, especially on the smaller islands, because not all five municipalities have the same amount of resources available to contribute to the biosphere reserve. It is also difficult to attract the attention of politicians. The biosphere reserve is not always a political priority because results are not achieved quickly and securing long-term funding can be challenging. From citizen science to green tourism: achievements of the past decade Nevertheless, the people working to make the West Estonian archipelago more sustainable have achieved a lot over the past decade. In 2025, a local monitoring initiative was launched in which people recorded 2,556 wildlife observations, many of them involving protected species. The initiative is connected to citizen science.1 In addition, a green label was introduced to support sustainable and local businesses. The “Genuine Island Product” label indicates that products or services were produced on the islands of Saaremaa or Muhu using the knowledge and work of local people. It contributes to an economy that is compatible with the preservation of local culture and nature.2 Furthermore, Estonia's first hybrid passenger vessel connecting an island with the mainland began operating in 2020. Its batteries allow it to travel partly on electricity, reducing the amount of diesel used and minimising air pollution.3 But it does not stop there. Since 2024, tourists who want to spend their holidays sustainably have been able to choose Green Key-certified hotels, restaurants and activities. The certified businesses follow a global eco-label standard developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education.4 Why does a Biosphere Reserve matter to local people? Biosphere reserves are not something we only spend money on; they highlight an island’s assets. There are countless benefits that nature provides for humans, such as clean water and air, but also food and resources such as fish and timber, healthy soil, and CO. storage through peatlands. All of these benefit our health and economy. And within this crossover lies the importance of biosphere reserves. They prove that a sustainable world does not have to mean restrictions but can create even better opportunities to grow as a society and economy. In biosphere reserve areas, people are working on ways to live in harmony with nature without going back in time. 1 further information: https://saaremaa-ee.observation.org/ 2 further information: https://ehtne.ee/ 3 further information: https://www.praamid.ee/en/estonias-first-hybrid-ship-toll-goes-on-its-first-voyage/ 4 further information: https://www.visitsaaremaa.ee/en/care/green-key/ The West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve also shows that economic activity, human and natural resources, and cultural capital can reinforce each other instead of being sacrificed for one another. Looking ahead: the next chapter for the Biosphere Reserve The confirmation of the UNESCO status is not only a recognition of what has been achieved so far but also provides direction for the further development of the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. An important focus will be on strengthening local participation, international cooperation and knowledge exchange. One concrete example is the NORDPLUS project (2026-2028), which brings together partners from Nordic and Baltic countries. Its goal is to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience, lifelong learning and collaboration across countries, while developing practical training on citizen science, stakeholder engagement and communication about nature and biodiversity. Connecting science and society within biosphere reserves is therefore at the heart of this project.5 Furthermore, the biosphere reserve will continue to promote awareness, sustainable local development and cooperation between communities, businesses and other partners. While not all future projects have been defined yet, the overall aim remains to develop practical ways of combining nature conservation, local economic development and everyday life on the islands. 5 further information: https://www.etis.ee/Portal/Projects/Display/4b4e8286-28ba-437f-a665-0230b4b3afbd Authors of the article: Jasmin Wiederanders and Jolina Groth, volunteers from kulturweit

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/

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 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.

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

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