West-Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Programme Area

LIA ROSENBERG

Biosphere programme specialist The biggest islands of Estonia – Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhumaa, Vormsi + smaller ones as Ruhnu, Abruka etc Total area: 15 601 km² Only 4038 km² inland

1/10 of all territory of Estonian Republic Zonation map

The distinctive features and diversity of nature in the West Estonian islands is mainly influenced by the geographical position, young age of the area, limerichness of soils and centuries of human activity

VISION

Estonia’s MAB programme has achieved the development of the W-E Archipelago into a leading Estonian region for innovation and pilot projects in the field of sustainable use of the natural resources in local natural and semi-natural land and marine communities. The awareness of sustainable development principles in the region is high and the attitude supports this. The islands’ communities, business people and public support broad-based development of a green economy and acknowledge it as a functioning cooperation model for achieving social and economic success in the region.

Sustainable Development Programme for 2014 to 2020 Action Plan for the West Estonian Archipelago Programme Area Environmental Board is responsible for the nature protection, e.g. biodiversity… Community is involved via projects Projects are implemented in cooperation with different partners

Official logo

• Globally known quality label • Protocol of common intensions signed with partners • Signs for the area, Biosphere programme welcomes visitors in harbours and airports • More options to promote the biosphere programme • Act locally to influence global processes Green Economy = Quality Economy

Sustainable use of forest Renewable Energy Education • Education for sustainable development • Cooperation with Universities • Environmental awareness Responsible food production Traditions preserved Art and local identity Naturefriendly tourism International cooperation – Common values

• UNESCO MAB • EuroMAB • NordMAB • ICBR Thank you!