Väinameri, Estonia

ituated in western Estonia, Väinameri is a region of shallow seas dotted with numerous islands and reed beds. The coastal areas are fringed with beautiful meadows, which were maintained for centuries by farmers practising low intensity grazing with local breeds of cattle, sheep and horses. The area is a haven for wildlife, attracting immense flocks of birds – each spring and autumn around 2 million waterfowl descend on the area as a stopover on their migration routes.

Extensive grazing and low level mowing are vital to the maintenance of the coastal meadows which make Väinameri such an attractive site for migrating birds. However, in recent decades, it has become harder for farmers to make a living this way, and many have abandoned their land. Once the grazing stops, the land becomes overgrown with reeds and scrub within a few years, and the species which depended on the grassland disappear. The region is also beset with many of the problems common to many rural areas, including high levels of unemployment and an aging population, as young people move to the cities in search of work.

The local NGO Arhipelaag started working in the area in 1997. The aims of its ‘Väinameri Project’ were not just to restore the meadows, but to provide the wider rural community with viable livelihoods based on the sustainable use of natural resources. The project has been financed principally by WWF Sweden, with additional contributions coming from SIDA and Estonian national sources.

Green beef
The breeds of cattle chosen to restore the meadows were the Scottish Highland, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford, on account of their hardiness and ability to provide high quality beef. Arhipelaag loaned around 30 head of cattle to local farmers, and gave them support and advice to get established. The cattle thrived, and slowly but surely the old coastal meadows re-emerged from beneath the reeds and the birds came back. As the herds grew, the farmers were able repay their initial loans of livestock, enabling Arhipelaag to help more farmers get started. Meanwhile, the meat from the animals is being marketed as “green beef”, and will soon be available in a number of local restaurants.

Ecotourism
Väinameri’s location on the border between East and West meant that for decades many of the islands were occupied by Soviet troops, and the tourism potential of the region remained unexploited. Since Estonia gained its independence, growing numbers of visitors have discovered the area, drawn by the beautiful scenery, rich biodiversity and the peace and quiet. A number of nature trails have been designed, and bird-watching towers scattered throughout the region offer breathtaking views over the landscape. Many local entrepreneurs have also opened up guesthouses, where visitors can experience local food and traditions.

Passing on old traditions… and shaping new ones
The final strand of the Väinameri project is based on the production of traditional handicrafts made from locally sourced, sustainably produced materials. At the start of the project the handicraft workers usually worked alone, and income was low. The Väinameri project brought the craftsmen and women together into co-operatives, where they could develop their expertise and work together to market their products. Old skills are being revived and local people are rediscovering a pride in their cultural heritage. The high quality, handmade goods, which include woolen knitwear, woven rugs, blankets, leather goods and wooden items, are proving popular with tourists and locals alike. A group of artisans has opened up a shop in the town of Lihula, and Craft Fairs held at Christmas and Midsummer are now popular events, attracting people from across the country.

Passing on the torch
In the early days of the project, the participants benefited hugely from study tours to nearby Sweden, where meetings with experts, farmers and other rural dwellers provided them with new ideas on how their own businesses could succeed in the modern world. Now groups from the other Baltic states and Russia are visiting Väinameri, to see how ordinary people like themselves can combine economic activities and nature conservation.