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 The aim of the Väinameri project is to restore and maintain the valuable coastal landscape, increase and sustain natural values, increase the attractiveness of the area, and to create living conditions for people involved with agriculture in a sparsely populated areas. Development of sustainable agriculture, small-scale tourism and a regional production of both agricultural products and handicraft will directly benefit both nature and local residents. By today in Estonia the project area encompasses the shallow part of the Baltic Sea connecting the islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Vormsi with the Estonian mainland. This area is called Väinameri. The Väinameri project is carried out by a large network of partners in Estonia and in Sweden. These are WWF-Sweden, Research Centre Arhipelaag, Matsalu Nature Reserve, NGO Läänerannik, Estonian Fund for Nature, and local handicraft- and farmer societies. Main donors are WWF Sweden and Sida. The basic concept is quality meat production with natural conservation as an added value – by purchasing “natural grazing meat” the customer not only pays for good quality but also for conservation and thus helps to maintain a coastal agricultural landscape. Development of small-scale tourism based on natural values and cultural heritage and local handicraft production units will add earning opportunities for people involved by using natural resources produced when maintaining the landscape. By increasing capacity and awareness among local stakeholders the probability of self-sustained agriculture and thus long-term maintenance of natural values is elevated. Demonstration or model pastures/meadows show solutions on site. Marketing is of special importance for ensuring sustainable future solutions and production lines. Read more...  print send with e-mail |