The Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bays is a complex wetland system comprising of different Nature Reserves on the Northwestern coast of Estonia. The open water, meadows, reed-beds and woodlands of the Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bays support different habitats, which provide breeding sites and safe harbors for many migratory bird species. The site is however subject to a wide range of threats that are affecting its intrinsic value as an internationally important wetland and stop-over / breeding site for migratory waterbirds.
Fishing, hunting, tourism activities and changes in agricultural practices have taken their toll on the ecological management of this system and this has also led to an increase in the poorly regulated exploitation of the area. The Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bay is a vital habitat for important AEWA migratory species and the site's degradation is negatively affecting visiting bird populations.
The main focus of the WOW Demonstration project in Estonia is the development of a management plan that will integrate ecotourism activities, nature conservation measures and human activities at the local level. The Estonian State Nature Conservation Centre will play a key role in executing the demonstration project in Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bays. By creating a comprehensive management plan for the Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bays - that will both address the integration of stakeholders and the specific problems of the site - the project hopes to preserve the area so that all users can enjoy the Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bays in a sustainable manner for generations to come.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
Goal: To establish a base for sustainable management through the development of a site management plan, and develop capacity for its implementation.
Outcome 1. Integrating a management plan that is legally endorsed by the Estonian Ministry of Environment.
Under this outcome essential baseline information will be collected. When developing the management plan, the project will seek to engage local and national policy makers, to ensure the legal adoption of the management plan within national legislation so that it will provide the basis for its implementation.
Outcome 2. Enable the implementation of the management plan by increasing local capacity of stakeholders and infrastructure.
The project will try to raise awareness amongst local stakeholders of the consequences of their current uses of the wetlands. This will include organizing demonstrations on restoration and rehabilitation practices. In addition, the establishment of adequate visitor infrastructure and the provision of training for nature-guides will increase local capacity to support ecotourism.
Outcome 3. Establishing a data baseline for project and management plan monitoring and evaluation
This activity will involve developing and implementing a monitoring strategy to underpin the implementation of the management plan
PROJECT PROGRESS (Latest update) 
ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION:
LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES:
STATE NATURE CONSERVATION CENTRE
The State Nature Conservation Centre is a governmental body, responsible for all practical site management activities within the Haapsalu-Noarootsi Wetlands since 2006.
For more information please see:
Project Website in Estonian: http://www.envir.ee/lk/aewa
Project Website in English: http://www.envir.ee/lk/aewa/index.php?id=14
DEMO PROJECT TEAM:
I have been working as nature education specialist at the Estonian State Nature Conservation Centre since 2003 (before 2006 it was called the Silma Nature Reserve Administration). My role in the organization is to compile publications, plan and develop nature trails, organize seminars, field excursions and other events for educational purposes. In 2000-2003 I worked as a biology, geography and science teacher in a secondary school. I thus have a strong interest in education in general and outdoor education in specific. In the context of the WOW Demonstration Project I work with the press and different stakeholder groups to involve the local community in project activities through raising awareness of the importance of the Estonian Haapsalu-Noarootsi Wetlands.
TIIT RANDLA
After graduating as a biologist from Tartu University I worked at the Estonian Hunters Association for 22 years, the last ten years as executive director. In 1990 I became the head of of the Conservation Unit of the Estonian Ministry of Environment followed by a position as Director of Dima Nature Reserve Administration. Since 2006 I've worked as a specialist on land and evironmetal planning at the Western Regional Office of the State Nature Conservation Centre of Estronia. In the context of the WOW project I am responsible for the coordination of the demostration project in the Haapsalu-Noarootsi Wetlands.
KAIA VOOREMAA
Kaia Vooremaa, who is from the Haapsalu Vocational School, recently joined the Estonian demonstration project team as an intern. Over the next two months she will assist the team in the Haapsalu-Noarootsi Bays to implement project activities.
For more information please contact:
Marko Valker, Email: [Marko.Valker@lk.ee] | Tel: +372 6681057; +372 566 78621 | Fax: +372 4729431
OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS: