Projects

Period: 01.09.2024–31.08.2027

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Funded by: Interreg Estonia-Latvia
Budget: € 1 500 000,00 The amount of support from ERDF is € 1 200 000,00
Partners: Kurzeme Planning Region, Riga Planning Region, Vidzeme Planning Region, University of Tartu, Tartu County Tourism Foundation – South Estonia Tourism Cluster, Dienvidkurzeme MunicipalityLiepāja City Municipality Central Administration, Kuldīga Municipality, Jūrmala State City Municipality, Ķekava Municipality, Ādaži County Municipality, Valmiera Municipality, Madona Municipality, Valka Municipality, Limbaži Municipality, Green Riverland Partnership NGO, Otepää Rural Municipality Government, Luunja Municipality, Antsla Municipality, Setomaa Municipality Government, Võru Rural Municipality.

Project objective is to facilitate water tourism in Latvia and Estonia by expanding cross-border tourism product www.riverways.eu and focusing on innovative solutions to access and use recreational waters, routes and products by all target groups (incl. disabled, seniors, families with children etc.), at the same time also supporting sustainable infrastructure, which controls and reduces anthropogenic impact of recreational activities.

Nowadays, the stereotype of water tourism being mainly used by fit and active part of population, is breaking down – user group has widened. Families with children, seniors are interested in watertourism options. This brings up the need to develop more accessible watertourism environment – develop all-target groups related multifunctional infrastructure with complex approach to services providing for full customer journey. 16 infrastructure objects will be developed in the project in Latvia and Estonia as a pilot activity to improve access and create joint social innovation solutions for watertourism activities.

The project will build on available knowledge from the two projects (2013 – 2015 Est-Lat RIVERWAYS and 2024 – 2026 Lat-Lit WaterWays) and spread further the watertourism network providing more access to more target groups.

Project homepage in English

Additional information: Tõiv Jõul, Project Manager, [email protected]

Period: 01.10.2023–30.09.2026

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Funded by: Interreg Estonia-Latvia
Budget: € 1 155 991, The amount of support from ERDF is € 924,792.80
Partners: Kurzeme Planning Region, Riga Planning Region, NGO “Garden Pearls”, Municipality of Madona, Municipality of Valmiera, Municipality of Gulbene, Special Protection cultural Monument Turaida Museum Reserve, Bīriņu manor Park, Municipality of Smiltene, NGO Oleru manor, The local government agency “Cēsu municipality tourism development agency” (Latvia); University of Tartu, NGO Estonian rural tourism, Pärnu City Council, Municipality of Viljandi, Tõstamaa Manour Foundation (Estonia), Vidzeme Tourism Association.

Project objective is to advance Garden Pearls cross-border tourism broduct by creating and connecting new sites to the network and together with the existing Garden Pearls sites enhance accessibility of tourism product and associated services, and incorporate social innovation and inclusion into product and service design process.

Project homepage in English

Additional information: Tõiv Jõul, Project Manager, [email protected]

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Period: 01.05.2021–31.08.2024
Funded by: Nordplus
Budget: €58 201
Partners: Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Alytus Art School (Lithuania), Graphic Chamber (Latvia), Academia Gustaviana Society ja +372.community (Estonia).

Additional information: Kadri Orula, Project Manager, [email protected]

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The project involves the creation and development of a web-based, English-language study module titled “Service Design for Wellness and Healthy Ageing”, focusing on the design and adaptation of services related to wellbeing and healthy ageing.

The module consists of four courses and is delivered in English. Each course carries a workload of 5 ECTS credits. The module is primarily intended for master’s level study; however, both the individual courses and the full module can also be adapted for continuing professional education.

The underlying idea is to develop a study module that focuses on the design of wellbeing and health services for the 50+ age group, taking into account the personal characteristics, specific traits, preferences, and needs of middle-aged and older adults.

Course themes:

• Course 1 – Envisioning the Healthy Future (Design Management and Wellness Theories)
• Course 2 – Service Design (in Ageing Society)
• Course 3 – Design Anthropology (with a specific focus on the 50+ age group)
• Course 4 – Business Models and Design Management in the Service Sector (Business Models in the Service Sector)

Materials developed within the project

• Course 1 – Envisioning the Healthy Future (Design Management and Wellness Theories)
  Link to materials: https://moodle.ut.ee/course/view.php?id=12377
• Course 2 – Service Design (in Ageing Society)
  Link to materials: https://moodle.ut.ee/course/view.php?id=13195
• Course 3 – Design Anthropology (with a specific focus on the 50+ age group)
  Link to materials: https://moodle.ut.ee/course/view.php?id=13196
• Course 4 – Business Models and Design Management in the Service Sector (Business Models in the Service Sector)
  Link to materials: https://moodle.ut.ee/course/view.php?id=13197

Contact: Kadri Riitsaar, Project Manager, [email protected]

Period: 01.12.2022–30.11.2026
Funded by: European Commision
Budget: €353 031
Partners: Aalborg Universitet (Denmark), Aarhus Universitet (Denmark), Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (Spain), Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum fur Polar- und Meeresforschung (Germany), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS (France), Fundacion AZTI - AZTI Fundazioa (Spain), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (Greece), Helsingin Yliopisto (Finland), Institut Francais de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (France), Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique (Belgium), Institute of Oceanology BAS (Bulgaria), Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Marina Grigore Antipa (Romania), Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (Italy), Luonnonvarakeskus (Finland), Norsk Institutt for Vannforskning (Norway), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (Italy), Stichting Deltares (Netherlands), Suomen Ymparistokeskus (Finland), Scitation - Science Communication Lda (Portugal), The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK), WCMC LBG (UK)

Principal investigator: Henn Ojaveer (University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, Pärnu College)

More information in English

Additional information: Henn Ojaveer, Professor of Marine Ecosystems, [email protected]

Period: 01.10.2021–30.09.2025
Funded by: European Commision
Budget: €130 000
Partners: Aalborg University (Denmark), Athina-Erevnitiko Kentro Kainotomias Stis Technologies Tis Pliroforias, Ton Epikoinonion Kai Tis Gno̱sis (Greece), Cepesca-confederacion Espanola de pesca (Spain), Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel (Germany), Coispa Technologia & Ricerca Scarl (Italy), Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (Denmark), Eigen Vermogen van Het Instituut voor Landbouw- en Visserijonderzoek (Belgium), Fundacion AZTI - AZTI Fundazioa (Spain), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (Greece), Institut Francais de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (France), Institut National d'Enseignement Superieur pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (France), International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (Denmark), Johann Heinrich von Thuenen-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut fuer Laendliche Raeume, Wald und Fischerei (Germany), Marine Institute (Ireland), Mindfully Wired Communications LBG (UK), Partikas Drosibas, Dzivnieku Veselibas un Vides Zinatniskais Institutsbior (Latvia), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Stichting Wageningen Research (Netherlands), University of Tartu (Estonia), The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK), The University Court of the University of St Andrews (UK), Universite de Bretagne Occidentale (France), University of Strathclyde (UK), Wageningen University (Netherlands)

Principal investigator: Henn Ojaveer (University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, Pärnu College)

More information in English

Additional information: Henn Ojaveer, Professor of Marine Ecosystems, [email protected]

Period: 01.01.2024–31.12.2026
Funded by: Ministry of Climate
Budget: €150 000
Partners: Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (Estonia), Endeavour (Belgium), Ghent University (Belgium), Kohtla-Järve City Government (Estonia), University of Aveiro (Portugal), Utrecht University (Netherlands), Valga City Government (Estonia)
Principal investigator: Antti Roose (University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, Pärnu College)

Vulnerable and shrinking urban neighbourhoods offer a range of strategic, spatial, and institutional opportunities for the energy transition, but they are also characterised by numerous non-financial barriers. One of the key challenges in this context is the development of collective agency and the organisation of a just transition.

The CO2PED project develops support tools to strengthen the capacity of residents, housing cooperatives, and local authorities to advance the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). The project covers eight pilot neighbourhoods in Belgium, Estonia (Valga city centre and the Järve district in Kohtla-Järve), the Netherlands, and Portugal, where interdisciplinary research is conducted on neighbourhood social dynamics and capacities for change.

The neighbourhood case studies generate future visions, examine the conditions for collective agency, explore institutional development pathways, and support the strengthening of local mandates. The overarching aim is to empower residents and neighbourhood organisations by providing them with the tools, opportunities, and authority to actively organise and manage local energy and climate actions. The project analyses and develops the capacity of communities and neighbourhoods to plan and implement change in a more inclusive manner.

Project outcomes are transferable to different institutional and spatial contexts across Europe. Ultimately, the activities contribute to strengthening the energy dimension of urban strategies in support of the implementation of the EU Green Deal. Joint academic seminars and neighbourhood site visits will be organised, and the results will be disseminated through scientific publications.

More information in English

Additional information: Antti Roose, Visiting Professor, [email protected]

Period: 01.09.2023–31.08.2027
Funded by: European Commision
Budget: €175 346
Partners: Association Europeenne Leader Pourle Developpement Rural (Belgium), Estonian Leader Association (Estonia), Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities (Estonia), Federación Galega de Municipios e Provincias (Spain), Fundación Juana de Vega (Spain), Sapiens Energia Coop. V. (Spain), Tartu Regional Energy Agency (Estonia), University of Vigo (Spain), Unión de Cooperativas EspazoCoop (Spain)
Principal investigator: Antti Roose (University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, Pärnu College)

Aim / Content

The aim of EC4RURAL is to deepen and strengthen cooperation between local and regional authorities and rural communities in order to support the energy transition, while ensuring the active participation of peripheral and less-developed rural areas and communities. The project seeks to initiate community energy initiatives and promote rural energy communities based on the active involvement of citizens, SMEs, municipal authorities, and rural development LEADER groups in renewable energy production in rural areas.

Pilot activities are carried out in Galicia and Estonia through 34 case studies across different rural municipalities, including 11 case studies in Estonian rural municipalities. The university conducts both framework and case studies on the characteristics, enabling conditions, capacities, and barriers of energy communities, implements a training programme on community energy, and more broadly promotes a local energy governance model in Estonia.

EC4RURAL website
More information in English

Additional information: Antti Roose, Visiting Professor, [email protected]

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Period: 01 March 2025 – 01 June 2026
Funder: Interreg Central Baltic / Central Baltic Cross-Border Cooperation Programme
Budget: €212,727.60 (of which €170,182.08 is grant funding)
Partners: Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Ecofellows Ltd (Finland), University of Tartu (Estonia), Tartu Regional Energy Agency (TREA)

Aim / Content

The project addresses key challenges related to the ageing building stock in the Central Baltic region, fragmented energy advisory services, and low levels of public engagement with energy efficiency issues. The project develops a digital energy efficiency checklist for private homeowners.

For energy advisors and auditors, the checklist enables more efficient data collection, reduces the duration of consultations, and allows for more accurate energy-saving recommendations. The integration of behavioural patterns into the assessment process makes energy advice more practical and user-oriented, supporting residents in better estimating their potential energy savings.

Contact: Antti Roose, Visiting Professor, University of Tartu Pärnu College, [email protected]

Period: 01 January 2025 – 31 October 2025
Funder: European Commission, ERDF–ESPON
Budget: €212,727.60 (of which €170,182.08 is grant funding)
Partners: DEA Consulting (Belgium), Aalborg University (Denmark), University of Tartu (Estonia), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), University of Lisbon (Portugal), University of Valencia (Spain)

Aim / Content

The study examines how spatial planning can be used to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy across the European Union. Key challenges addressed include land-use conflicts, public willingness to support renewable energy projects, and bureaucratic barriers.

The study collects evidence from seven countries—Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Portugal, Romania, and Spain—with the aim of identifying best practices and developing policy recommendations that can also be applied in other national contexts.

Contacts: Antti Roose, Visiting Professor, University of Tartu Pärnu College, [email protected]

Garri Raagmaa, University of Tartu Pärnu College, [email protected]

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Period: 01.11.2020–30.06.2023
Funded by: ERASMUS+
Budget: €355 497
Partners: Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Dundalk Institute of Technology (Ireland), HZ University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia).

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Project homepage in English

Additional information: Tõiv Jõul, Project Manager, [email protected]

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Period: 05.10.2020–30.06.2022
Funded by: European Social Fund
Budget: €27 753

Additional information: Kadri Orula, Project Manager, [email protected]

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Period: 01.09.2020–31.12.2022
Funded by: ERASMUS+
Budget: €232 539
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia), Pärnu Museum (Estonia), University of Latvia (Latvia), Zeit Hotel (Latvia), More Mechelen-Antwerpen (Belgium), Dr Guislain Museum (Belgium).

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Additional information: Liina Käär, Head of Department, Junior Lecturer in Social Work, [email protected]

Aim / Content

The aim of the study was to analyse the economic impact of the spread of the coronavirus and to explore possible development scenarios for the tourism sector in the post-COVID period, as well as to identify measures that should be taken to develop Estonia’s tourism sector in the short and long term.
For the purposes of the study, representatives of tourism-related economic sectors and external experts were interviewed, and focus group discussions were held with representatives of tourism associations and organisations.

Results

Three possible scenarios for the future development of tourism were developed.

The first scenario, entitled “The Crisis Continues”, assumes that the spread of the virus cannot be sufficiently controlled during the summer to enable international travel. This would result in a situation largely similar to that of 2020, characterised by the dominance of domestic tourism and tourism permitted under agreements with neighbouring countries. Critical factors include ensuring safety and continuous communication with the public regarding safety requirements, supporting market participants and reducing risks, monitoring environmental impacts, retaining core personnel, and improving tourism-related skills. Ensuring safety is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of each individual service provider.

The second scenario, “The Euro Bubble”, envisages freer travel between European countries during the summer, while restrictions remain in place for travellers from outside Europe. This would lead to intense competition within Europe, with countries implementing various support measures. Tourism in both Europe and Estonia is expected to recover to 2019 levels within five to six years, albeit in a transformed form. Estonia’s tourism sector faces a strategic choice between remaining focused on Estonia and the Baltic region or, together with neighbouring countries, strengthening the Baltic Sea tourism brand in order to take advantage of the redistribution of the European tourism market in favour of the Baltic Sea region. Possible solutions include joint communication and the creation of a unified and reliable information environment with neighbouring countries, the involvement of domestic stakeholders and mutual learning, state-level cooperation in supporting the tourism sector, and reducing inequalities arising from differences in digital capacity.

The third scenario, “Flying Again!”, suggests that tourism demand will begin to recover rapidly in the second half of 2021 as the virus is brought under control worldwide. Previous performance levels would be exceeded within three years; however, significant changes in the redistribution of markets must be anticipated. Long-haul travel may divert higher-spending customers away from domestic tourism. In the coming years, inflation is expected to increase property and raw material prices, making everyday life more expensive. A key strategic choice will be whether to embrace a sustainable green transition model focused on experiences and quality of life, as market opportunities and European Union funding will increasingly depend on the seriousness with which environmental objectives are addressed.

Further information about the study:
www.puhkaeestis.ee/et/turismiprofessionaalile/uudised/uuring-covid-19-majandusmojust-turismisektorile

Full version of the study:
www.puhkaeestis.ee/et/turismiprofessionaalile/uuringud-ja-statistika/turismiuuringud-eestis

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Period: 01.10.2020–30.09.2021
Funded by: Interreg Baltic Sea Region, Seed Money
Budget: €50 000
Partners: Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (Findland), Association of Sea Cities and Municipalities (Poland), Riga Planning Region (Latvia), Municipality of Söderhamn (Sweden), Eesti Väikesadamate Arenduskeskus (Estonia), Univeristy of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia)

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Additional information: Tõiv Jõul, Project Manager, [email protected]

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Period: 01.09.2019–1.05.2021
Funded by: Nordplus
Budget: €8000
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia) and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

Additional information: Liina Käär, Head of Department, Junior Lecturer in Social Work, [email protected]

Period: 01 March 2018 – 31 October 2020
Funder: Interreg Central Baltic
Project budget: €399,933.15 (ERDF €311,250.66)
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia), Södertörn University (Sweden), Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia)

Aim / Content

Between 2018 and 2020, the Tourism Department team of the University of Tartu Pärnu College implemented the Interreg Central Baltic–funded project NatureBizz. In cooperation with lecturers and experts from universities in Sweden (Södertörn University), Finland (Satakunta University of Applied Sciences), and Latvia (Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences), the project examined the skills, knowledge, and competences of micro-entrepreneurs who utilise natural resources in their business activities, and developed needs-based e-courses accordingly.

In the first phase of the project, a range of studies were conducted under the leadership of the University of Tartu Pärnu College. Based on sectoral development plans and reports, as well as interviews with entrepreneurs and representatives of organisations representing them, the project mapped the skills and competences required by micro-entrepreneurs operating with natural resources. The research findings from the participating countries were consolidated, and on the basis of this information, four English-language e-courses were developed.

Contacts:
Gristel Leetma – [email protected]
Marit Piirman – [email protected]

Project website: www.projectnaturebizz.eu

The above text reflects the views of the author. The programme managing authority is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

Results

• A handbook on planning green business activities in micro-enterprises
• Estonian newsletters 1, 2, and 3
• Report “Mapping the Skills Required for Green Entrepreneurship among Micro-Entrepreneurs in Estonia”
• Baltic Sea region report “Business from Nature: Skills Needed in Green Entrepreneurship and Business Development”
• Project website: www.projectnaturebizz.eu

Period: 1 November 2014 – 31 January 2016
Funder: Development and Humanitarian Aid Funds of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Project budget: –
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia)

Aim / Content

The aim of the project was to contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism regions of Tbilisi and Minsk, with a particular focus on event tourism. To achieve this objective, current and prospective tourism entrepreneurs, destination management stakeholders, and university-level tourism specialists in the target regions were introduced to good practice examples demonstrating how Estonian tourism destinations and enterprises have used events and festivals to stimulate demand, including during the low season.

With the involvement of Estonian tourism practitioners (entrepreneurs and destination organisation managers) and under the leadership of the University of Tartu Pärnu College, seminars were conducted in Tbilisi and Minsk, and a study visit–seminar was organised in Estonia. In addition, students participated in a summer university course in Estonia.

Contact: Gristel Leetma, Project Manager, [email protected]

Results

As a result of the project, tourism stakeholders from Georgia and Belarus were able to update their knowledge, gain new ideas and practical insights, and establish new professional contacts. Cooperation with partner universities—Caucasus University and the Belarus State Economic University in Minsk—continues.

The above text reflects the views of the author. The programme managing authority is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

Period: 01 October 2013 – 31 March 2016
Funder: Erasmus Lifelong Learning Programme
Project budget: –
Partners: Representatives of universities, business enterprises, and consultancy companies from Germany, Austria, Italy, Estonia, Portugal, Romania, Turkey, and the United Kingdom

Aim / Content

The Tourism Department of the University of Tartu Pärnu College participated in an international project under the acronym CUBITUS, which refers to a sustainable cooperation programme between universities and businesses in the tourism sector. The aim of the project was to enhance the competences of academics in providing consultancy services to tourism enterprises in the field of senior tourism.

As part of the project, guidelines were developed on how to design senior tourism products and how to consult business enterprises. In addition, pilot consultancy projects were implemented in four countries.

As a result of the project, ten trainers were eligible to apply for ISO 17024 certification, and at least three tourism enterprises from each participating country took part in the consultancy process aimed at developing senior tourism products.

Results

• Project newsletter No. 1
• Project newsletter No. 2
• Project newsletter No. 3
• Project newsletter No. 4
• Senior Tourism Handbook
• Handbook on the University–Business Cooperation Model
• Handbook on the University–Business Cooperation Model – Appendices
• The CUBITUS Green Book

Project website: www.cubitus-project.eu

Contact: Gristel Leetma, Project Manager, [email protected]

Period: 01 September 2014 – 31 August 2016
Funder: Erasmus+
Project budget: –
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia)

Aim / Content

The aim of the project was to integrate virtual games into higher education teaching in order to provide students with the opportunity to experience the full lifecycle of business activities—from company start-up to management—through the use of modern information technologies.

During the GAMES project, a virtual game was developed and implemented as an innovative educational method in higher education. The use of games in education combines both educational and entertainment elements, engaging students and allowing them to experiment with different aspects of learning. One field in which virtual games have been used particularly successfully is entrepreneurship education. An entrepreneurship game functions as a business simulation or model of either an entire business organisation or a specific part of it. Such simulations and models represent experimental learning activities that support the integrated and holistic application of students’ knowledge.

Results

• Learning Business Through Simulation Games: A Survey Among Students Who Played the Developed Games
• Perspectives on Computer Gaming in Higher Education

Project website: www.ue.poznan.pl/pl/uniwersytet,c13/projekty,c2098/projekt-games,c3492/

Contacts:
Kandela Õun, [email protected]
Merle Mägi, [email protected]

Period: 1 November 2012 – 31 December 2013
Funder: Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation Grant of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Project budget: –
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College (Estonia)

Aim / Content

The aim of the project was to contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of tourism destinations. To achieve this, good practice examples from Pärnumaa tourism were introduced to current and prospective tourism enterprises in Crimea and Batumi, with the objective of generating new ideas for service development and establishing new contacts for future cooperation.

With the participation of tourism practitioners from Pärnumaa (entrepreneurs and managers) and under the leadership of the University of Tartu Pärnu College, seminars were conducted in Crimea and Batumi, and a study visit to Estonia was organised. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a summer university course.

The thematic focus areas of the project included service design and marketing, the development of cooperation networks and teamwork, and international tourism entrepreneurship.

Results

As a result of the project, tourism entrepreneurs and students from Ukraine and Georgia gained new knowledge and practical experience, established new professional contacts, and continued cooperation with partner universities—Caucasus University and Taurida National University.

Contact: Gristel Leetma, Project Manager, [email protected]

Period: 01 January 2012 – 31 December 2016
Funder: LIFE+ Nature Programme
Project budget: €126,796
Partners: University of Tartu Pärnu College, Estonian Environmental Board, Pärnu City Government

Aim / Content

The European Commission approved, within a pan-European competitive call, a joint project application submitted by the Estonian Environmental Board, the City Government of Pärnu, and the University of Tartu Pärnu College entitled “URBANCOWS”. The project aimed to restore habitats and natural values within the Pärnu Coastal Meadow Nature Reserve, to improve visitor management, and to promote environmental awareness.

Within the project, experts from the University of Tartu Pärnu College were responsible for providing overall consultancy on restoration activities, preparing and monitoring the implementation of a restoration plan for coastal lagoons, coordinating species protection activities, and developing and implementing a public engagement strategy. In cooperation with other project partners, Pärnu College was also responsible for organising the project’s final conference, focusing on the protection of urban natural values and public involvement.

The Pärnu coastal meadows represent a remarkable example, both in Estonia and across Europe, of the preservation of significant natural values adjacent to a rapidly developing urban environment and areas of intensive recreational use. However, the cessation of traditional grazing practices and increasing urban pressure have placed these natural values in serious jeopardy. The solution lies in restoring the management of coastal grasslands and developing visitor management practices that take natural values into account. The total budget of the overall project was €1.138 million, with a duration of five years.

Results

The project created opportunities for the reintroduction of grazing on coastal meadows and for the development of visitor management through the establishment of appropriate infrastructure. Coastal lagoons were maintained, and activities focused on public information, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement were carried out.