Mati Kose University of Tartu, Pärnu Collage Ecosystem Management Department

1. How to develop sustainable coastal tourism? Situation and opportunities in Estonia Mati Kose University of Tartu, Pärnu Collage Ecosystem Management Department

2. Natural situation • Long and intended coastline • Three sides of country are surrounded by water • Over 1000 island and islets

3. Natural heritage: • Landscape values: - big share of coastline still in natural state - good variety from cliffs to meadows - numerous peninsulas, islands, bays - long and untouched sandy beaches

4. Natural heritage: • Botanical treasures: - rich and beautiful flora - coastal- and alvar semi-natural meadows - juniper shrubbery, coastal forests

5. Natural heritage: • Bird treasures: - exciting breeding fauna - increadible migration scene -good observing places

6. Cultural heritage: • Historic and traditional features: - stone fences - old harbours, lighthouses - traditional architecture & villages

7. Cultural heritage: • Traditional lifestyle: - traditional island- & coastal culture - folk songs and dances - national costumes (still used daily in Kihnu isl.)

8. Which way to go? Horsepower vs windpower dilemma New global challeneges like climate change and terrorism – does we suffer or benefit?

9. General problems in coastal development • Weak regional policy, even weaker coastal aspect, unclear governance structure • Lack of clear vision, weak planning system • Lack of expertise: - no specialised researh & development innst. - low funding of knowledge production • Governmental authorities are in favour to big infrastucture projects • All-out privatisation, land speculation and real estate development in coastal areas

10. Problems with coastal tourism development • Collaps of former economic system and end of a traditional coastal lifestyle, identity crisis • Lack of comprehensive planning and strategies • Formal nature conservation regulations • Unbalanced real estate situation and focus on unappropriate real estate development projects • Low investment capacity and entrepreneurship • Lack of good examples and information • Lack of initiative and new ideas in tourism

11. Examples of unsustainable tourism developmet • Cruise ship harbour in Saaremaa: • Environmentally sensitive area • Minimal local involvement • Low interest among cruise tourists • Tourism infrastucture is underdeveloped Photo: Tõnu Ling

12. Examples of unsustainable developmet • Planning the bridge btw mainland and island Saaremaa: - Environmetally disasterous - Economically risky - Socio-economically double-bladed sword - Risk for island identity and culture - Overcrowding the island

13. Examples of bad developments: • Practical experineces from Saaremaa: • Creating artificial stone piles by mass tourists • Trampling and trash disposal • Erecting wind turbines in sensitive landscapes • Disturbance of coastal wildlife in certain places • Image of isalnd as drinking-party destination

14. How to overcome? • Conserving and demonstrating values in parallel: coastal nature and culture • State and EU level support for sustainable conservation-demonstration initiatives. • Better relevant programmes than scattered projects Less formal startegies, more inovative and provocative planning • Community-based approach, local participation in plannning & implementing • Demonstration and promotion • Diversification & innovation • Internationally focused branding

15. Bringing the biridwatching ecotourism into Estonia • Since 2004 UK Naturetrek & Est tarvel agency • Using ecotourism principles • Good response from clients and communitiy • Birdwatching ecotourism is expanding • Western coast as key area, expansion to Saaremaa & other islands

17. Local food & farm visits

18. Crane vs Ostrich as tourism attraction

19. Sea tourism vs illegal fishing

20. Diving safary vs. jet sport

21. Traditional buildings vs new cottages

22. Thank you for attention!