UNESCO extends Western Estonian Islands Biosphere Reserve status

UNESCO has confirmed the status of the Western Estonian Islands Biosphere Reserve for the next ten years. The reserve covers approximately 15,186 km², including the islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi, and Ruhnu, as well as surrounding waters in the Baltic, Väinameri, and Gulf of Riga.

The designation serves as a framework for cooperation and development rather than a new type of protection regime. It aims to demonstrate how nature conservation and local economic life can coexist through sustainable tourism, local food development, and the maintenance of heritage meadows. Minister of Energy and Environment Erkki Keldo noted that the recognition confirms the islands' success in balancing entrepreneurship with environmental preservation, which can bolster international trust for local producers and tourism.

The status does not impose new restrictions on residents, landowners, or businesses. Instead, it allows local companies to use the designation in their marketing, such as stating products were ‘Produced in the Western Estonian Islands Biosphere Reserve’.