Restoration and Management of the Restoration and Management of the Häädemeeste Wetland ComplexHäädemeeste Wetland Complex

(LIFE00NAT/EE/7082)(LIFE00NAT/EE/7082)Projct achievements - 2003Projct achievements - 2003

What are the achievements and highlights of the project during the last reporting period?

• Management plan for the period 2003-2012Management plan for the period 2003-2012

• Draft of new protection regulations for the reserveDraft of new protection regulations for the reserve

• Tourism mangement planTourism mangement plan

Discoveries in the plant world:Discoveries in the plant world:

• Botanical, lichenological and bryological survey’s

• New micro lichen species for Estonia, one re-discovery of moss species, several plant, lichen and moss rarities found

• Botanical monitoring in coastal meadow

Discoveries in the bird’s world:Discoveries in the bird’s world:

• Breeding bird surveys finished for all habitats

• Several BD annex I forest species are more widespread than predicted – relevant proposals for expansion of the reserve borders

• Tolkuse bog bird survey• Continuation of monitoring

of the coastal breeding and migratory species

The coastal meadow working camp

• 120 volunteers120 volunteers• Estonian Ornithol. Soc. & Estonian Ornithol. Soc. &

Est. seminatural community Est. seminatural community conserv. NGO, local peopleconserv. NGO, local people

• Massive amount of work has Massive amount of work has been donebeen done

• Second day for birdSecond day for birdwwatching atching and introducing the life and introducing the life project project

• Good media coverageGood media coverage• Very positive reception by Very positive reception by

participantsparticipants

Booklet on coastal meadow management historyBooklet on coastal meadow management history

• Local history of use and management of coastal meadows

• Knowledge and practices used

• Memories and local names

• Skills and things to learn for present

• New LIFE of coastal meadows

Expansion of coastal meadow managementExpansion of coastal meadow management

• The area of managed coastal meadows reached the 500 ha

• 6 new land managers joined, several new areas covered

• 17 new livestock unit provided

• 3 new livestock shed built• Fencing and grazing of

shoreline started

SeminarSeminar o onn coastal meadow management coastal meadow management

• 35 experts, managers, landowners, researchers and conservationists

• Informal and scientific presentations on coastal meadow biodiversity, management practical and financial issues, historical and cultural views

• Study visits, demonstrations and discussions on most project sites, meetings with local meadow caretakers

Visit by EC DG ENV Life officialVisit by EC DG ENV Life official

• E.Borg-Tsantekidou visited the Life project office and project area

• also attended the coastal meadow seminar and opened the new border sign of the reserve

• Very positive feedback by Life officer

Development of the ecotourismDevelopment of the ecotourism at the reserve at the reserve

• Development plan for the Development plan for the Rannametsa nature trailRannametsa nature trail

• Training courses for Training courses for nature guidesnature guides

• Beginning with Beginning with construction works at construction works at Rannametsa nature trailRannametsa nature trail

• Four birdwatching towers Four birdwatching towers started to buildstarted to build

Better habitats for a Natterjack-Toad

• Special renovation of Sooküla quarrySpecial renovation of Sooküla quarry,, as toad’s as toad’s spawning sitespawning site,, has been completed has been completed

• Successful breeding season Successful breeding season atat this site this site• Beginning of Beginning of ppond creation at coastal meadowsond creation at coastal meadows

Land for conservation has been purchasedLand for conservation has been purchased

20 ha of coastal land with high conservation 20 ha of coastal land with high conservation potential has been purchased by potential has been purchased by Estonian Ornithological SocietyEstonian Ornithological Society