How to develop sustainable coastal tourism Situation and opportunities in Estonia

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

16
(No Transcript)
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!