1. Annely Holm Environmental Board Estonia
Nordic Alvar in Estonia – example of large scale restoration project LIFE to alvars
Annely Holm
Environmental Board
Estonia
15. May 2019
Brussels

2. Loss of the alvar habitat (6280
Loss of the alvar habitat (6280* Nordic alvar and precambrian calcareous flatrocks)
Starting situation in 2014-
Estonia has experienced a major loss of alvar
grassland (85%) in the past 60 years due to:
abandonment
forestation
inadequate grazing regime
From 2020 targeted 7700 hectares only about 2000 hectares are in good status.
Main threat to the alvar grasslands is
overgrowing with junipers and pine trees
after traditional low intensity grazing has ceased.

3. LIFE to alvars results by 2019
Improved conservation status of 2500 hectares
of alvar grasslands achieved by removing the
overgrowth of bushes and trees
Improved habitat conditions for several protected
plant species (including 15 species of orchids)
Long term management initiated- 10 year contracts
with farmers and established for the traditional
management of restored areas
51 information panels set up at the 25 different
project sites
Large scale implementation of novel mechanised
restoration methodology at protected meadow
habitat;
Fotol projekti kodulehel toodud kaardikiht, kus saab vaadata projektialade asukohti ja mis töid on seal tehtud. Teisel pildid taastatud ala koos projekti infotahvliga.

4. Ingredients for success
WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS
Involving approximately 600 private landowners,
60 local farmers and 30 restoration entrepreneurs
WORK WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY
25 guided tours and seminars at the project areas for different interest groups;
regular meetings, seminars and common fieldwork with farmers, landowners, experts
WORK WITH MEDIA
More than 100 publication in local, regional and international media,
social media campaign carried out in the project webpage and Facebook,
regular publications in local and national media channels
Fotol projekti kodulehel toodud kaardikiht, kus saab vaadata projektialade asukohti ja mis töid on seal tehtud. Teisel pildid taastatud ala koos projekti infotahvliga.

5. Ingredients for success- socio-economic aspect
GENERATING LONG TERM INCOME
Short term income form restoration and grazing infrastructure building
activities during the project, long term income for the local community from grazing alvars:
fodder for the sheep and cattle
agri-environmental scheme
added tourstic value of the landscape
Income for private landowners through rent
ADDED VALUE PRODUCTS
Local coop of farmers initiated in the frames of added-value products working group of the project –
aim of the coop is to market the products from the alvar – meat, wool, skins to generate income from alvar grazing.
INITIAL INVESTMENT
Restoration and grazing infrastructure is a big investment for the farmer.
By carrying out this activity through project, farmer can carry on the
traditional management and keeping the long term result.
Fotol projekti kodulehel toodud kaardikiht, kus saab vaadata projektialade asukohti ja mis töid on seal tehtud. Teisel pildid taastatud ala koos projekti infotahvliga.

6. Lessons learned NOVEL METHODOLOGY
Methodology for mechanical restoration of alvars is successful and can be applied to other grassland types in Estonia and cross border (and is already done).
STAKEHOLDERS
It is extremely important to involve stakeholders already in the preparation phase of the project. It is possible to carry out large scale restoration projects with many stakeholders and private landowners.
KEEPING THE RESULT
It is important to establish the means to keep the result after the project is finished. One of the most successful and cost effective way to do it, is by making the project into local communities project.
Fotodel veetünn, varjualune, erinevad aiad ja väravad – isesulguv värav, autoga läbitav värav, sõraliste tõke.

7. Thank you for your attention!
More information on website:
or in Facebook LIFEtoalvars