Minister Reiljan refers to Vilsandi National Park as a kind of rarity: “This is one of the oldest protected areas in the Baltic Sea region. Besides Vilsandi, only a few nature reserves on the shore of the Baltic Sea in Sweden and Finland can boast of an equally long history." This makes Vilsandi National Park especially remarkable. “Just the fact that a protected area was established almost a century ago created a precedent. When the park was established, great emphasis was laid on things that in today’s protected areas are taken for granted but at that time they were considered as highly innovative. It is namely because of the pioneering and trend-setting activities that we have to hold Vilsandi National Park in high regard and appreciate its long history," the Minister explains. The celebration of the 95th anniversary of Vilsandi National Park will begin tomorrow at 13:00 PM. A short overview of the history of the protected area and current activities will be given in the course of the event. Piano music will be performed by Mr Indrek Laul. Study trips to Elda and Harilaid will take place starting from 15:00 PM. The predecessor of Vilsandi National Park was Vaika bird sanctuary created on 14 August 1910. From 1957 to 1971 the protected area was called Vaika State Nature Reserve. In 1971 the area of protection was considerably increased and it was renamed Vilsandi State Nature Reserve. Since October 1993 the name is Vilsandi National Park. The objective of the national park is to protect the coastal nature and cultural heritage of the West-Estonian archipelago. The protection rules lay special emphasis on the aim to protect small islands rich in birds. The area of Vilsandi National Park is 238 km2, including 163 km2 of sea and 75 km2 of land. The national park embraces 160 islands and islets of different sizes. The national park belongs to the Natura 2000 network both as a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. During the tourism season, about 20,000 people from an average of 30 countries visit the national park. Further information: Arvo Kullapere Director of Vilsandi National Park Administration Phone (+372) 56 64 5010 Mart Siilivask Press Representative, Ministry of the Environment Phone (+372) 626 2811; (+372) 523 8402 |
