Hiiumaa

Hiiumaa is the second largest island of Estonia and is situated in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea with the shortest distance from the mainland being 22 km. The 11 km wide Hari strait separates Hiiumaa from the island of Saaremaa and the 6 km wide Soela strait lies between Hiiumaa and the island of Vormsi. Approximately 12% of Hiiumaa (exluding marine areas) is covered by nature reserve areas, which also include Ramsar areas. Hiiumaa is the part of West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve.

The territory is divided between five municipalities: Kärdla town, Emmaste, Käina, Kõrgessaare, Pühalepa. The total area is about 1019 Km2 and the total population is approximately 11 500. As an island community, energy security is a huge concern for Hiiumaa. The island is rich in biomass (70% of the island is covered by forests) and wind resources and these are seen as 2 key areas for future development. By participating in ASPIRE as a level 3 partner the community aims to make important steps in sustainable energy planning.

The community is represented in the ASPIRE project by the Association of Local Authorities of Hiiumaa, a nonprofit organisation with members from all five municipalities of Hiiumaa.

Contact:

Matti Lüsi
Consultant
Tel: +37 246 22 802
E-mail matti@tuuru.edu.ee