TSIRK - Thorough Study for Innovative and Respected Knowledge

Challenge 

The West Estonian Archipelago is a region of high ecological value that is facing an increasing conflict between the need to conserve biodiversity and the need for agriculture. Every spring, magnificent flocks of barnacle geese arrive, but their hunger poses a threat to local crops. This creates a strong conflict between wildlife conservation and the plight of local farmers. Previous attempts to solve this conflict were often lethal and on top failed completely. To minimise damage to farmland and strengthen coexistence strategies, innovative ideas and action are needed to protect both the region’s vibrant biodiversity and its agricultural heritage.

Objective

The TSIRK project set out to heal this divide over a two-year period. Its goal was to replace conflict with harmony by creating intelligent, science-based solutions for coexistence. To this end, the project sought to understand decades of landscape changes, identify where the geese prefer to feed and provide local communities with effective, non-lethal tools to protect their livelihoods and regional biodiversity.

Approach

To achieve a balanced coexistence, the project team took a practical, three-step path:

• Mapping history: Digitizing missing 1980s maps to trace how land-use in Biosphere Reserve has changed over 40 years.
• Tracking behavior: Using safe, specialized nets to equip geese with modern GPS trackers to follow their feeding journeys.
• Joining forces: Partnering directly with island farmers to test alternative, friendly scaring methods and hosting lively community workshops.

Achieved Results

The project successfully laid the groundwork for a peaceful future where nature and people thrive together. It delivered a crucial historical map database and tracked bird behavior under real farming conditions and was published in a major international scientific journal. Very importantly, the project team connected deeply with the community—bringing together 101 enthusiastic local farmers, experts, and leaders in celebratory workshops to turn our shared knowledge into a lasting vision for our beautiful islands.