Protection of the territory

Based on the protection rules of Vilsandi National Park, the main objective of the national park is to protect the coastal landscapes and sea of West Estonia and little islands rich in bird species.

The territory of the national park is divided into:

• nature reserves (4, with a total area of 494,5 ha) where the preservation and development of natural biotic communities is ensured only through natural processes;
• conservation zones (21, with a total area of 6895,1 ha) that are entirely under the mercy of natural processes and without any economic activity;
• limited management zones (6, with a total area of 41 205 ha) that have more lenient restrictions.

Restrictions for activity arise from the Nature Conservation Act and the protection rules of Vilsandi National Park (in Estonian).

The basis of planning work and activities is the managing document of the reserve – Management Plan of Vilsandi National Park (in Estonian). 

Innarahu nature reserve. Photo: Kadri Paomees