20 January 2012: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has announced that the Government of Estonia has designated three mire complexes as new Wetlands of International Importance, bringing its total number of Ramsar sites to 16.
The first site Agusalu is part of Estonia’s largest mire complex, Agusalu-Puhatu, and supports many regionally and nationally protected bird species and nationally red-listed species of flora. The site is threatened by the gradual move of oil-shale pits towards the site, the intensification of forestry, and drainage activities.

The second site, Leidissoo, is a nature reserve and supports many protected bird species and endangered species of flora. The site also acts as a refuge for animals with large habitat requirements. Threats include the intensification of forestry and the drainage of surrounding areas.

The third site, Lihula, is a landscape reserve and provides important wetland habitats for specific flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Threats to the site include the intensification of forestry, the drainage of surrounding areas, and the abandonment of semi-natural meadows.

The three sites play an important role in the hydrological balance and water quality of the region. Traditional berry and mushroom picking are practiced on the three sites. Estonia’s designations contribute to one of the goals contained in the Ramsar Convention’s Strategic Plan for 2009-2015, which is to reach a protected area of 250 million hectares by 2015. [Ramsar Press Release]