Projects

Ruhnu Cultural Space is an active partner in several international and local projects connecting culture, nature and the blue economy.

Blue Economy and Seaweed Farming

Ruhnu Cultural Space is a partner in developing seaweed cultivation and blue economy initiatives in the West-Estonian Archipelago. Together with our partners, we are developing the concept of Ruhnu seaweed farms, combining traditional marine resource use with modern biotechnological solutions.

BlueActionBANOS

Ruhnu Cultural Space participates in the EU-funded BlueActionBANOS project, focusing on the development of the blue economy in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic Ocean systems. The project aims to create sustainable ocean-based economic activities that respect ecosystem integrity.

Mission Ocean Support

Ruhnu Cultural Space participated in the EU Mission Ocean two-year mentoring programme, which supports maritime communities in developing and implementing blue economy projects. This is an important recognition of our community's contribution to the sustainable development of seas and coastal areas.

UNESCO West-Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve

Ruhnu Cultural Space is an active member of the UNESCO West-Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. This provides us with an important mandate and responsibility to participate in shaping nature conservation, cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development in the region at an international level.

Ruhnu's Historical Seaweed Heritage

Seaweed and marine resources have a long historical tradition on Ruhnu island. The use of seaweed has been an integral part of island life for centuries:

Hläk wine — a traditional Ruhnu seaweed tea, with which the island's residents transported necessary nutrients to their fields in the form of seaweed.

Seaweed transport garments — the folk costume of Ruhnu coastal people, which was used during seaweed transport.

Seaweed harvesting (adru vedamine) — a traditional practice of collecting seaweed washed ashore and using it as agricultural fertilizer and building material. This dedicated seasonal work was an important part of the Ruhnu annual cycle.

This historical seaweed heritage is the core of our blue economy projects — we are developing these centuries-old traditions in a modern context.

Vision 2035

Ruhnu Cultural Space has developed a long-term development plan "Vision 2035", which integrates cultural activities, community development and the blue economy into a cohesive whole. The goal is to transform Ruhnu into a vibrant cultural island where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.

Kihnu-Ruhnu Games

The traditional Kihnu-Ruhnu Games format brings together the communities of two islands through sport and culture. This is a unique inter-island cooperation model that keeps alive the identity of small islands and their mutual connections.

Cooperation with Sweden

Ruhnu's historical ties with Sweden remain vibrant. The Cultural Space develops cooperation projects with Swedish partners, encompassing cultural exchange, language learning and joint heritage protection. Ruhnu's Swedish-language heritage (Runska language) is part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage tradition.

Ruhnu Button

Ruhnu Cultural Space recognises each year individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and development of Ruhnu's culture, community or natural environment.