Did you notice that there was a field with sheep behind the Physicum in Maarjavälja last spring? No, it wasn’t some shepherd who decided this is the place for more fruitful sheep grazing; the field in Maarjavälja was actually a scientific project! I stumbled upon it during my studies last May, and I found this super innovative, strange, and cute at the same time. So, naturally, I dug up a bit more information.
The sheep were part of a collaborative project between Tartu, Aarhus, and Riga called ‘urban LIFE circles.’ Led by Tartu, this collaboration is set to last until 2027 and falls under the European Commission LIFE programme. This also means that the project shares the same primary goals of conservation of the local environment and biodiversity, as well as raising awareness of and connection to ecosystem health. and connect people by adapting rural life and biodiversity management into urban areas. It aims to engage people in active conservation of biodiversity and the local environment, support local businesses, support local green infrastructure, and educate and teach people about nature and their surroundings.
Photo Credit: Hendrik Kuusk. Tiksu visiting the sheep on their first day in Maarjavälja.
In an effort to increase biodiversity preservation, the participating cities aim to create ‘urban life circles’ to restore different habitat types and create more green areas. They also plan to connect Natura 2000 sites, rural fields and grasslands with the aim of preserving and expanding the biodiversity of local species.
Through educational and teaching tools, the program also aims to educate city citizens about the importance of the local environment and diversity using a variety of different tools. Not only that, it also aims to promote to people the idea of supporting local businesses and local green infrastructure.
Under the scope of this project, the city planted different native hemp plants, a nettle maze and berry bushes in the nature plot in Maarjavälja. The thing is that all these plants are crucial for the local ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of organisms, from caterpillars and butterflies to birds and humans. It serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected and important to one another. This outdoor experience was also enhanced by an outdoor classroom.
Now you may be wondering, “What else is the project doing?” Well, to bridge the gap between city life and nature, the project also aims to create a virtual reality game of the Jaamamõisa area, with accurate 3D models of plants, animals and fungi. These would be used later for better city development and planning. Additionally, in Riga, research is currently underway among citizens to determine which meadows should be restored. Last but not least, in Aarhus they are developing the city itself, Brabrand Lake and Marselisborgskovene forest. That is, including their natural water reserves, the birds and other species, of course.
All images are author’s own unless otherwise specified.
Sources:
1. Tartu ROHEring (click here)
2. Urban sheep moved to Maarjavälja (click here)
3. urbanLIFEcircles (click here)
4. Aarhus urbanLIFEcircles (click here)
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