Report on the status of an element inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding

A. Cover sheet

A.1.

State Party

Name of State Party

A.2.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

This information is available online.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

2006-01-27

A.3.

Element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List that is the subject of this report

Name of element

Building and use of expanded dugout boats in the Soomaa region

Inscribed in

2021

Submitting State(s)

A.4.

Reporting period covered by this report

Please indicate the period covered by this report.

Reporting period covered by this report

01-01-2021 - 15-12-2025

A.5.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Please list all other elements from your country inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, together with the year of inscription; for multinational elements, please indicate the other States concerned.

A.6.

Executive summary of the report

Please provide an executive summary of the report that will allow general readers to understand the current status of the element, any positive or negative impacts of inscription, the implementation of safeguarding measures during the reporting period and their possible update for the following years.

Executive summary of the report

Soomaa’s dugout boat culture continues to be viable at least in the next 10-20 years thanks to a small but active community of masters, combined with positive attitudes by the Estonian society and state. However, the longer-term survival of dugout boat culture as living cultural heritage faces the following main threats: 1) insufficient succession of masters, 2) weak demand for building and using dugout boats, 3) Risks related to raw material, and 4) Soomaa community’s weak demographic situation.

The inscription of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture under UNESCO’s List of Intangible Culture Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in December 2021 has had measurable positive impact on the element’s viability: it led to a wave of domestic and international media coverage about Soomaa’s dugout boat heritage, secured an annual operating grant to the Estonian Dugout Boat Society (EDBS) from the Estonian state, and led to material support by the Tori Rural Municipality to establish the Dugout Boat House in Tori - to name a few tangible impacts. Just as importantly, the UNESCO inscription increased the pride of current dugout boat master in their craft, likely helped recruit apprentices for the master-apprentice programmes conducted between 2021-2025, and raised the profile and reputation of dugout boat culture in Estonia (including the Soomaa region) and abroad.

Safeguarding measures implemented during the reporting period closely followed the objectives of the safeguarding plan and had significant results in 5 of the 6 initial objectives. Most importantly, as a result of 4 master-apprentice programmes conducted in this period, 5 new dugout boat builders emerged, some of whom are on the master path. In addition, annual dugout boat festivals were held in Soomaa in 2021-2024 which also engaged the Soomaa local community, several novel uses for dugout boats were initiated (e.g., annual Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides), the first international dugout boat camp was held in Tori, EDBS joined an EU Interreg Estonian-Latvian joint project as partner, and many awareness-raising activities were conducted in Estonia and internationally.

The updated safeguarding plan 2026-2029 follows the general structure of the initial plan, however with the following changes: 1) the initial objective to shape forestry practices favourably towards dugout boat culture has been retired due to lack of effective instruments to shape these practices, while 2) two new objectives have been added: academic collaboration in the interdisciplinary field of logboat studies, and establishing a permanent home for Soomaa’s dugout boat culture (the Dugout Boat House in Tori). The safeguarding plan also foresees continued capacity-building activities for EDBS, such as participation in further international projects and maintaining part-time salaried staff. EDBS is also looking forward to continuing positive cooperation with the Estonian state, including on national and local municipality levels. Within the existing objectives, a key goal is to publish a high-quality book about Soomaa’s dugout boat culture for both domestic and international audiences. The master-apprentice programmes are expected to continue, and additional steps will be taken to offer a path for graduates of master-apprentice programmes to evolve towards full-fledged dugout boat masters, and thus ensuring the long-term continuity of dugout boat culture.

A.7.

Contact person for correspondence

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the report.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.)

Ms

Family name

Viita

Given name

Leelo

Institution/position

Head of the ICH Department

Address

Estonian Centre of Folk Culture
Leola 15a
71020 Viljandi

Telephone number

+372 5306 9897

E-mail address

leelo.viita@rahvakultuur.ee

Other relevant information

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B

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B. Status of element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List

Refer to the nomination file or to previous reports, if any, as the basis for reporting on the current status of the element, and report only on relevant changes since the date of inscription on the List or since the previous report. Nomination files, specific timetables and earlier reports, if any, are available at https://ich.unesco.org or from the Secretariat, upon request.

The State Party shall pay special attention to the role of gender and shall endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report, and is asked to describe how it has done so in point D below.

B.1.

Social and cultural functions

Please explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the element today, within and for its community, the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners, and any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element, among others. Attention should be given to any relevant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 (‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’).

Social and cultural functions

Social and cultural functions and meanings of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture have remained largely the same as in 2020.

For Soomaa residents, there is no more practical need for dugout boats, whereas the leisure function of dugout boats has become the primary usage. Dugout boat trips also serve nature and heritage education purposes. Soomaa residents participate, together with dugout boat masters, in the preparation and implementation of events related to dugout boat culture, such as the annual dugout boat festivals. The cultural meaning of dugout boats among Soomaa residents continues to be significant - for the elderly, dugout boats represent daily lives of their childhood and youth. Dugout boat is also an important symbol which strengthens the connections of Soomaa’s youth with their ancestors and Soomaa.

For dugout boat masters, dugout boats form an important part of their personal and communal identities. It is a source of personal pride to be a carrier of such ancient cultural heritage. It also enables membership of a small community which shares common values around protecting cultural heritage and about the importance of manual work, in particular woodworking. For some masters, building dugout boats is also a source of additional income. Dugout boatbuilding connects masters with Soomaa, its nature and residents.

Today’s dugout boat masters carry the ancient cultural heritage of Soomaa masters. Like historically, dugout boatbuilding is a side occupation for today’s masters. Dugout boatbuilding is a physically demanding activity and masters have traditionally been men. While historically dugout boat masters were farmers in Soomaa, today’s masters represent many fields, from farming to academia and business, and they live across Estonia. Still, today’s masters maintain a strong connection with Soomaa, primarily through their boatbuilding technique. Today’s five masters represent the 50-65 age group, and there is a lack of young apprentices. If historically the task of dugout boat masters was to build good boats, then today’s masters also raise awareness of dugout boats, including their cultural meanings. In the period 2021-2025, such awareness-raising activities increased significantly, partly as a result of the UNESCO inscription in 2021 and the nomination process preceding it.

In addition to dugout boat masters, there are approximately 60 men and women in Estonia with some experience in dugout boatbuilding, whereas the number of such individuals has increased by approximately 20 since 2020 (this included 3 women).

Soomaa local community carries the heritage of dugout boat use, and its communal meaning. Currently the population of Soomaa is approximately 850. Despite its decline, there remain dozens of people in Soomaa who have witnessed the daily use of dugout boats in their youth. Older residents have transferred this knowledge to younger generations. If historically dugout boat masters were men, then users of dugout boats were also women and children. Even now Soomaa residents are primarily users of dugout boats, who also help promote dugout boat culture.

No significant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 were observed in the past five years.

B.2.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Please describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of transmission, the demographics of practitioners and audiences and its sustainability. Please also identify and describe the threats, if any, to the element's continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of such threats, giving particular attention to any strengthening or weakening of the element’s viability subsequent to inscription.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Soomaa’s dugout boat culture continues to be viable at least in the next 10-20 years, thanks to a small but active community of masters, supported by favourable attitudes of Estonian society and state, as well as thanks to the UNESCO inscription which has raised the profile of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture in Estonia and worldwide.

In the period 2021-2025, 16 new dugout boats were being built, of which 9 were completed. This represents a continuation of the previous completion rate (1-2 new completed dugout boats per year), indicating a continued viability of the element.

Like in the past, dugout boatbuilding skills are transferred from masters to apprentices. Four master-apprentice programmes conducted in 2020-2025 contributed to the intergenerational transfer of dugout boat building skills.

Long-term sustainability of dugout boat culture continues to have four main threats.

1. Insufficient succession of masters. The main threat for the preservation of dugout boat culture is the interruption of the continuity of transmitting dugout boatbuilding skills during the next decades due to an insufficient “pipeline” of future masters and the demographic profile of current masters. While four new dugout boat builders emerged during the period 2021-2025, none of them reached the master level yet. Hence, this threat continues to be the most severe and immediate for the continued transmission of the element.
2. Weak demand for building and using dugout boats: the continuation of dugout boatbuilding skills is directly related to the society’s interest in dugout boat culture, including demand for building new dugout boats and for modern uses of the dugout boat. However, the period 2021-2025 witnessed growing interest in Soomaa’s dugout boat culture, including thanks to the UNESCO inscription, which almost certainly increased the number of dugout boats built and completed. The establishment of the Dugout Boat House (Haabjakoda) in Tori (Soomaa region) with the support of Tori Rural Municipality also reflects growing interest in dugout boat culture.
3. Risks related to raw material. There is a decline in the number of aspen trees suitable for building dugout boats in Estonian forests, as a result of the forest industry’s activity, which prioritizes short cutting rotations and clear-cutting methods. In the long term, this may lead to a situation where despite sufficient commissions it is not possible to source raw material with necessary thickness and quality. Modern forestry practices, oriented at mass production, are clearly incompatible with the storage, transport and sales of individual large trees. This may lead to a situation where aspen trees are cut down when they are too young or thin, from the perspective of dugout boatbuilding.
4. Soomaa community’s demographic situation. The number of Soomaa residents has continued to decline in the period 2021-2025, including due to the aging population. However, this trend has been partly compensated by the growing interest in the building and use of dugout boats in other parts of Estonia, including in Matsalu bay and Emajõgi river, and by the emergence of new dugout boat builders from outside.

B.3.

Implementation of safeguarding measures

Please report on the safeguarding measures described in the nomination file, and previous report, if any. Describe how they have been implemented and how they have substantially contributed to the safeguarding of the element during the reporting period, taking note of external or internal constraints such as limited resources. Include, in particular, information on the measures taken to ensure the viability of the element by enabling the community to continue to practise and transmit it. Include the following detailed information concerning the implementation of the set of safeguarding measures or safeguarding plan:

B.3.a.

Objectives and results

Indicate what primary objective(s) were addressed and what concrete results were attained during the reporting period.

Objectives and results

Safeguarding activities in 2021-2025 closely followed the objectives of the safeguarding plan. Significant results were achieved towards four objectives (1, 2, 3, 6) and some results towards Objective 5. Importantly, the dugout community approached the goal of having at least 10 dugout boat masters by 2040, as 5 new dugout builders (some of whom are on the master path) appeared in this period. Also, two new safeguarding objectives emerged: 1) Establishing a permanent home for practicing and promoting Soomaa’s dugout boat culture, 2) Academic collaboration in the field of logboat studies.

Objectives and key results:

1. Training the next generation of highly skilled dugout boat masters and ensuring intergenerational continuity of the tradition.
● 4 master-apprentice programmes completed
● 5 new builders emerged
● Educational programme about dugout boat culture programme developed.

2. Revitalising current uses of dugout boats and creating novel uses.
● 4 annual dugout boat festivals held in Soomaa with an average of 100 participants / festival
● At least 20 dugout boat heritage rides conducted annually, with average 15 participants / ride
● Dugout boat culture revitalised and expanded beyond Soomaa to other regions of Estonia (incl. Matsalu)
● Novel initiative: Türi-Pärnu dugout boat ride to link Estonia’s spring and summer capitals

3. Raising awareness of dugout boat culture in Estonia and internationally.
● At least 40 articles or interviews about dugout boat culture published by Estonian media
● At least 6 quality coverage of dugout boat culture by international media (including Spain, France, Denmark, Germany)
● One documentary film about dugout boat culture produced
● Photo exhibition about dugout boat culture developed, displayed in 15 locations across Estonia
● International cooperation with the Nordic/Baltic ICH network
● Over 20 overview presentations of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture delivered in Estonia and abroad
●First international dugout boat camp held in Tori (Soomaa region) in 2025

4. Shaping of forestry practices that impact dugout boat culture.
● Meetings were held with the State Forest Management Centre, however with no tangible results.

5. Engaging Soomaa local community to preserve and promote dugout boat culture.
● Photo exhibition mentioned under Objective 3 was displayed, among else, in 10 locations in Soomaa
● Presentations of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture held for pupils in 3 schools in Soomaa

6. Increasing organisational capacity of the Estonian Dugout Boat Society (EDBS).
● The number of active members of the EDBS has increased to 16.
● Salaried EDBS staff: 2
● EDBS has received tax-deductible status
● EDBS annual revenues increased from 1145 euros in 2021 to 17 370 euros in 2024
● EDBS has joined as a partner of a new EU Interreg project with Latvian partners.

NEW Objective: Academic collaboration in the field of logboat studies.
● Academic presentations about Soomaa’s dugout boat culture at international scientific conferences have raised awareness in academic circles.

NEW Objective: Establishing a permanent home/ for practicing and promoting Soomaa’s dugout boat culture.
● Haabjakoda (“Dugout Boat House”) was set up and inaugurated in Tori (Soomaa region).

B.3.b.

Safeguarding activities

List the key activities that were carried out during this reporting period in order to achieve these expected results. Please describe the activities in detail and note their effectiveness or any problems encountered in implementing them.

Safeguarding activities

Objectives/ Results/ Activities

1/ Master-apprentice programmes / New builders/ 4 master-apprentice programmes were conducted during 2021-2025, as a result of which 5 new builders, aged 18-43, joined the dugout boat community. While none of them are dugout boat masters yet, some hold master potential. Hence, the master-apprentice programme was effective in moving towards the longer-term goal of 10 masters by 2040.

1/ Educational programme/ In 2024, a 2-hour educational programme “Creation of a Dugout Boat”, aimed at 4th-6th grade pupils of Soomaa region, was developed by EDBS members. The programme was successfully tested in Olustvere School in December 2024. As a result, educational materials are in place for full-scale roll-out of the programme in 2026.

2/ Dugout boat festivals/ Annual dugout boat festivals “Soomaa cafe days” were held in 2021-2024 to raise awareness of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture, attract more visitors to Soomaa region but also to improve cooperation among the Soomaa community. Festivals included dugout boat heritage rides led by dugout boat masters, with stops at pop-up cafes set up on Soomaa’s river banks, and a cultural programme.

2/ International dugout boat camp/ On 11-15 August, 2025 the first international dugout boat camp was held in Tori, with participants from USA, Sweden, Finland, UK, Hungary and Germany. The camp included exchanges of experiences between practitioners and academics. Concrete outcomes:
● Estonian haabjas to be included to book to be written by Beat Arnold
● Estonian haabjas promoted in the Indigenous Boats blog by Bob Holtzman
● Introduction of an experimental archaeology project of “live-tree-expansion” to international audience.

2/ Dugout boat heritage rides/ Every year between 2021-2025, approximately 20 dugout boat heritage rides were conducted on Soomaa’s rivers, many of which were led by dugout boat masters and builders. These heritage rides are effectively 1-2 hour to several days guided tours on dugout boats which in addition to active recreation inform visitors about Soomaa’s dugout boat culture. Dugout boat heritage rides have also proven popular among Estonian and international dignitaries.For example, on 1 August 2023, then Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas attended such a ride with Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues on Navesti river (Soomaa).

2/ Revitalisation and expansion beyond Soomaa/ Two expanded Matsalu style logboats were built in 2024-25. In addition, dugout boat rides were conducted outside Soomaa in locations such as Narva, Pühajärve, Karula, Alam-Pedja, Järva and Tartu counties, led by dugout boat masters.

2/ Türi-Pärnu dugout boat ride/ In 2023, a new and innovative tradition was born. At around the time of summer solstice in June, dugout boat rides were held, starting from Estonia’s “spring capital" Türi, and finishing in the “summer capital” Pärnu, coinciding with the festive transfer of the “seasonal capital” title. This event has been held three years in a row and is on the way to becoming a new annual tradition. People from villages near the river joined the boat trip.

3/ Domestic media coverage/ Articles and interviews about Soomaa’s dugout boats have been published by Estonian media throughout 2021-2025. However, the biggest concentration of domestic media coverage was immediately after the UNESCO inscription in December 2021. Over the years, there has been high-quality coverage of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture by Estonian public service broadcaster ERR, weekly newspaper Eesti Ekspress, commercial TV channel Kanal 2 and regional newspapers (Pärnu Postimees, Sakala).

3/ International media coverage/ In 2023-2024, the following international media outlets produced high-quality coverage about Soomaa’s dugout boat culture:
- “Treasures of the World” with Bettany Hughes (Channel 4, UK) - 2023
- Story on National Geographic’s Spanish-language TV channel - 2023
- Story about Soomaa’s dugout boat culture by Danish TV - 2023
- Andrea Rehmsmeier’s radio story about dugout boats (Deutschlandfunk) - 2023.
-Haabjas story in French Channel FR5 travel documentary "Echappées Belles".

3/ Documentary/ In September 2022, Jevgeni Zavadski’s feature-length documentary film “The Slumper of Soomaa”, original Title “Soomaa Uni”, premiered in Tori (Soomaa), and was later screened at the Matsalu Nature Film Festival (2023) in Estonia and in Naples, Italy (2024).

3,5/ Photo exhibition/ The photo exhibition “About the building and use of dugout boats” was developed in conjunction with the UNESCO application, and between 2021-2024 was displayed in 15 locations in Estonia, including 12 locations in Soomaa region. The exhibition has been attended by a total of over 3000 people and has helped popularize Soomaa dugout boat culture across Estonia.

3/ Academic presentations/ Aivar Ruukel’s presentations about Soomaa dugout boat culture at the following conferences:
- ISBSA conference in Naples October 2024
- nIKUWA 8 conference in Oostende October 2025.

3/ Nordic/Baltic ICH cooperation/ International networking via the Nordic/Baltic ICH network has included presentations at seminars in Kaustinen (Finland), Sweden and Kotka/Loviisa (Finland). As a result, Soomaa’s dugout boat heritage is well-known among Nordic and Baltic ICH experts, and there are plans for continuing cooperation in the coming years with members of the Estonian Dugout Boat Society.
As part of the ICH network there is a good ground for applying for international projects.

3,5/ Overview presentations/ Over 20 presentations in Estonia and elsewhere in Europe (including Denmark, Lithuania) by Soomaa’s dugout boat masters have also raised awareness of Soomaa’s dugout boat heritage in Estonia and internationally.

6/ EstLat project partner/ EDBS is a partner in an EU Interreg project “Heritage on the Water: Community Engagement through Logboat Building and Archaeological Discovery”. Key activities: joint study trips, poster exhibition, logboat heritage rides in Estonia and Latvia.

7/ Haabjakoda/ Haabjakoda (Dugout Boat House) was inaugurated in Tori, a rural municipality centre in the Soomaa region, in April 2025. Thanks to the support of the Tori Municipality, Soomaa’s dugout boat masters can use the building of a historical fire station as a permanent “home” for Soomaa’s dugout boat culture. The house, located on the banks of Pärnu River, allows storage of dugout boats all year round, is a meeting place for the dugout boat community, and a venue for exhibitions and various events.

- Jeannine Apsel’s travel programme about the Baltics, featuring Soomaa’s dugout boats, by ARTE - 2024

B.3.c.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Describe how communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have effectively participated, including in terms of gender roles, in the safeguarding measures. Describe the role of the implementing organization or body (name, background, etc.) and the human resources that were available for implementing safeguarding activities.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

The leading role in the safeguarding activities was played by the Estonian Dugout Boat Society NGO (EDBS), a membership-based non-governmental organisation consisting of dugout boat masters, builders, as well as supporters and enthusiasts of dugout boat culture in Estonia. EDBS has also been the main recipient of state grants aimed to ensure the safeguarding of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture. As of November 2025, EDBS includes 14 active members and 2 part-time salaried employees.

Other organisations that have contributed to safeguarding activities of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture, in cooperation with EDBS, include:

Organization: Green Riverland (Local Action Group of EU’s LEADER programme), Role: Funded the Türi-Pärnu Dugout Boat Ride;
Organization: Tori Municipality, Role: Funded the documentary film (Soomaa’s Slumper), initiated the idea of establishing the Dugout Boat House (Haabjakoda) in Tori, and offered space for it (former fire station building). A good example of local municipality’s support for region’s intangible cultural heritage and likely related to UNESCO inscription;
Organization: Environmental Board of Estonia, Role: Has funded and organised annual dugout boat festivals, and the developed the educational programme “Creation of a Dugout Boat” for Soomaa’s schools (funded by Culture Ministry);
Organization: Haabjakoda MTÜ (Dugout Boat House NGO), Role: A separate NGO was established to operate the newly created House of Dugout Boats in Tori. While still in early stages, Haabjakoda MTÜ has already become a key player in the wider ecosystem of preserving and promoting Soomaa’s dugout boat culture.

Importantly all five dugout boat masters made significant in-kind individual contributions to preserving and promoting Soomaa’s dugout boat culture, often without any external funding. In particular:
- Aivar Ruukel was instrumental in raising both domestic and international awareness, and led several existing and new initiatives (including the establishment of the Dugout Boat House and academic collaboration (Logboat studies)
- Jaan Keerdo conducted a master-apprenticeship programme with the high school student Rando Remm who received a letter of recognition from the Estonian president Alar Karis for his project
- Priit-Kalev Parts and Kaido Kama conducted master-apprenticeship programs with their sons, Tõru-Tõnn Parts and Põvvat Kama, thereby not only transmitting boatbuilding skills, but following the ancient father-to-son transmission tradition
- Kaur Mägi together with Aivar Ruukel and Kaido Kama and Jaan Keerdo conducted a master-apprenticeship program to Hurmet Mihkel Ilus.

Even though traditionally, dugout boat building has been a male activity with women in supporting roles, in the 2020-25 period at least three women participated in actual boatbuilding. Moreover, in 2023 a dugout boat camp for women and children was held in Saarisoo (Soomaa), funded by the LIVIND project.

B.3.d.

Timetable

Indicate in a timetable when each activity was implemented.

Timetable

The following timeline focuses on 2020-2025 activities described in B3b.

Activity: Master-apprentice programmes; Timing:
● Master Jaan Keerdo: June 2021 - September 2023. (Apprentice: Rando Remm)
● Master Priit-Kalev Parts: July 2023 - 2025. (Apprentice: Tõru-Tõnn Parts)
● Master Kaido Kama: June 2024 - June 2025. (Apprentice: Põvvat Kama)
● Masters Aivar Ruukel, Kaido Kama, Kaur Mägi, Jaan Keerdo: July 2023-August 2025. (Apprentice: Hurmet-Mihkel Ilus).
Activity: Educational programme (development); Timing: July 2024 - December 2024.
Activity: Soomaa dugout boat festivals (pop-up cafe days); Timing:
04 July 2021, 03 July 2022, 09 July 2023, 07 July 2024.
Activity: International dugout boat camp; Timing: 11-15 August, 2025 (Tori, Soomaa region).
Activity: Dugout boat heritage rides; Timing: 2020-2025, all-year-round.
Activity: Revitalisation and expansion beyond Soomaa (Matsalu logboat project); Timing: 29 October 2024: expanding Matsalu logboat, 8 December, 2024: seminar on Matsalu logboats.
Activity: Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides; Timing: 18 - 21 June, 2023, 18 - 21 June, 2024, 18 - 21 June, 2025.
Activity: Securing domestic media coverage; Timing: 2021-2025, all-year-round.
Activity: Securing international media coverage; Timing: 2021-2025, all-year-round.
Activity: Documentary “Slumper of Soomaa”; Timing:
● 25 September, 2022: first screening in Tori (Soomaa region)
● 23 September, 2023: screening at Matsalu Nature Film Festival.
Activity: Photo exhibition; Timing: February 2021 - December 2024.
Activity: Overview presentations; Timing: 2021-2025, all-year-round.
Activity: Academic presentations; Timing:
● 23 October, 2024 (ISBSA conference in Naples)
● 8 May, 2025 (Tartu University)
● 15 October, 2025 (IKUWA conference in Belgium)
Activity: Nordic / Baltic ICH cooperation; Timing:
● 16 June, 2022 (Ljungby, Sweden)
● 9 January, 2023 (Roskilde, Denmark)
● 9 June, 2023 (Kaustinen, Finland)
● 4-6 September, 2025 (Kotka/Loviisa, Finland)
Activity: EstLat project
Heritage on the Water: Community Engagement through Logboat Building and Archaeological Discovery; Timing: September 2025 - April 2027
Main Activities:
● Joint study trips to museums in Estonia and Latvia
● Joint poster exhibition of boatbuilding workshops
● Joint Heritage journeys with logboats on Estonian and Latvian Rivers
Activity: Haabjakoda (Dugout Boat House); Timing:
● February-March - development of exhibition
● 20 April 2025 - launch at Green Riverland event
● 17 May, 2025 (museum night in Dugout Boat House)
● June - September visited by ca 400 people
● Key event - International Haabjas Gathering (dugout boat camp) 11-15 August

B.3.e.

Budget expenditures

Provide the detailed amounts of the funds used for the implementation of each activity (if possible, in US dollars), identifying the funding source for each (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Budget

Activity - Expenditure (EUR) - Source(s)
● Master-apprentice programmes - 600 - Government/ 9500 - Self-funded by dugout boat community
● Educational programme - 3500 - Government
● Dugout boat festivals - 5200 - Environmental Board
● International dugout boat camp - 3000 - Government/ 3000 - In kind
● Dugout boat heritage rides - 5000 - Self-funded by dugout boat community
● Revitalisation and expansion beyond Soomaa (Matsalu logboat project) - 7000 - Government/ 3300 - Self-funded by dugout boat community
● Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides - 4000 - Government/ 4000 - EU (Leader)/ 4000 - Self-funded by dugout boat community
● Securing domestic media coverage - 6000 - In kind
● Securing international media coverage - 6000 - In kind
● Documentary “Slumper of Soomaa” - 5000 - Municipality/ 5000 - Self-funded by dugout boat community/ 10 000 - In kind
● Photo exhibition - 600 - Environmental Board
● Overview presentations - 300 - In kind
● Academic presentations - 600 - Government/ 2600 - Self-funded by dugout boat community
● Nordic / Baltic ICH cooperation
- Roskilde trip - 1000 - EU
- Sweden/ Kaustinen - 1000 - In kind
- Kotka/ Loviisa - 2000 - Self-funded by dugout boat community
● EstLat project - 4000 - in year 2025 - EU/ 1100 - in year 2025 - Government/ 2000 - In kind
● Haabjakoda (Dugout Boat House) - 1500 - Government/ 6000 - In kind
● EDBS: operating costs (salaries, etc.) - 5500 in 2023, 890 in 2024, 2500 in 2025

B.3.f.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Provide an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken to achieve the expected results and of the efficiency of the use of funds for implementing the activities. Please indicate how the activities contributed to achieving the results and whether other activities could have contributed better to achieving the same results. Also indicate whether the same results could have been achieved with less funding, whether the human resources available were appropriate and whether communities, groups and individuals could have been better involved.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

In the view of EDBS, the activities were conducted effectively, as to a large extent they achieved expected results and in some cases even exceeded expectations. The one area in which no tangible results were achieved related to “Objective 4: Shaping of forestry practices that impact dugout boat culture” however this was a result of lack of targeted activities rather than their ineffectiveness. This in turn reflected shifting priorities during the 2021-2025 period: more resources were spent on the other five objectives, and in addition, two new objectives emerged: 1) Academic collaboration in the field of logboat studies, and 2) Establishing a permanent home/ for practicing and promoting Soomaa’s dugout boat culture. The results of activities related to these objectives were achieved with minimal financial resources and could thus be considered highly effective.

From the initial objectives, most-cost effective results were achieved for “Objective 3: Raising awareness of dugout boat culture in Estonia and internationally”, considering that over 40 quality media coverage on dugout boat culture were achieved in Estonian media, and at least 6 high-quality media stories internationally. Most of these activities required from EDBS and the dugout boat community only limited time investment, but effectively no financial costs.

Also the fact that five new dugout boat builders (though not yet masters) emerged during this period shows that related activities were at least reasonably effective in moving towards Objective 1: Training the next generation of highly skilled dugout boat masters and ensuring intergenerational continuity of the tradition.

EDBS does not believe that same or similar results could have been achieved better by fundamentally different activities or approaches. However, state funding for EDBS activities has been instrumental for achieving these results, having allowed EDBS to approach the implementation of the safeguarding plan more professionally and systematically.

EDBS’ human resources have been adequate for the task at hand. Perhaps one area of improvement for the next reporting cycle is related to the engagement of the local community in Soomaa region, in addition to the more specialised community of dugout boat builders and masters. This continues to be work in progress, which EDBS expects to more rigorously address in the next safeguarding period (2026-2029).

In summary, EDBS believes that the combination of UNESCO inscription in 2021, and annual operating grants to EDBS by the Estonian state, have had tangible positive impact on the prospects of preserving Soomaa’s dugout boat culture and use as a living cultural heritage up to beyond the 10-20 years that would be the case without these two factors. While the community of dugout boat builders and their supporters continue to lead all the processes related to safeguarding and promoting the culture and use of Soomaa’s dugout boats, they can approach this task more professionally than before the UNESCO inscription. EDBS expects this positive dynamic to continue and possibly lead to even more impressive results during the reporting period 2026-2029.

C

Viita

C. Update of the safeguarding measures

C.1.

Updated safeguarding plan

Please provide an update of the safeguarding plan included in the nomination file or in the previous report. In particular provide detailed information as follows:

1. a. What primary objective(s) will be addressed and what concrete results will be expected?
2. b. What are the key activities to be carried out in order to achieve these expected results? Describe the activities in detail and in their best sequence, addressing their feasibility.
3. c. How will the State(s) Party(ies) concerned support the implementation of the updated safeguarding plan?

Updated safeguarding plan

Long-term objective plan remains to ensure sustainability of dugout boat building skills, the environment needed for it, and to maintain diverse uses of dugout boats.

OBJECTIVES - RESULTS - KEY ACTIVITIES

Objective 1: Training next generation of masters and ensuring continuity; Results:
1.1. 6 new builders
1.2. 2 new masters
Key activities:
1.1.1. Master-apprentice programmes conducted for 1-2 apprentices / year
1.2.1. Builder-to-master programmes held

Objective 2: Revitalising current uses of dugout boats and creating novel uses; Results:
2.1. 100 participants / festival
2.2. 300 participants / year
2.3. New tradition is solidified
Key activities:
2.1.1 Annual dugout boat festivals held
2.2.1. Dugout boat heritage rides offered to visitors
2.3.1. Annual Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides

Objective 3: Raising awareness of dugout boat culture; Results:
3.1. 20+ articles published by Estonian media
3.2. 8+ stories published by international media
3.3. Publish book about Soomaa’s dugout boat culture for domestic and international audiences
3.4. Raised international awareness of dugout boat culture
3.5. Complete current EU Interreg project
3.6. International exhibition of logboat heritage in Baltic Sea region held in Estonia, Sweden and Finland
3.7. Initiate 2 new international projects
Key activities:
3.1.1. Engage with Estonian media
3.2.1. Engage with international media
3.3.1. Identify author(s)
3.3.2. Secure funding
3.3.3. Develop content
3.3.3. Publish
3.4.1. International dugout boat camps held annually
3.6.1. Secure funding
3.6.2. Develop exhibitions
3.7.1 Secure funding
3.7.2. Implement projects

Objective 4: Engaging Soomaa local community; Results:
4.1. Soomaa community more aware, engaged
Key activities:
4.1.1. Soomaa community participates in annual dugout boat festivals

Objective 5: Building organisational capacity of the EDBS; Results:
6.1. 25 active members
6.2. 2 part-time salaried employees
6.3. Safeguarding plan for 2030-2033 developed
Key activities:
Continue operating EDBS

Objective 6: Academic collaboration in the interdisciplinary field of logboat studies; Results:
6.1. Participation in 4 international academic conferences
6.2. 2 academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals
Key activities:
6.1.1. Identify relevant conferences
6.2.1. Write academic articles

Objective 7: Establishing a permanent home for Soomaa’s dugout boat culture; Results:
7.1. Dugout Boat House (DBH) receives 6000 visitors in 2026-2029
7.2. DBH provides 3-4 part-time seasonal jobs
Key activities:
7.1.1. DBH opens for visitors during 2026 summer season and thereafter annually

Since 2023, the state has covered EDBS operating costs with 15,000 euros annually, and this support will continue. Also:
• The state has established funding programmes for ICH communities
• Tori Rural Municipality provides the EDBS with rent-free premises and additional funding
• The Estonian Centre of Folk Culture collaborates with the boatbuilding community, involves them in various projects, and raises awareness of the element
Estonian tourism authorities have connected UNESCO designations, including the dugout boatbuilding community through EDBS, to strengthen cooperation and create a cultural tourism itinerary.

C.2.

Timetable for future actitivies

Provide a timetable for the updated safeguarding plan (within a time-frame of approximately four years).

Timetable

• Objective 1: Training of masters and intergenerational transmission
- Activity 1.1.1: Master-apprentice programmes
- Activity 1.2.1. Builder-to-master programme
•Objective 2: Revitalising current and creating novel uses
- Activity 2.1.1.: Annual dugout boat festivals
- Activity 2.2.1: Dugout boat heritage rides
- Activity 2.3.1: Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides
•Objective 3: Awareness-raising
- Activities 3.1.: Engaging with Estonian media
- Activity 3.2.1: Engaging with international media
- Activities 3.3.: Book on Soomaa’s dugout boat culture
- Activity 3.4.1.: International Dugout Boat Camps
- Activity 3.5.1: Participation in international projects
- Activities 3.6.: International logboat exhibition
- Activities 3.7.: New international projects
• Objective 4: Engaging Soomaa local community
- Activity 4.1.1.: Participation in annual dugout boat festivals
• Objective 5: Building EDBS capacity
• Objective 6: Academic collaboration (logboat studies / monoxylogy)
• Objective 7: Dugout Boat House (Haabjakoda)
- Activity 7.1.1.: seasonal operation as visitor centre
- Activity 7.2.1.: recruiting of seasonal staff

*See more details in the uploaded signed PDF file

(• Objective 1: Training of masters and intergenerational transmission
- Activity 1.1.1: Master-apprentice programmes
- Activity 1.2.1. Builder-to-master programme
•Objective 2: Revitalising current and creating novel uses
- Activity 2.1.1.: Annual dugout boat festivals
- Activity 2.2.1: Dugout boat heritage rides
- Activity 2.3.1: Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides
•Objective 3: Awareness-raising
- Activities 3.1.: Engaging with Estonian media
- Activity 3.2.1: Engaging with international media
- Activities 3.3.: Book on Soomaa’s dugout boat culture
- Activity 3.4.1.: International Dugout Boat Camps
- Activity 3.5.1: Participation in international projects
- Activities 3.6.: International logboat exhibition
- Activities 3.7.: New international projects
• Objective 4: Engaging Soomaa local community
- Activity 4.1.1.: Participation in annual dugout boat festivals
• Objective 5: Building EDBS capacity
• Objective 6: Academic collaboration (logboat studies / monoxylogy)
• Objective 7: Dugout Boat House (Haabjakoda)
- Activity 7.1.1.: seasonal operation as visitor centre
- Activity 7.2.1.: recruiting of seasonal staff)

C.3.

Budget for future activities

Provide the estimates of the funds required for implementing the updated safeguarding plan (if possible, in US dollars), identifying any available resources (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Budget

REVENUES (USD): 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029/ TOTAL
• Participation fees of dugout boatbuilding courses: 2026 - 1 500, 2027 - 2000, 2028 - 3000, 2029 - 3 500/ Total - 10 000
• Expected governmental support: 2026 - 15 000, 2027 - 15 000, 2028 - 15 000, 2029 - 15 000/ Total - 60 000
• Expected grants from foundations: 2026 - 10 000, 2027 - 13 000, 2028 - 18 000, 2029 - 20 000/ Total - 60 000
• Expected community contributions: 2026 - 5 000, 2027 - 10 000, 2028 - 10 000, 2029 - 15 000/ Total - 40 000
REVENUES TOTAL: 2026 - 31 500, 2027 - 40 000, 2028 - 44 000, 2029 - 53 500, Total - 170 000

EXPENSES
• Subheading: Study programmes
- Master-apprentice programme: 2026 - 4 000, 2027 - 5 000, 2028 - 7000, 2029 - 10 000/ Total - 26 000
- Apprentice grants: Total - 0
- Implementing children's educational programme: 2026 - 2 000, 2027 - 3000, 2028 - 5000, 2029 - 7000/ Total - 17 000
• Subheading: Awareness-building of dugout boat culture
- Organising annual dugout boat festivals (2 days / year): 2026 - 1000, 2027 - 2000, 2028 - 3000, 2029 - 3000/ Total - 9 000
- Conducting heritage rides on dugout boats: 2026 - 1000, 2027 - 2000, 2028 - 3000, 2029 - 3000/ Total - 9 000
- Developing the dugout boat book: 2026 - 12 000, 2027 - 13 000, 2028 - 0, 2029 - 0/ Total - 25 000
- Developing a mobile exhibition: 2026 - 3000, 2027 - 1000, 2028 - 2000, 2029 - 2000/ Total - 8 000
• Subheading: Other operating expenses
- Staff salary costs: 2026 - 5000, 2027 - 9 000, 2028 - 18 000, 2029 - 20 000/ Total - 52 000
- Other operating expenses: 2026 - 3 500, 2027 - 5 000, 2028 - 6000, 2029 - 8500/ Total - 23 000
EXPENSES TOTAL: 2026 - 31 500, 2027 - 40 000, 2028 - 44 000, 2029 - 53 500/ Total - 170 000
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C.4.

Community participation

Please describe how communities, groups and individuals, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have been involved, including in terms of gender roles, in updating the safeguarding plan, and how they will be involved in its implementation.

00070

Community participation

The updating of the safeguarding plan has been led by the members of Estonian Dugout Boat Society (EDBS). The first draft of the updated safeguarding plan was developed by two members of EDBS - dugout boat master Aivar Ruukel and indigenous peoples’ rights expert Oliver Loode during September-November 2025, based on a comprehensive review of activities related to the element in the period 2021-2025. The first draft was circulated with all members of EDBS, and was subsequently discussed at an ad hoc virtual meeting of EDBS members held on November 20, 2025. The safeguarding plan was revised based on constructive input from meeting participants, after which it was shared with state representatives.

Implementation of the safeguarding plan will be led by EDBS, similarly to the past five years, with the participation of other organisations listed under B.3.c. In particular we would like to highlight the role of two new stakeholders that have emerged during the past five years: Haabjakoda MTÜ (Dugout Boat House NGO) and the Tori Rural Municipality, both of which are located in Tori. Even though not foreseen in the initial safeguarding plan, the establishment of Haabjakoda, with material support from the Tori Rural Municipality, is a key step in ensuring long-term survival of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture and almost certainly would not have happened without the UNESCO inscription in 2021.

C.5.

Institutional context

Please report on the institutional context for the local management and safeguarding of the element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, including:

1. a. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding;
2. b. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding.

2006-01-27

Institutional context

Name of the body: Estonian Dugout Boat Society NGO (EDBS)
Name and title of the contact person: Madis Rennu, Member of Board
Address: Pärnu maakond, Tori vald, Tohera küla, Saarisoo, 86803
Telephone number: +372 502 3176
Email address: mrennul@gmail.com

EDBS is the primary organisation responsible for the management and safeguarding of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture.
EDBS unites all 5 dugout boat masters, and also dugout boat builders (not yet masters), apprentices, friends and supporters of Soomaa’s dugout boat culture. EDBS has 16 active members. EDBS also received state support for safeguarding and promoting Soomaas dugout boat culture and is the thematic expert for the Estonian state on dugout boat culture. EDBS participates in domestic Estonian and international projects.
Additional organisations contributing to the safeguarding of Soomaa’s dugout boat heritage include:
- Dugout Boat House NGO (Haabjakoda MTÜ) - operator and developer of the Dugout Boat House (Haabjakoda) in Tori
- Tori Rural Municipality - supports operation and development of Dugout Boat House
- Roheline Jõemaa - supports Türi-Pärnu dugout boat rides

D

Leelo

D. Participation of communities in preparing this report

Describe the measures taken to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report.

Participation of communities in preparing this report

As described under C.4, the leading role in the preparation of the revised safeguarding plan, as well as the entire report, was conducted by the Estonian Dugout Boat Society and its individual members, who include dugout boat masters, builders and apprentices, as well as partners and friends of dugout boat culture. The current report was based on a comprehensive review of activities related to protecting and promoting Soomaa’s dugout boat culture in the period 2021-2025, which was conducted by two members of EDBS - Aivar Ruukel and Oliver Loode. The first draft was subsequently shared by all members of EDBS and discussed with a group of 6 members at an online meeting on November 20 - given that some EDBS members currently reside outside Estonia. The meeting provided valuable and constructive feedback, and validated key aspects of the report, including the evaluation of effectiveness of activities 2021-2025 and also the revised objectives, results and activities for the safeguarding plan 2026-2029. Thereafter, state representatives provided feedback to the report and an online meeting was held on Dec 8 between representatives of EDBS and the Estonian authorities to discuss and fine-tune the report.

E

Head of the ICH Department

E. Signature on behalf of the State Party

The report should be signed by an official empowered to do so on behalf of the State, and should include his or her name, title and the date of submission.

Name

Kalle Vister

Title

Director of the Estonian Centre of Folk Culture

Date

11-12-2025

Signature

The signed Report in PDF format in English

Upload signed version in PDF