Rapport sur l'état d'un élément inscrit sur la liste du patrimoine culturel immatériel nécessitant une sauvegarde urgente
A. Page de couverture
A.1.
État partie
Nom de l'État partie
Estonie
A.2.
Date du dépôt de l'instrument de ratification, d'acceptation, d'approbation ou d'adhésion
Elle peut être consultée en ligne.
Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession
2006-01-27
A.3.
Élément inscrit sur la Liste de sauvegarde urgente qui fait l'objet du présent rapport
Nom de l'élément
Building and use of expanded dugout boats in the Soomaa region
Inscrit en
2021
État(s) soumissionnaire(s)
Estonie
A.4.
Période considérée dans le présent rapport
Veuillez indiquer la période couverte par le présent rapport.
Reporting period covered by this report
01-01-2021 - 15-12-2025
A.5.
Autres éléments inscrits sur la Liste de sauvegarde urgente, le cas échéant
Veuillez établir une liste de tous les autres éléments présents sur le territoire de votre pays qui sont inscrits sur la Liste de sauvegarde urgente et indiquer en quelle année ils y ont été inscrits ; pour ce qui est des éléments multinationaux, veuillez indiquer quels autres États sont concernés.
A.6.
Synthèse du rapport
Veuillez fournir une synthèse du rapport, qui permette au grand public de comprendre l'état actuel de l'élément, mentionne toute incidence positive ou négative de son inscription et fasse état des mesures de sauvegarde mises en œuvre pendant la période considérée et leur possible mise à jour les années suivantes.
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.
Personne à contacter pour la correspondance
Donnez le nom, l'adresse et les coordonnées d'une personne à qui toute correspondance concernant le rapport doit être adressée.
Titre (Mme/M., etc.)
Ms
Nom de famille
Viita
Prénom
Leelo
Institution/fonction
Head of the ICH Department
Adresse
Estonian Centre of Folk Culture
Leola 15a
71020 Viljandi
Numéro de téléphone
+372 5306 9897
Adresse électronique
leelo.viita@rahvakultuur.ee
Autres informations pertinentes
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B
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B. État de l'élément inscrit sur la Liste de sauvegarde urgente
Veuillez vous référer au dossier de candidature ou aux précédents rapports, le cas échéant, pour savoir quand établir un rapport sur l'état actuel de l'élément et ne rendez compte que des changements pertinents survenus depuis la date de son inscription sur la Liste ou depuis le précédent rapport. Les dossiers de candidature, les calendriers spécifiques et les précédents rapports, le cas échéant, sont disponibles à l'adresse suivante : https://ich.unesco.org ou peuvent être demandés au Secrétariat.
L'État partie s'efforce de prêter une attention particulière au rôle du genre et d'assurer la plus large participation possible des communautés, des groupes et, le cas échéant, des individus concernés ainsi que des organisations non gouvernementales pertinentes pendant le processus de préparation de ce rapport ; il lui est demandé au point D ci-dessous de décrire de quelle manière il y est parvenu.
B.1.
Fonctions sociales et culturelles
Expliquez les fonctions, les significations sociales et culturelles de l'élément aujourd'hui, au sein et pour ces communautés, les caractéristiques de ses détenteurs et de ses praticiens et décrivez, entre autres, toute catégorie de personnes exerçant un rôle ou des responsabilités spécifiques vis-à-vis de l'élément. Une attention particulière devrait être accordée à tout changement pertinent susceptible d'avoir des répercussions sur le critère d’inscription U.1 (« L’élément est constitutif du patrimoine culturel immatériel tel que défini à l'article 2 de la 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.
Analyse de sa viabilité et risques auxquels il est actuellement exposé
Décrivez le degré actuel de viabilité de l'élément, en particulier la fréquence et l'étendue de sa pratique, la vigueur des modes de transmission traditionnels, la composition démographique des praticiens et des publics, et sa durabilité. Veuillez aussi identifier et décrire les facteurs qui, le cas échéant, constituent une menace pour la pérennité de la transmission et de la représentation de l'élément et indiquez le degré de gravité et de proximité de tels facteurs, en accordant une attention particulière à tout renforcement ou affaiblissement de la viabilité de l'élément suite à son 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.
Mise en œuvre des mesures de sauvegarde
Veuillez rendre compte des mesures de sauvegardes qui ont été décrites dans le dossier de candidature et dans un précédent rapport, le cas échéant. Décrivez de quelle manière elles ont été mises en œuvre et ont contribué de façon substantielle à la sauvegarde de l'élément au cours de la période considérée, en tenant compte des contraintes externes ou internes telles que des ressources limitées. Incluez en particulier des informations sur les mesures prises afin d'assurer la viabilité de l'élément en permettant à la communauté d'en poursuivre la pratique et la transmission. Fournissez les renseignements suivants en ce qui concerne la mise en œuvre de l’ensemble des mesures de sauvegarde ou du plan de sauvegarde :
B.3.a.
Objectifs et résultats
Indiquez quels objectifs principaux ont été atteints et quels résultats concrets ont été obtenus pendant la période considérée.
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.
Activités de sauvegarde
Dressez la liste des principales activités menées au cours de la période considérée pour obtenir ces résultats escomptés. Veuillez décrire les activités en détail en mentionnant leur efficacité et tout problème rencontré dans leur mise en œuvre.
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 de communautés, de groupes ou d'individus aux activités de sauvegarde
Veuillez décrire de quelle manière les communautés, les groupes ou, le cas échéant, les individus ainsi que les organisations non gouvernementales pertinentes ont participé de façon effective à l'exécution des mesures de sauvegarde, y compris en termes de rôles du genre. Décrivez le rôle joué par l'organisation ou l'organe chargé de l'exécution (dénomination, informations de référence, etc.) et les ressources humaines qui ont été mises à disposition pour la mise en œuvre des activités de sauvegarde.
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.
Calendrier
Indiquez, sous forme de calendrier, les dates de mise en œuvre de chacune des activités.
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.
Dépenses budgétaires
Veuillez fournir le détail des montants des fonds utilisés pour la mise en œuvre de chaque activité (si possible, en dollars des États-Unis), en indiquant dans chaque cas l’origine du financement (sources gouvernementales, contributions en nature des communautés, 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.
Efficacité globale des activités de sauvegarde
Procédez à une évaluation globale de l'efficacité des activités menées pour parvenir aux résultats escomptés et de l'utilisation des fonds nécessaires à leur mise en œuvre. Veuillez indiquer de quelles manières les activités ont contribué à l’obtention des résultats et si d'autres activités auraient été mieux adaptées à cette fin. Indiquez aussi si les mêmes résultats auraient pu être obtenus avec de moindres ressources financières, si les ressources humaines disponibles étaient appropriées et si les communautés, groupes et individus concernés auraient pu participer davantage.
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. Mise à jour des mesures de sauvegarde
C.1.
Plan de sauvegarde mis à jour
Veuillez fournir une mise à jour du plan de sauvegarde inclus dans le dossier de candidature ou dans le précédent rapport. En particulier, veuillez donner des informations détaillées comme suit :
- a. Quels sont les objectifs principaux visés et les résultats concrets attendus ?
- b. Quelles sont les activités principales à mener pour atteindre ces résultats attendus ? Veuillez décrire les activités en détail et dans l'ordre d'exécution, en démontrant leur faisabilité.
- c. Comment le ou les États parties concernés soutiennent-ils la mise en œuvre du plan de sauvegarde mis à jour ?
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.
Calendrier des activités à venir
Veuillez fournir un calendrier du plan de sauvegarde mis à jour (sur une période d’environ quatre ans).
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 des activités à venir
Veuillez fournir les estimations des fonds requis pour la mise en œuvre du plan de sauvegarde actualisé (si possible, en dollars des États-Unis), en identifiant les ressources disponibles (sources gouvernementales, contributions en nature des communautés, 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.
Participation des communautés
Veuillez décrire comment les communautés, groupes et individus ainsi que les organisations non gouvernementales pertinentes ont été impliqués, y compris en termes de rôles du genre, dans la mise à jour du plan de sauvegarde et comment ils seront impliqués dans sa mise en œuvre.
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.
Contexte institutionnel
Veuillez indiquer quelles institutions sont en charge de la gestion locale et de la sauvegarde de l'élément inscrit sur la Liste de sauvegarde urgente, notamment :
- a. l'(les) organisme(s) compétent(s) impliqué(s) dans sa gestion et/ou sa sauvegarde ;
- b. l'(les) organisation(s) de la communauté ou du groupe concernée(s) par l'élément et sa sauvegarde.
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 des communautés à l'établissement du présent rapport
Décrivez les mesures qui ont été prises pour assurer la plus large participation possible des communautés, des groupes et, le cas échéant, des individus ainsi que des organisations non gouvernementales pertinentes concernés pendant la préparation du présent rapport.
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 au nom de l'État partie
Le rapport doit être signé par un responsable habilité à le signer pour le compte de l’État, avec la mention de son nom, de son titre et de la date de soumission.
Nom
Kalle Vister
Titre
Director of the Estonian Centre of Folk Culture
Date
11-12-2025
Signature
The signed Report in PDF format in English
Chargement du rapport périodique signé
