MooseBelt

Project Overview:

The MooseBelt project aims to enhance the protection and sustainable management of the moose (Alces alces), the largest mammal in the Estonia-Latvia area. The project addresses multiple interconnected challenges, including traffic safety, forest and field management, and the protection of strictly protected species such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the grey wolf (Canis lupus). The project also focuses on improving knowledge and practices among society and hunters.

To achieve these objectives, the project seeks to change hunting habits and conditions through cooperation with state organizations, targeting at least 1,400 hunters in both Estonia and Latvia within the pilot action area.

Project Objective

The overall objective of the project is to enhance moose protection and management in the EstLat area by improving traffic safety, supporting well-managed forests and fields, contributing to the protection of other large carnivore species, and increasing knowledge and awareness among hunters and society. This will be achieved through data-driven management approaches and cross-border cooperation.

Key Activities

• Collection of qualitative and quantitative data on moose movement using large-scale pilot methods.
• Analysis and integration of moose movement data with other data layers and statistical methods.
• Development of regional moose management plans based on processed and analyzed data.
• Development of a joint moose management strategy for Latvia and Estonia.
• Preparation of proposals for amendments to regulatory acts and procedures to improve moose management.
• Use of data and analysis to support evidence-based decision-making, public awareness, and cross-border cooperation.

Expected Results: 

• Strengthened cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange among project partners and stakeholders.
• Established mechanisms for coordinated moose management between Latvia and Estonia.
• Adoption of the developed moose management strategy by Latvia and Estonia.
• Adoption and application of the moose management plan by project partner EJS and the Salacgrīva hunters’ club “Mežgaiļi”.
• Transition from project-based cooperation to a sustained cross-border moose management network.