The Rooted Heritage project, a collaboration between the Peipsi Cooperation Center and the Cēsis Municipality, has begun, where the topic of native plants will strengthen cooperation between communities in the Mustvee and Cēsis regions and contribute to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Rooted Heritage focuses on engaging older community members (50+ years) in meaningful activities that safeguard biodiversity while promoting social inclusion. At least 26 older adults will actively participate in cultivating and preserving heritage plants—species that have been grown locally for over 50 years and are deeply tied to cultural identity.
For example, in Mustvee, heritage plants reflect the Old Believers’ gardening traditions, with staples such as Peipsi onion, cucumber, tomato, and chicory, while in Cēsis, meadowsweet and common yarrow represent local heritage.
“Heritage plants are more than biodiversity—they are living links to our past, carrying cultural, historical, and environmental stories that shape community identity,” says Ederi Ojasoo, project manager at the Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation.
The project’s main activities include four joint training sessions on identifying, cultivating, and caring for heritage plants using sustainable methods. Four cross-border study trips to heritage farms, gardens, and cultural sites for knowledge exchange.
The first event will be held on September 18–19, 2025, combining training and a cross-border study tour. Participants will take part in training sessions and field visits focused on heritage plants and biodiversity. The program includes practical workshops on traditional cultivation methods, visits to Palusalu Gardens, the Räpina Local History and Horticulture Museum, and several heritage farms and gardens in South Estonia. Activities will combine expert-led learning with hands-on experience, ending with group reflections and knowledge sharing.
The project is led by the Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation in partnership with the Cēsis Municipality. Associated partners include Peipsimaa Museum, Mustvee Cultural House, and Lielstraupe Castle.
Funded under the Interreg
VI-A Estonia–Latvia Programme 2021–2027, the project has a total budget of €87,152,
with €69,721.60 co-financed by the European Union. Running from August 2025 to
September 2026, Rooted Heritage brings together cross-border partners and local
communities to protect and promote heritage plants and traditions.
This activity is supported as part of EE-LV00228 Rooted Heritage, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Estonia–Latvia Programme 2021–2027.
https://ctc.ee/activities-and-projects/running/rooted-heritage
More information:
Ederi Ojasoo
ederi.ojasoo@gmail.com
56636264
PEIPSI KOOSTÖÖ KESKUS
Puiestee 71a, 51009 Tartu
www.ctc.ee
https://www.facebook.com/peipsicenter/
